Sawariwau
Sawari Wa'o
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|---|---|
Village
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  Sawariwau Location in Guyana | |
| Coordinates: 2°40′24″N 59°39′13″W / 2.6732°N 59.6537°W / 2.6732; -59.6537 | |
| Country |  Guyana |
| Region | Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo |
| Government | |
| • Toshao | Gregory Thomas[1] |
| Population
(2017)[1]
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| • Total | 521 |
Sawariwau (Wapishana: Sawari Wa'o[1]) is a village in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region of Guyana. Sawariwau is inhabited by Wapishana Amerindians.[2] It is located about 70 miles (110 km) south of Lethem in the Rupununi savannah.[2] The main language spoken in the village is Wapishana.[3]
The name of the village translates to grandfather spirit of fishes. Sawariwau was founded by chief Suubau,[1] and is one of the oldest Wapishana villages.[2] Father Cuthbert Cary-Elwes, SJ was the first missionary to arrive in the village, and a church was constructed in 1919.[4][5]
Katoonarib used to be a satellite of Sawariwau, but has become independent.[6] Sawariwau was in a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (municipality) with Ireng and Lethem,[7] however the municipality was dissolved in 2012.[8] The village is again governed by a Toshao (village chief) with 11 councillors.[2] In 2013, the land was demarcated,[9] however as of 2017, the demarcation is still in dispute.[1]
The economy is based on subsistence farming and cattle ranching. The village has a primary school, a secondary school, a health centre, and a community centre.[2] Internet connection is provided via free Wi-Fi.[10] Digicel has installed a communication mast in the village.[1] The village depends on rain water for drinking. There is no electricity other than private diesel generators and solar panels.[2]
