The Wai Wai, known as ‘Children of the Forest’ inhabit the tropical rain forest in the deep south of Guyana and their presence is essential if intrusions by illegal loggers and diamond miners from Brazil are to be prevented. Some years ago Major General Joe Singh, then commanding the Guyana Defence Force, asked JBS if SES could assist the Wai Wai with a medical expedition. This resulted in a number of expeditions being sent in to assist the Wai Wai and thus ensure they remained in this little known region. One project involved the delivery of a grand piano for their Church, which was filmed for the BBC. Following severe flooding, the Wai Wai moved their main village from the banks of the Essequibo River to a nearby hilltop where they now live. Thanks to General Joe, an American charity, Conservation International, donated a large amount to turn the tribal area into a protected region. |