With limited information on the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive, there is strong skepticism among members of the Indigenous Wapichan and Wai-Wai tribes in some of the most far-flung communities in Region Nine, which some fear could hinder national efforts to achieve herd immunity.
Following the confirmation of COVID-19 cases in Guyana, many Indigenous communities were forced to adapt to what has been described as “the new normal,” such as wearing masks, social distancing and travel restrictions, in order to curb the transmission of the virus. This was very much the case in the Deep South Rupununi, where village leaders acted quickly, erecting gates and imposing restrictions in their respective communities. To date, there is yet to be a COVID-19 outbreak among these communities and they hope that this remains the case, especially since they have limited access to medical facilities.
Parabara is located deep in Region Nine’s southern forests and has a population of just over 200 residents who identify as either a Wapichan or Wai-Wai, two of three indigenous tribes that can be found in the region.