Vreed en Hoop
Vreed en Hoop is a village situated at the confluence of the Demerara River on its western bank and serves as the administrative centre within the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara region of Guyana.
Vreed en Hoop comprises several small communities, including New Road, Plantain Walk, Crane, and Coglan Dam.
The town’s name is derived from the Dutch phrase “Vreed en Hoop,” translating to “Peace and Hope” in English.
Brief History of Vreed en Hoop
The town’s name traces back to the existence of Plantation Vreed en Hoop in 1798, Following Jonas Fileen’s death in March 1822, John Gladstone engaged in negotiations to acquire Vreedenhoop, and potentially Waller’s Delight and Coverden.
By December 1825, he finalized an £80,000 agreement with Paul Edward Fileen, purported brother and heir of Jonas Fileen. However, a competing claim by Judith Susannah Fileen led to a postponement of the purchase until 1828.
Ownership transferred to Sir John Gladstone in 1828. Gladstone, a permanent absentee planter, had 415 slaves on the plantation during the emancipation of slaves.
In 1838, he notably expelled most former slaves, replacing them with indentured servants from India. Reports of physical abuse at Gladstone’s plantations in 1839 led to a discreet change in ownership.
Vreed en Hoop Plastic Controversy
Within the Vreed en Hoop, there’s a place known as Plastic City, which is an informal settlement located a quarter mile from the village, To the north, a jetty extends toward the Atlantic Ocean, and beyond view, there exists an improvised village.
Originating in the early 1990s, Plastic City has witnessed continuous growth. Its primary challenges include inadequate access to water and electricity and vulnerability to flooding.
Despite promises from presidents to address these issues and visits from opposition leaders, as of 2020, Plastic City persists without a resolution.
Vreed en Hoop Statistics
| Settlement | Vreed en Hoop |
| Status | Village and regional capital |
| Region | Essequibo Islands-West Demerara |
| Estimated Population | 469 |
| Coordinates | 6.80763°N 58.18154°W |
