This week we transport you to Kopinang Village, which is located in the North Pakaraimas on both banks of the Kopinang River. The Village is described as one of the most beautiful villages in Guyana and is the home of the Patamona people.
The land around Kopinang Village bears witness to a long-term interaction between people and their surroundings. There are rock paintings close by and a cave with two entrances into which, according to local stories, enemies (Akawaio and Arekuna) were lured and killed. The older residents explain that their grandparents told them often about the time of tribal wars in the region and how they had to defend themselves against the neighbouring peoples.
The land also features several sacred caves that were used for hunting and fishing rituals and were said to lead to another world. Some shamans (piaman) used to lead groups down into one of the caves where they would enter a world where a single arrow would kill many hogs and haimara fish. 
During the 20th century, there was an influx of coast landers seeking minerals in the area. Many of these people married local Patamona women and Kopinang Village is today also the home of the descendants of these people. There is an estimated 762 persons living in with village with Kamana, Kaibarupai and Maikwak as its neighbours.
Residents survive on subsistence farming, hunting and fishing. Important hunting, fishing and gathering areas are Kuribrong, Potaro and Kùwaù, all outside the title. A number of people also carry out artisanal mining close to the Village. Young people often go out to mining areas elsewhere in Guyana to make money that can sustain them for a while before coming back.
Miners are polluting Potaro River and the stretch of Kuribrong downstream from Amaila Falls and game is near depletion close to the Village due to over-hunting. Fish and forest products, such as mukru, hiari and resins are also scarce near the Village due to heavy use. Residents also report that their crops are affected by changes in the climate.
Despite that the struggles, Kopinang is a beautiful place with tallest Pakaraima peaks in the distance, mountain streams, waterfalls, vast savannah land and pristine rainforests. So pack your bags and take a trip to this beautiful village. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
