– Building sustainable livelihoods through Innovation, Culture and Tradition

ON the edge of the Mahaica River, where the water curls lazily through lush, green forests and fertile lands, lies St. Cuthbert’s Mission, or Pakuri, located along the Soesdyke–Linden Highway as its Arawak people proudly call it.

It is a community steeped in tradition yet brimming with modern ambitions, and today, thanks to support from the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) fund, it is undergoing a remarkable transformation.

This Indigenous village is building a future that balances economic opportunities with cultural preservation, employment with sustainability and modern farming with ancient wisdom. It has become a model of how Indigenous communities can leverage targeted investments to create sustainable livelihoods while preserving their heritage.

With prudent use of LCDS funds, the Village Council under the leadership of Toshao Alvoro Simon, a young, energetic leader, has launched a series of ambitious projects spanning agriculture, eco-tourism, human development and cultural preservation. These initiatives are designed not only to generate employment, but also to maximise land use efficiently, ensure environmental sustainability and strengthen social cohesion.

Climate-Smart Agriculture at the Forefront

Agriculture has emerged as the cornerstone of the village’s sustainable livelihood strategy.

The first phase of poultry production has already commenced with the construction of two large pens — one for 1,000 broilers and another for 1,000 layers. Plans are also underway to expand into swine production and establish shade houses to increase traditional crop yields without compromising the environment.

Ten acres of virgin land has already been cleared and cultivated. Currently, 12,000 pineapple plantlets and four acres of cassava are under cultivation. To add value to cassava production, the village has secured a cassava mill that will soon facilitate the production of farine, cassareep, and cassava bread. These steps promise to boost food security while creating opportunities for value-added agro-processing.

Apiculture will soon join this portfolio, with financial support from the Guyana Small Business Bureau (GSBB), enabling the formation of an Apiculture Co-operative Society. The initiative is designed to promote climate-smart, sustainable honey production, benefiting both local farmers and the wider community.

At the same time, exploratory talks with private investors could soon see the establishment of floriculture enterprises, further diversifying the village’s agricultural base.

According to Toshao Simon: “By combining our traditional knowledge with modern production systems, we are creating sustainable and safe food production models that strengthen our community’s resilience.”

Linking Agriculture and Education

The poultry and crop initiatives are also tied to educational goals. With technical guidance from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), St. Cuthbert’s Mission is aiming to replicate a model livestock farm similar to that of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA).

This initiative will serve as a hub for young people aspiring to careers in agriculture, while also supporting the school-feeding programme with a steady supply of nutritious, locally produced food.

Beyond large-scale projects, at least 10 individual livestock farmers rear broilers, ducks, and swine for local consumption and external markets, reinforcing a culture of entrepreneurship at the household level.

Eco-Tourism: A Natural Complement

Agriculture is strategically linked to the community’s growing eco-tourism sector. St. Cuthbert’s Mission has recorded a 41% increase in visitor arrivals in recent years.

By producing food locally, the village reduces the operational costs of eco-tourism while offering visitors authentic farm-to-table experiences. New investments in drainage and irrigation under the PPP/C government have further strengthened resilience against flooding, safeguarding both farmlands and tourism assets.

Recent infrastructural upgrades — including improved docking facilities and the widening of the roadway from the Cultural Centre to the Landing — now provide visitors with easier access and scenic views of the agricultural fields.

Local entrepreneurs are also diversifying the eco-tourism product by operating river cruises along the Mahaica River. Plans are in motion to expand lodging capacity: the current guesthouse has seven rooms, and the community’s iconic benab will soon be outfitted to accommodate 20 hammocks for visitors eager to experience authentic Amerindian living.

Cultural Preservation and Human Development

While advancing modern agriculture and tourism, the Village Council remains deeply committed to cultural preservation. A $1.5 million investment was recently made to support the Pakuri Culture Group, which performed at the just-concluded CARIFESTA XV in Barbados.

This effort is part of a broader initiative to revitalise Arawak cultural traditions. Former Toshao Leland Clenkin is set to begin teaching the Arawak language at the local school in September 2025, inculcating cultural knowledge in the younger generation.

At the same time, the Village Council will use a portion of the LCDS funds to construct housing units for three less fortunate families and operate a grant programme that provides residents with $100,000 for personal socio-economic development.

Investing in Skills and Talent

The leadership recognises that sustainable livelihoods extend beyond agriculture. Technical and vocational training in areas such as barbering, catering, and cosmetology is being promoted to diversify employment opportunities.

Residents with unique talents — such as furniture making, baking, and craftwork — are being supported with tools and resources to expand their enterprises.

“We want the resources we garner as a result of LCDS funding to benefit not only our community but also contribute to national development,” Toshao Simon emphasised.

Social Infrastructure and Education

St. Cuthbert’s Mission enjoys reliable access to potable water for 16–18 hours daily and a hybrid energy system powered by solar panels and a 150 KVA generator provided by the Government of Guyana. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services align with national policies, connecting residents to digital opportunities.

The community has a strong focus on education: 10 young people are currently pursuing tertiary education at the University of Guyana, while over 280 students are enrolled at nursery to secondary levels. Investments in human capital are viewed as critical to long-term sustainability and population retention.

A Vision for the Future

As St. Cuthbert’s Mission evolves, its integrated approach to development — rooted in eco-friendly agriculture, tourism, cultural preservation, and human empowerment — offers a blueprint for rural and Indigenous resilience in Guyana.

With careful planning, community-wide involvement and the steady leadership of Toshao Simon, the village is charting a path that balances economic opportunities with environmental stewardship and cultural pride.

St. Cuthbert’s Mission, once dependent on external markets and limited resources, is now steadily being transformed into a vibrant hub of self-sufficiency, innovation, and heritage.

The community’s landscape is changing rapidly, but its vision is clear: sustainable livelihoods that preserve both people and place for generations to come.