Leguan: A tapestry of tradition and tranquillity

Located in the delta of the mighty Essequibo River, the island of Leguan—meaning “Land of the Iguana”—is a small but historically rich community.

Once a Dutch colony, remnants of its colonial past remain, including St Peter’s Anglican Church, which has stood as a beacon of faith since its foundation stone was laid in 1853 and its consecration in 1855.

Life on Leguan moves at a peaceful pace. The people are known for their warm spirit and kind hearts. They make a living primarily through farming, cattle rearing, and poultry production.

Vast rice fields stretch across the island, while coconut and plantain trees sway in the breeze. Fishermen set out early, their boats cutting through the river’s calm waters, while women tend vegetable gardens, ensuring fresh produce for their families.

For some, farming is more than just a way of life—it is the means of providing a future for their children.

Rajesh Persaud, a 52-year-old rice farmer, has been working the fields for over 12 years.

“It ain’t easy, but this is how I take care of my family,” he said. His hard work has allowed his children to attend school, and his greatest pride is his eldest daughter, who is currently studying abroad.

“Everything I do is for them. I want them to have more than I had when I was small,” he stressed, beaming with pride.

Despite its quiet nature, Leguan is not without its simple joys. On Sundays, families dress in their best to attend worship, whether at St Peter’s Anglican Church or one of the other small places of worship scattered across the island.

Religious gatherings are a cherished tradition, bringing comfort and unity to the community. Evenings are filled with laughter as children play cricket on open fields, young men gather for friendly domino matches, and families relax under their houses, at the ballfields, or even at the small shop nearby.

Over the years, Leguan has seen development in small but meaningful ways. The once rugged roads have been paved, making travel easier, while the Leguan Cottage Hospital has seen upgrades to better serve the community’s healthcare needs.

Though modernisation is slow, these improvements have made life a little more comfortable, and the hospital is now able to provide people with more than just basic healthcare.

With a small population, Leguan is a quiet place, but migration has left its mark. Yet, those who remain carry the island’s soul in their hearts and cherish the way life has changed.

Leguan is more than just an island to visit or a Dutch landmark; it’s a home to many—a place where love is felt deeply in the small villages, and it welcomes you with warmth and a fresh breath of peace the moment you step onto the Leguan stelling.

While the only way to get on or off Leguan is by speedboat or ferry, the island remains rich in cultural diversity and vast lands filled with love. Leguan, though ever-changing, remains a place of history, heart, and stories yet to be told.

72-year-old house located at Louisiana Leguan

St.Peters Anglican Church located at Enterprise Leguan

Old Dutch sluice (koker) in Canefield Leguan