St. Ignatius is an Amerindian village in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region of Guyana, located near the regional capital Lethem and the border with Brazil. It was originally established as a mission founded by Jesuit priests to serve the Amerindian populations of the Rupununi savannah.
Geography
The village lies along the right bank of the Takutu River, near the Kanuku Mountains. It is situated on the main Georgetown-Lethem road and is separated from Lethem by the Moco-Moco Creek. Its coordinates are approximately 3°21′18″N 59°47′58″W. Kumu and Quarrie are satellite villages of St. Ignatius.
Demographics
According to the 2012 census, St. Ignatius had a population of 1,276. The area was originally settled by Macushi and Wapishana peoples, later supplemented by Arawak. The population is predominantly Roman Catholic or other Christian denominations. Wapishana, Macushi, and Patamona languages are spoken, while English and Portuguese are prominent second languages.
History
Jesuit Priest Cuthbert Cary-Elwes established a mission in 1909 to serve the Amerindians of the Rupununi. The location chosen was Ariwa (a Makushi word for a particular type of fish) on the right bank of the Takutu River. The missionaries dedicated the mission to Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. Today, St. Ignatius is one of the largest Amerindian communities in the central Rupununi. "Self-help" is a noted aspect of village culture, meaning a practice of resolving issues without outside assistance.
In 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a guarded gate was constructed on the road to regulate traffic to the Takutu River, which had been used for illegal border-crossing from Brazil.
Economy
Major economic activities include cattle rearing, brick making, farming, fishing, and construction. The Helping Hands Women Producers Cooperative Society operates a factory, built with assistance from the Canadian International Development Agency, that produces packaged snacks including cashew nuts and cassava bread, as well as school meals. Roasted cashews, which grow wild in the Rupununi area, are a popular local snack.
Services and Governance
The village has a nursery, primary, and secondary school. The secondary school, opened by Catholic missionaries, is the oldest and largest in the region and includes boarding facilities for students from remote areas. In 2017, a bilingual education program was launched for Wapishana language and English. There is a Catholic church as well as a Jesuit-run Presbytery training centre.
St. Ignatius is connected to Lethem's electrical grid. In 2019, Guyana Water Inc. commissioned a G$15 million water supply system in the village, expanding access to piped water.
Governance is by an elected village council consisting of a Toshao (village leader), deputy, and councilors.
