Pakuri’s lands span two regions of Guyana
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The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) recently noted that Pakuri, a Lokono community in Guyana also known as St Cuthbert’s Mission, extends into both Region Four and Region Five.
Although officially recognised as the only Indigenous village within Region Four, Pakuri’s titled lands actually cross the boundary into Region Five, along the Mahaica River. This means the community’s territory doesn’t align perfectly with the administrative divisions of the country.
The APA shared this information during its community outreach program, after spending extra time in Region Three before moving into Region Four. The organisation highlighted Pakuri’s importance as a cultural centre, owing to its location and accessibility from Georgetown, the nation’s capital. This situation demonstrates a distinction between administrative regions and the land rights held by Indigenous communities in Guyana. While the country uses ten administrative regions for governance, Indigenous peoples can legally own land that overlaps these boundaries.
Pakuri’s unique geography reflects a broader reality of Indigenous territorial claims extending beyond established administrative lines. The APA continues its outreach work, having moved from Region Three to Region Four to connect with communities and share information about Indigenous land rights and cultural heritage.
