New Amsterdam is a historic and proud community long regarded as the ‘capital’ of the ancient county of Berbice. The town was established as a municipality 132 years ago in 1891. It is, next to Georgetown, Guyana’s oldest municipality. Observing its 22nd town day this year, the municipality kicked off its celebration last Sunday in grand style with a massive extravaganza.
Town Council Treasurer Kerryanne Edwards told the Scene that they had several meetings to plan the activities which included the Joint Services and promoters. According to her, it was at those meetings that the activities were decided upon.
However, it was the Town Day and Street Fair held last Sunday which stole the show as approximately 140 booths displaying fashion, craft, exhibition, bars, food, toys, and games.
Following the town day which saw a turnout of hundreds of Berbicians, the council deemed the event “successful.” Every year Berbicians look out for the town day as it is one of the major celebrations in the county.
Businessman and master chef Roy Jafarally, deemed the town day “one of the nicest town days” as according to him it was incident free. “I think everyone pretty much had a good time… Overall for me as a businessman and entrepreneur, I enjoyed town day because it was incident free and there was enough time to have a good time… It was given the full run and I think most persons would have enjoyed themselves thoroughly.”
Meanwhile, a gospel concert and a yellow and blue party are scheduled for today and a basketball game and an all-black party on November 12.
New Amsterdam is located about five miles from the mouth of the Berbice River on its eastern bank and is situated at the confluence of the Berbice and Canje Rivers. The town is connected by a national highway to Rose Hall, Corriverton, and Crabwood Creek.
New Amsterdam, covers about 13.7 square kilometres in area with an estimated population of approximately 35,000. The town is bounded to the north by the Canje River, south by Doe Park, west by the Berbice River and east by Caracas (Angoy’s Avenue).
New Amsterdam is the largest commercial area in Berbice with businesses from all sectors. One of its main shopping attractions is the New Amsterdam Market and the popularly known Pitt Street where you can buy clothing, groceries, appliances, household items, travel items, storage items, food, cosmetics, among other things.
