Guyanese folklore: The Bacoo

Many are familiar with the genie. That jolly fellow that lives in lamp, who grants the bearer his wishes whenever the lamp is rubbed. Or maybe Barbara Eden, who made every person wish they had their own genie in a bottle. Yes master, indeed. And then there is the not so Disney version of the genie known as the jinn or djinn who is very mischievious and vile (go and see Wishmaster) and ... yes ... evil. Well in Guyana, we have the Bacoo. Now in some parts of Guyana, some the old folks will tell you that if you happen upon any small green, closed bottles on the road or wherever, it is to your benefit to leave it alone. Why, you ask? Well, it is said that the bacoo resides in these small green bottles. A conjured spirit of sorts. Anyone foolish enough to open a green bottle that holds a bacoo pretty much gets stuck with him. And sorry mates, but that three wishes bonk doesn't fly. Now many say that the bacoo can grant its "master" their hearts desire ... mostly riches. However, the owner must see to that the bacoo is well fed with banana and milk. Some folks include honey into the deal (it depends on who and where the story is being told). The moment the bacoo, begins to feel slighted or neglected ... that's when the Disney story ends and the nightmares begin. Sort of like Paris Hilton noticing her popularity fading. The bacoo engages in wanton destruction of his master's property by breaking the windows, throwing rocks at the roof, and possibly a bit of pyromania. If you own poultry, as do many folks in Guyana do, the bacoo snacks on your poultry. In simple words, if he doesn't get his way he'll make your life a living hell. Hmmm, does sound a bit like Paris. Now some claim that by luring the bacoo back into a bottle and locking it is one way to get rid of the bacoo. I'm assuming it possible to lure him with a banana and milk mash. Who knows. Fact is I've never seen any or heard any bacoos. I have come across my share of corked green bottles lying in the middle of street, but since curiousity can kill the cat, I left them and kept going. We've all seen what happens to folks that go into dark rooms to "investigate" in those slasher flicks now, haven't we? So there.
Now some claim that they've heard bacoos attack people houses. Most of the time it was always that mean person on the street that seem wealthy and has been rumoured to have a bacoo in his employ. But then most mean people do get there house stoned at one time or the other. It is a universal, unwritten law that most kids invoke. If neighbour is too mean, than stone his house at night and conceal yourself. Man in green bottle, I doubt. Precocious little kids, maybe. And we've all done our bit.