Good Hope, Essequibo Coast(Part 1)

Huge ants nests in a tree

A thrilling 45-minute ride from Parika, passed by thick forested islands, boats bobbing on the Essequibo River or sunken in a corner, brings you to Good Hope on the Essequibo Coast. For most of the journey, the speedboat climbed the waves before slapping down so hard on the water, that it felt the next slap could see the boat disintegrate.

Craftswoman Jenny Richmond
Craftswoman Jenny Richmond

Calm came, as the boat turned into a creek, where it moored at a stelling that had a sign saying, “Welcome to Supenaam.” However, the village there is actually Good Hope, as residents were quick to inform that Supenaam is actually situated further along the creek and not on the coast. Good Hope, they said, was bought by 21 freed slaves.

Charmaine Sandiford is a shopkeeper who lives with her family close to the Supenaam Stelling. Her tidy little shop neatly displayed items on sale and was unique as there was