An island unknown

By Venessa Deosaran 

An island is defined as an area of land surrounded by water. Not very wellknown to many persons, but tucked between the villages of Covent Garden and Prospect on the East Bank of Demerara, and surrounded by trenches or canals, is a small island made up of several households.

The island has been home for many families for hundreds of years. Guyana Times Sunday Magazine was on the island and spoke with the oldest resident living there, Drena Peters, 86. Peters said she “born and grew up” on the island. Her parents lived there all their lives and now she, her children, grandchildren and great-grand children are living there.

“I can remember when I was younger I used to go by an old woman who was in her 80s and who had lived all her life on the island. So the island has been around a very long time. I can remember going to the aqueduct in the backdam to catch fish. That is how I learn how to swim. Everyone on the island lived closely even up to now,” Peters reflected.

The island comes under the Covent Garden Neighbourhood Democratic Council and mail is addressed to the Covent Garden neighbourhood, as the area itself, with only one street, has no known name.

On both sides of the street there are more than 15 houses, though some are now abandoned and neglected.

The very small and close-knit community that lives there presently has inherited their home from past generations. The island enjoys basic utilities such as electricity and water, and there is an entertainment bar – the only business on the island.

There is one bridge leading out to the main road. The surrounding schools such as the Covent Garden primary and secondary, which the children from the island attend, can be seen from the island.

One of the residents said there has never been a complaint of their island ever washing away and they have never seen signs of it happening.

There are towering trees and bushes on the island which are maintained because their roots keep the soil, and ultimately the island, together.

The island has always been a quiet place for the residents living there and they have no intentions of leaving, but say they will continue to reside there, passing their residences on to new generations. (Taken from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)