Capoey is a village in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region of Guyana. The village is mainly inhabited by Lokono Amerindians.[1] It is located on Lake Capoey, a blackwater lake, which is one of largest lakes of Essequibo.[1]
Capoey was originally settled by Wapishana who named the village. The name translates to "Land of the Rising Moon". The tribe was wiped out by a plague. A group of Lokono Amerindians who were enslaved on a plantation on the Essequibo coast escaped from captivity, crossed the lake, and resettled the abandoned village.[2] In the early 20th century, a mission was founded by the Methodist Church.[3]
Overview
The economy of Capoey is based logging, subsistence farming, gold mining,[3] and tourism has become important.[4] The village has a primary school, village office,[3] and a health care clinic.[1] The village provides free transportation to the coast for secondary and trade education.[3] Electricity is provided by solar panels.[1]
Lake Capoey is one of the largest lakes in Essequibo. The lake is known for its large beige beaches, black water,[1] and benabs (palm thatched hut).[2] The lake is steadily growing in size.[1]
Transport
The lake is accessible via a side road of the Essequibo Coast Road. The village is located on the other side of the lake, and can only be accessed by boat. There is a tiny hamlet on the northern edge of the lake called Mary Point which is part of the Capoey reserve.[1]
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