Princeville, Guyana

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Princeville is an Amerindian community in the Potaro-Siparuni Region of Guyana. It is located some 12 miles away from Mahdia along the Potaro River. It has a population of 180 persons consisting only of Amerindians. Most of the Amerindians found here are from the Patamona and Wapishana tribes. There is no indication of racial integration in this village. It is believed that Princeville was established in the late 1980s by a group of Amerindians who felt that it was necessary to create an area to develop their culture and to have access to rich farmlands. This community is managed by the Village Captain, Vice Captain and Councilors of Campbelltown.

Subsistence farming is practiced by the residents. Crops grown are cassava, bananas, plantains, pineapples, cashews and cashew nuts. Men and women are engaged in fishing, farming and hunting activities. The traditional communal lifestyle is maintained in this village where labour and food is shared among the residents. Some men are employed as guides, labourers and miners, but older men remain as father figures in the village. There are no shops, industries or businesses in the area since this is counter to the communal lifestyle. There are no utilities in the area. Princeville has an all-age school.

A building to house teachers is under construction. Access to this area is difficult and the area is only accessible to four-wheel-drive vehicles by trail from the Bartica/Potaro Road.