Parika | |
---|---|
![]() Parika Stelling (Harbour) with a ferry in the background | |
Coordinates: 6°51′32″N 58°25′31″W / 6.8588°N 58.4252°W | |
Country | ![]() |
Region | Essequibo Islands-West Demerara |
Population (2012)[1] | |
• Total | 4,385 |
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.[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]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a3/Speed_Boat_-_Parika_to_Supenaam_-_panoramio_%281%29.jpg/220px-Speed_Boat_-_Parika_to_Supenaam_-_panoramio_%281%29.jpg)
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
- ^ "2012 Population by Village". Statistics Guyana. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ "Guyana Cultural Tour: West Demerara, Parika". iBike. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b "Parika Market: Guyana's farming depot". Guyana Times International. 19 October 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
- ^ a b c "Parika comes alive on Sundays". Department of Public Information. 2 September 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
- ^ "Ferry services modified to facilitate increased goods, food transport". Department of Public Information. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
- ^ "Fort Islanders call for better ferry service". Stabroek News via Land of Six Peoples. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
- ^ "Queenstown – a village rich with history and culture". iNews Guyana. Retrieved 26 November 2021.