Maintaining a balance between preservation of traditional ways and development is the goal of the Wapichan (Wapishana) Amerindian nation of the remote Rupununi Savannahs who are formulating plans to take control of their development.

Representatives of the 17 Wapichan villages located in the remote Deep South and South Central areas of the Rupununi Savannahs in Region Nine met with government agencies and officials over the past week seeking to collaborate on various issues. They got a positive response, Toshao of the Deep South community of Maruranau, Patrick Gomes said.

In light of changing realities including moving to a cash-based economy and with more and more natural resources being utilized, a Management Plan for the Natural Resources of the Wapichan communities is being developed.  “If you have a…..