Leguan Island

Leguan Island is a small island situated in the delta of the Essequibo River on the coast of Guyana, South America. The island is shaped like a gull wing and is nine miles (14 km) long and 2 miles (3.2 km) wide at its widest making it roughly 12 miles (19 km) square in area.

Demographics

Leguan has an estimated population of 4,200 living in 27 demarcated villages. The population has declined fairly rapidly during the past decade as residents leave to settle in more urban parts of Guyana or migrate, often to the United States, Canada the United Kingdom or to various Caribbean islands. Leguan is primarily a rice farming and cattle rearing community. Other occupations on the island include government administration, teaching, health care and policing.

Leguan is of roughly 82% East Indian ancestry and 17% African ancestry. The remaining approximately 1% of the population are foreign born Chinese, Canadian, American and English, most of whom are involved in community development work with religious or state organizations. A majority of Leguan residents are Hindu. The minority follow Islam, Christianity and the Rastafari movement. Leguan is situated in the Essequibo River, next to another island named Wakenaam. There are 5 rice factories located on the island; the largest one being RN Persaud & Company LTd & the Ojha's. The primary mode of transportation on Leguan is bicycle. Many people also have motorbikes. A small group of people also have cars. In terms of public transportation, Leguan has a handful of taxis, buses, and horsecarts.