Houses are neatly tucked in among the rich vegetation
A visit to Matthew’s Ridge is indeed a getaway from the concrete jungle, to be with all of what nature has to offer. Once there, the first thing that strikes you is the lush, green vegetation. High mountains, melodious birds in the early mornings, and, most importantly, tranquility are other relaxing experiences far from the maddening crowd.
With compliments of Digicel, Guyana Times Sunday Magazine got a firsthand look at the small town’s demographics. It is located in Region One, Barima-Waini. Locals here claim that during the 1960s, Matthew’s Ridge was being considered as a potential area to relocate the capital city of Guyana. During that same period, it was the location of a large manganese mining company that provided major revenue for the area.
With the closing of the manganese mining operation in the 1970s, however, the town went into an economic downturn. A foreign company has now taken over the operations of the old mining company and is working to resuscitate it. Residents have great hopes that it will turn things around in the town and bring it back to life, while complementing the small-scale gold mining, to increase job opportunities.
Matthew's Ridge airstrip
The area experiences a steady shift between dry season in August, September and March, and rainy season in May, June, December and January. The population comprises mainly indigenous Guyanese who speak their native Carib language. Nearby mining camps include Eyelash, Big Creek, Five Star, Perseverance, Butterfly, Six-Mile, 14-Mile, Botway, and Black Banana.
The infrastructure of the town is uncomplicated. With Digicel’s recent installation of a telecommunications site, residents now find it easier for distance communication. Prior to this, they had to go to the local hospital and wait in line for three hours just to make calls. Residents are thankful to the Digicel company for providing quality telecommunications service to them.
Electric current is not provided in Matthew’s Ridge by the Guyana Power and Light company, but a number of residents own generators that provide electricity. Goods are brought into Matthew’s Ridge via planes from Georgetown and trucks from Port Kaituma. Entertainment is enjoyed at a local small club or on a corner in front of a small shop.
Life in Matthew’s Ridge is simple and ordinary from a concrete jungle resident’s perspective, but in this small town, life is wonderful and is filled with simple pleasures. (Compliments of Digicel) (Taken from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
