Discover Moraikobai – Things You Need To Know & See

June 21, 2018

GxMedia
6 years ago
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General Information

The Bridge Across the Mahaicony River

Moraikobai is an Amerindian village located in Region 5 of Guyana. The village is about 96 miles away from the confluence of the Mahaicony River. The population in Moraikobai is just over 500 strong, who are predominantly indigenous peoples from the Arawak tribe.

The community was initially called “Moracoba”; a name that was formed from a combination of two Arawak words; ‘Mora’ meaning tree and ‘Coba’ meaning stump. However, several decades ago the name was officially changed to ‘Moraikobai’.

The Landing to The Village

Dorothy Patoir is said to be the first individual born in the village when it was established many decades ago. Presently, the village is led by a Toshao (Indigenous leader), Mr. Colin Adrian. The Toshao is assisted by 12 councilors to manage the affairs of the village.

Moraikobai has a rich religious heritage, and its people endorse the Christian religion to a large extent. In this respect, the village consists of three churches including an Anglican church which was established when the community was first inaugurated as a mission. The primary language in the village is English.

Infrastructure

The village center

There are many modern amenities in the village. There is a Medical Center, a Primary School and Nursery School. There are also quarters for visiting teachers and medical personnel. There are several shops where you can find just about anything for basic needs.

Electricity is centrally supplied in the village by a generator. This system is supported by the use of solar energy. Power from the generator is sometimes turned off after 9PM to curtail fuel cost.

Our Camp Site – The Medical Quarters

The main water source is the Mahaicony creek that is near the village. Other water sources include trestles and wells.

Communication via mobile phones is limited due to poor cell signal in the area. There are a few hot-spots in the village where you can stand with your phone in order to make and receive calls.

Moraikaboi has recently acquired Internet Access and the village maintains a Facebook Page.

How to get to Moraikobai

The BoatMan

The village is accessible by land, water and air! You can travel by boat on the Mahaicony River. Speed-boat usually takes about two hours to cover the 96 miles distance. The scenes, the flora and fauna on the Mahaicony River to Moraikobai are beautiful so the entire trip can be entertaining.

The Trail from Linden

There is a 45 mile trail from Linden in Region 10 if you prefer to travel by land. The trail can be treacherous given that it is of sand. During the wet seasons some parts of the trails can be mistaken for creeks. A capable off-road vehicle is necessary to tackle the trail. Alternatively, if you would like to get there fast then you can fly to the village with a helicopter.

Modes of transportation in the village

Residents mostly walk, while some use bicycles, motorbikes, tractors and ATVs to move about in the village.

Economic Activities

The geographical construct of the village is relatively large, naturally fertile, and mostly unoccupied, and therefore provides opportunities for potential tourism, agriculture and forestry enterprises. There are many small-scale logging operations in the village. Farming and livestock rearing are secondary economic activities.

There is a drive by the current leadership of Moraikobai to strengthen the tourism potential of the village in order to develop alternative economic benefits for the residents. Mr. Adrian (the current Toshao) believes that tourism can empower the community by creating new opportunities for the people. He is actively working with several agencies to develop tourism in the village.

Social Groups

Moraikobai has several social groups that are very active in sports and community development.

Accommodations

Moraikobai Rest House

There is a government-operated guest house that offers basic accommodation. Hammock huts and benabs are also available. The natural surrounding is perfect for camping so be sure to walk with your camping gears.

Major Attractions

The scenic beauty and lack of modern distractions make Moraikobai the perfect place for camping and relaxing. Birding and fishing in the Mahaicony River can also be arranged with the locals.

Mashramani is celebrated in February and Amerindian Heritage activities are held September each year.

There is also an annual Safari Drive, a two-day event that happens in February.