La Bonne Intention (commonly abbreviated as LBI) is a village in the Demerara-Mahaica region along the coastal belt of Guyana. It is located approximately 16 km (10 miles) east of Georgetown and was historically a sugar estate. The name derives from French, meaning "Good Intention," reflecting colonial origins. As of recent estimates, the village has a population of around 1,500–2,000 residents. [1]
La Bonne Intention originated as a sugar plantation during Guyana's Dutch colonial period of the 18th century, later transitioning under British rule. Like many Guyanese estates, it relied on enslaved African labour followed by indentured workers from India after emancipation in 1838. The estate was formalised in the post-emancipation era, with residential development accelerating in the mid-20th century. Kersaint Park, a key residential area, was established in 1963. [2] The sugar factory operated under the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) until its closure in 2016 as part of national industry restructuring, leading to job losses and economic shifts. [3] The village has been involved in broader Guyanese events, such as early 20th-century labour disputes on nearby estates. [4]
La Bonne Intention is situated at coordinates 6°28′N 58°04′W / 6.467°N 58.067°W. It lies on the East Coast Demerara, part of Guyana's low-lying Atlantic coastal plain. The village is bordered by neighboring communities such as Better Hope [5] to the west and Beterverwagting [6] to the east. The area features reclaimed swampland with drainage systems dating back to Dutch colonial engineering, similar to other coastal settlements. It is connected by the main East Coast Highway, with proximity to the Demerara River estuary. [7]
Estimates from the early 2010s place the population at over 1,500, with a multi-ethnic composition typical of Guyana's coastal regions, including Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese, and smaller groups of mixed heritage. The village spans a compact area with residential zones interspersed with commercial strips. [8]
Historically centered on sugar produce, the economy has diversified since the estate's closure. Residents partake in small-scale commerce, including supermarkets, grocery stores, hardware outlets, gas stations, taxi services, auto repairs, and barber shops. Many commute to Georgetown for work, while some pursue agriculture or service jobs. The area benefits from proximity to the capital, supporting retail and transportation sectors. [9]