Prominent white sand greets you even before noticing the “Welcome to Waramuri” sign at the riverside entrance to the village.
The village of Waramuri is located on the right bank of the Moruca River, about 10 miles from the mouth of the Moruca River, and about a 45 minutes motor boat ride from Charity.
It can be accessed mainly by river, but the regional administration has upgraded the road from Santa Rosa to Waramuri, which now makes it accessible from Santa Rosa via road – just about a 20-minute quiet trail ride. Santa Rosa can also be accessed by aircraft.
Waramuri, a Warrau word, took its name from a black ant – called “Waramuri ant” in the interior – which, elders say, had infested the village when early settlers arrived there more than a century ago.
Waramuri is a predominantly Warrau village, but there is a mix of other tribal heritages. It was established around the 1800s by the Anglican Church.
In 1835 the first Anglican priest, Reverend Nowers, came to Waramuri. There were several other expatriate priests before locals took up the mantle. Reverend John Benette was among the first Amerindian priests to serve the parish.
At the time, the church managed the school, and REA Semple was its first head-teacher. He led the community during the period of colonial rule, while David Peters was the first local Amerindian teacher to serve the community.
Waramuri is home to a legendary shell mound. The shells are barely visible, having been overtaken by other gravel and green vegetation.
It is indeed an adventure to visit the historic village of Waramuri.
