Parika

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Parika is a port village located in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara region of Guyana. Its ferry service is operated by the Ministry of Transportation, to and from the Essequibo Islands and West Demerara area. It is a hub for land transport, since it is a route stop for local taxis commonly called "buses."

Overview

Parika is the end of the main road from Georgetown.{{cite web|url=https://www.ibike.org/ibike/guyana/essay/9-Demerara.htm |title=Guyana Cultural Tour: West Demerara, Parika|website=iBike|access-date=26 November 2021}} In 2020, work started to upgrade the road from Demerara Harbour Bridge to Parika to a 2x2 lane dual carriageway.{{cite news|url=https://newsroom.gy/2020/10/31/new-four-lane-highway-from-new-demerara-bridge-to-parika-will-open-lands-for-housing-agri-tourism/ |title=New four-lane highway from new Demerara Bridge to Parika will open lands for housing, agri, tourism |website=News Room Guyana|date=31 October 2020|access-date=26 November 2021}}

Parika itself is a small town, however as a gateway to the western half of Guyana, it is always busy. It is best known for its market.{{cite news|url=https://www.guyanatimesinternational.com/parika-market-guyanas-farming-depot/ |title=Parika Market: Guyana’s farming depot |website=Guyana Times International|date=19 October 2018|access-date=26 November 2021}} Over 700 merchants own a stall on the market.{{cite web|url=https://dpi.gov.gy/parika-comes-alive-on-sundays/ |title=Parika comes alive on Sundays|website=Department of Public Information|date=2 September 2018|access-date=26 November 2021}} Sunday is traditionally the busiest day of the week. Parika is home to a police station, post office, multiple hotels and a variety of restaurants.

File:Speed Boat - Parika to Supenaam - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|left]]

Ferry services are offered to Bartica, Leguan Island, Wakenaam and Supenaam.{{cite web|url=https://dpi.gov.gy/ferry-services-modified-to-facilitate-increased-goods-food-transport/ |title=Ferry services modified to facilitate increased goods, food transport|website=Department of Public Information|access-date=26 November 2021}} The ferry to Bartica makes a stop at Fort Island.{{cite web|url=http://www.landofsixpeoples.com/news304/ns3102115.htm |title=Fort Islanders call for better ferry service |website=Stabroek News via Land of Six Peoples|access-date=26 November 2021}} Cars need to be booked at least two hours in advance, and are not guaranteed a spot.{{cite news|url=https://www.inewsguyana.com/queenstown-a-village-rich-with-history-and-culture/ |title=Queenstown – a village rich with history and culture|website=iNews Guyana|access-date=26 November 2021}}

References

Category:Populated places in Essequibo Islands-West Demerara