Mission Statement

We are the premiere community-based eco-tourism experience in the Guianan Shield. We are committed to providing safe, comfortable and hospitable services to all our guests.

Vision Statement

We will develop, own and manage a community-based eco-tourism business by constructively using the natural resources and our traditional culture in a socially appropriate manner. We will provide opportunities for our people through research, training and employment. We will work with our partners for mutual respect and benefits.

The CATS Partnership

Surama Village is a founding member of Community and Tourism Services, Inc. (CATS). CATS is a unique partnership formed between Surama and
Rock View Lodge
Wilderness Explorers
and the
Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development.

CATS operates the Atta Rainforest Camp at the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway.

The CATS partnership is a model of ecotourism that proves the tourism sector, a conservation NGO, and an indigenous community can find joint economic success while providing local opportunity and an excellent experience for visitors from around the world.


About Us.

Surama village is a small Amerindian community of the Makushi people living in the north Rupununi region # 9. The word Surama, originally“SHURAMATA”, means the place of spoiled Bar-B-Que (or where Bar-B-Que spoiled). The name derived during a tribal conflict between the Makushi and Carib many, many years ago. Surama village is situated in 5 sq miles of savannah land, surrounded by forest, hills and mountains of the Pakariama mountain range. The life of the people is in the art and understanding of how to live with nature. It is a simple and basic way of life, living according to the laws of nature.


The population is 287 and lives off the knowledge of the land. Although Surama has seen many, many moons, it was only in 1974 where R.F. Allicock and T.V Allicock invited a group of friends from Kwatamang and Wowetta to join 4 families in Surama to organize a proper village system which will allow better management for the natural resources including the people. The village started with 86 souls, adults and children.

 

This was the beginning of the present-day Surama. The village is located 6 km from the main road to the capital of Guyana.

 

Our Staff

 

Sydney Allicock- Director

As director, Sydney works as a liaison to our business partners and handles marketing. Additionally, he serves the community as village councillor, Chairman of the NRDDB, member of the Iwokrama Board of Trustees, Regional Councillor, and on the LCDS committee.


Veronica Allicock- Manager

Ever since we began in 1998, Veronica has worked tirelessly to ensure that everything runs smoothly at the Eco-Lodge. In addition to bookkeeping, she manages almost all other activities of the business: communication, transportation, supplies... you name it!


Jackie Allicock- Manager

For the past three years, Jackie has assumed the managerial duties, sharing them with Veronica. Also a senior councillor here in Surama, Jackie is extremely knowledgeable and a great asset.


Victorine Singh- Secretary

Working in tandem with Vanessa, Victorine handles communication, emails, and reports, as well as trip booking. She will help you arrange activities and decide exactly what's right for you.


Vanessa Lee- Secretary

Alongside Victorine, Vanessa handles communication, emails, and booking. She will assist you in planning your perfect trip!


Jeane Allicock- Senior Chef

Jeane combines traditional meals with a western flair that would make any mouth water. When she's not cooking or training young chefs, Jeane is an unrivaled source of local, cultural knowledge, from the many medicinal plants growing nearby to traditional music and poetry, and she is always happy to share her knowledge!


Milner Captain- Senior Guide

With us since we began in 1998, Milner is an expert in all areas. Whether traversing the forest or navigating rapids along the river, there is no safer place to be than with him. Whatever your interest, Milner can guide you there, and probably teach you something too!


Bertran Allicock- Senior Driver/Mechanic

Also with us since the beginning, Bertran takes small groups from camp to camp. His friendly, open demeanor welcomes everyone he meets. He is happy to talk, and answer any questions you may have, All you have to do is ask!


Rensford Allicock- Driver/Mechanic

An experienced driver, Rensford pilots a Bedford Truck, able to comfortably carry twenty people plus bagagge to the destination of their choice!


Ricardo Cabral- Driver/Mechanic

Also handling small groups, Ricardo will ensure that you arrive at your destination safely, and on time.


Francis Milton- Groundskeeper/Maintenance

With us from the beginning, Francis is always a friendly face around the ecolodge. If there's a problem, Francis can fix it!


Berlinda John

Striving to make your experience here enjoyable, Borlinda will see to all of your needs. In addition to her normal duties, she works in the kitchen, hoping to become a chef.

 

We the Makushi people
We have arrived in present day after some 400 yrs of contact with the world outside ours, at a time when all peoples are aware of the ecological dangers of the style of resource consumption characteristic of western civilisation.