From 1838 onwards, indentured servants from India were brought to British Guiana to work on the plantations.[3] They were contracted to serve for five years, however many discovered that it was difficult to return home. In the mid-19th century, many sugar estates went out of business, leading to unemployment and homelessness. The Pomeroon River had been settled in the Dutch colonial times, however the upstream area was a swampy area which was never cultivated. The Tacoordeen family were the first to settle in Jacklow. In 1860, the Anglican pastor Jacklowe built a shed in the village for missionary purposes.[2]
Mohamed Sarafraz, an indentured labourer, settled in Jacklow and started to construct a masjid (mosque) in the village. In 1912, the Jacklow Masjid opened measuring 15 feet (4.6 m) by 12 feet (3.7 m) and was constructed using manicole wood. The mosque served a large area, and developed into a tourist destination for visiting muslims. In 2019, the mosque was renovated and recommissioned.[4]
In 2021, Jacklow and surrounding area was affected by severe flooding of the Pomeroon River.[5]
Overview
Boat building in Jacklow
The economy of Jacklow is based on farming[6] and boat construction.[7] The village has a primary school, but secondary education and health care is offered in Charity.[6] The village has access to free Wi-Fi.[8] Jacklow has no road connection and can only be reached via the Pomeroon River from Charity.[6]
Notable people
Isahak Basir (1935–2019), historian and member of parliament.[9]
