Tucked away several miles up the Barama River, Chinese Landing has a population of just about 210 residents and according to the majority, they now have no means of earning any income to support their families.
Because of their community’s remoteness and the cost of transportation to the Moruca sub-district, many of the residents engage in subsistence farming, mining and fishing/hunting to support themselves.
The residents are prohibited from venturing into the mines to earn and the associated economic benefits that trickle down from mining are also being withheld from the village. Though there are over 500 miners operating in the mines, village leaders say they refuse to support community enterprises rather they encourage persons from neighbouring villages to set up shop in the community.