Dear Editor,
I do not believe any of the other two major rivers in Guyana shelter such beauty and charm through the scenery and communities than the Essequibo River. Recently a group of Guyanese wanting to explore Guyana visited several sights up this grand river including Bartica, Whitewater Nature Resort and Marshall waterfalls.
Our trip started off from the Parika stelling after we boarded a river taxi or speedboat. During our bumpy ride over the rough waters of Essequibo we passed several islands. We all know that Essequibo has some three hundred and sixty- five islands – as they say, one for each day of the year – and we saw many of them including Hogg Island, Fort Island, Leguan and even islands bought by Guyanese Roger Khan and Rudy Grant.
After about an hour speeding away in the river taxi, we passed Bartica, another island which we would visit later that day. We also passed the pontoon crossing at Mango Landing.
We then swung into the Mazaruni River, a tributary of the Essequibo River. On our way to the Marshall Rapids, we passed several quarry sites, a police outpost and Guyana’s high security prison where the most dangerous criminals are housed, the Mazaruni Prisons. The boat operator was very skilled in manoeuvring the boat over the Marshall Rapids. During the very bumpy ride atop the rapids we all thought that the boat would’ve capsized but it didn’t. The thrill was just magnificent!
It was amazing to see huge boulders in the middle of the Mazaruni River which created the effects of the Marshall Rapids.
After this, we began a half- an- hour stringent climbing walk to the Marshall Falls through the thick Mazaruni jungle. At times we were climbing and we were also going down. The terrain was just unpredictable. We heard the loud squeals of monkeys atop the trees as we walked through the damp path. Tired and sweaty but anxious, we arrived at the Marshall waterfalls. To get near to the falls, we had to cross the stream. The only option was walking on a tree stump covered with algae. Some persons walked cautiously until they were safe over the other side. I, however, was very skeptical of performing this feat as fear overtook me. Another gentleman was also skeptical about traversing over this deceitful piece of log which, if one trips over, would fall instantly into the water upon the huge rocks at the bottom. It was at this part of my trip when fear gripped me that I found the gentleman near to me was none other than the Editor of the Guyana Chronicle Mr Mark Ramotar. We exchanged greetings and made our way across to the other side.
The view on the other side was priceless. The black water gushing out of the mouth of the falls fell bountifully downwards. Many seized photo opportunities as they climbed to the top of the falls using a tree. The current of the water was very strong. We enjoyed a cool swim in the water as well.
I do believe that those who have invested in the tourist industry should enhance the infrastructure at sites like these to make it easier for visitors and tourists to access. Maybe a better walkway with hand rails could be constructed so as not to prevent persons staying on the other side, as they were that day. I hope the relevant authorities are reading this and would take the necessary measures before other groups visit the area.
After spending over an hour at the Marshall Falls we trekked out of the jungle back to our boats.
We then left for Whitewater Nature Resort, some fifteen minutes from Marshall Falls. After spending some time there we proceeded to Bartica. Bartica is a town standing on the left bank of the Essequibo River in Region 7, at the confluence of the Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers with the Essequibo. Considered the ‘Gateway to the Interior,’ the town has a population of about 15,000 and is the launching point for people who work in the bush mining gold and diamonds.
We toured the various avenues of the island and even walked by the police station that came under attack during the Bartica murder- spree earlier this year. We also saw several bullet- holes sealed off with concrete on the Banks DIH branch on the opposite side of the police station. It was a chilling moment indeed.
After spending a few minutes in the riverain community, we departed for Parika. I have posted hundreds of pictures from Marshall Falls, Marshall Rapids and Bartica at my website www.freewebs.com/leonjsuseran.
The other night I viewed part one of a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) documentary Guyana Expedition Part 1 in Berbice and I was quite amazed. Although I knew Guyana was one of the most beautiful countries of the world, the images shown in the film that NCN Berbice showed was captivating. It was announced at the end that part two would be shown the following evening and maybe part three the other night. I wonder if this film is on sale and where I can pick up a copy. It’s amazing that foreigners have come to our nation, spent six weeks, and explored the great mountains, Kaieteur Falls, the Guyana jungle and rainforest, etc etc. I urge every single Guyanese to get hold of this documentary if it is readily available.
I write about my tour trips because I want Guyanese near and far to be able to read about how beautiful the country that they live in is. And all of us have the responsibility to share our experiences with mother nature.
In visiting Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), I’ve visited all but three of the administrative regions of Guyana. I am working very hard to change that as I am propelled to visit more and more places and see more and more sights and share all of my experiences – just doing my bit as a Guyanese who is very proud of our beautiful Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Leon Jameson Suseran
