At times it seems an ancient place slowly marking the passage of time under the shade of giant trees until modernity pushes its face out to proclaim its presence.

Its peace is only shattered by the whine of vehicles racing on the highway that passes through the village. On the surface, Vergenoegen on the East Bank Essequibo is the quintessential rural Guyanese community, laid back most times but springing to life in a heartbeat. Its people are, at the same time, outspoken and shy, willing to speak about the village but declining to be photographed.

Moulded by an at times turbulent past, villagers take pride in the achievements of its sons and daughters that have made the village one of …..