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."

Parika
Parika Stelling (Harbour) with a ferry in the background
Parika Stelling (Harbour) with a ferry in the background
Parika is located in Guyana
Parika
Parika
Location in Guyana
Coordinates: 6°51′32″N 58°25′31″W / 6.8588°N 58.4252°W / 6.8588; -58.4252
Country Guyana
RegionEssequibo Islands-West Demerara
Population
 (2012)[1]
 • Total4,385

Overview

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Parika is the end of the main road from Georgetown.[2] In 2020, work started to upgrade the road from Demerara Harbour Bridge to Parika to a 2x2 lane dual carriageway.[3]

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.[4] Over 700 merchants own a stall on the market.[5] Sunday is traditionally the busiest day of the week.[4][5] Parika is home to a police station, post office, multiple hotels and a variety of restaurants.[5]

 
Speed boat to Supenaam

Ferry services are offered to Bartica, Leguan Island, Wakenaam and Supenaam.[6] The ferry to Bartica makes a stop at Fort Island.[7] Cars need to be booked at least two hours in advance, and are not guaranteed a spot.[8]

References

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  1. ^ "2012 Population by Village". Statistics Guyana. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  2. ^ "Guyana Cultural Tour: West Demerara, Parika". iBike. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  3. ^ "New four-lane highway from new Demerara Bridge to Parika will open lands for housing, agri, tourism". News Room Guyana. 31 October 2020. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Parika Market: Guyana's farming depot". Guyana Times International. 19 October 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  5. ^ a b c "Parika comes alive on Sundays". Department of Public Information. 2 September 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  6. ^ "Ferry services modified to facilitate increased goods, food transport". Department of Public Information. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  7. ^ "Fort Islanders call for better ferry service". Stabroek News via Land of Six Peoples. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  8. ^ "Queenstown – a village rich with history and culture". iNews Guyana. Retrieved 26 November 2021.