Why Is Essequibo Called the Cinderella County?

A nickname that goes to the root of the geographic, economic and political relationship between Essequibo and the rest of the country.

Over the past several weeks, Guyana Tapestry traveled across the Essequibo Coast, uncovering some of the stories behind communities, markets, stellings, and landmarks that help to shape Essequibo’s story. Along the way, we learned that Essequibo is called the Cinderella County.

Naturally, that sparked some curiosity into why? Why is Essequibo called the Cinderella County? To find some answers, we visited one of the busiest places on the Coast, the bustling Anna Regina Market on market day and spoke directly with the people who know Essequibo best—its residents. For context, Anna Regina is essentially the commercial heartbeat of Region # 2, i.e. the Supenaam-Charity, Pomeroon area.

We asked one simple question, "Why is Essequibo called the Cinderella County?"

The responses were thoughtful, passionate, and, at times, deeply emotional. Some people have extensive knowledge about why; others have not even the foggiest idea about why Essequibo is so described. Some describe the region’s blessings with fertile farmland, majestic rivers, abundant natural beauty and resources, and hardworking people, but a region that has not always received the same level of national attention or investment as other parts of Guyana. Others spoke about Essequibo's resilience — the generations of Essequibans who built strong communities through agriculture, fishing, commerce, and entrepreneurship despite facing many challenges over the years. Folks also shared their hopes for the future. They believe that with new opportunities, improved infrastructure, tourism, investment, and growing recognition, the Cinderella County is beginning to step into the spotlight and claim the attention it has long deserved.

The Guyana Tapestry associated social media platforms capture these conversations in a special interview series that shares the people of Essequibo telling their own story—in their own words. Ensure you watch the man in the street interviews, reflect on the perspectives shared, and join the conversation. Whether you live on the Essequibo Coast, elsewhere in Guyana, or are part of the Guyanese diaspora around the world, your connection to these stories helps preserve our shared heritage and inspires our collective future. 

Thank you for your continued support of Guyana Tapestry. As we expand the range of stories about various aspects of Guyanese culture, more Guyanese should be involved in the conversation. Go to the Guyana Tapestry YouTube channel and subscribe. Follow Guyana Tapestry on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X, alright! 

Family, I'm Pelham VanCooten and this is Guyana Tapestry where we’re telling Guyana’s immigration story. Until our next story, one love GT!