Explore Guyana 2022 by AMS Guyana

EXPLORE GUYANA 2022

The Official Tourist Guide of Guyana 2022

CONTENTS Guyana, South America. Undiscovered

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME

Our Trek through the Jungle

In the Footsteps of the Great Explorers of Guyana

An Unexpected Getaway - Adel’s Resort

Ian Craddock

Impressions of a Newbie

The Barima Mora Passage

The Rupununi - What a Sweet Place to Be

Malcolm Chan-A-Sue

Explore Guyana in and out of the Boardroom

Wichabai - What a Magical Experience!

My Trip to Guyana The Lure of Adventure and the Majestic Kaieteur Falls

A Fishing Experience Like No Other on the Essequibo River

Odyssey across the Three Guianas Come Find Us! Birds of Guyana

Credits and Editorial

Welcome - President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

North to South - Guyana is the Epitome of Effervesence!

Community Tourism - In the Villages of Our Indigenous Peoples

Welcome - Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

Guyana is Open for Investment

About the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG)

Shaun McGrath - Committed to Guyana’s Tourism Development

Guyana’s Journey towards a Safe Recovery

Innovative Weddings - In Unusual Spaces and Special Places

Getting Married in Guyana

Mystical and Magical Wedding atop Mount Roraima

Think Iwokrama! A Wedding with a Difference

105 Tourism Service Providers Directory

Waikin Ranch - Your Ultimate Vacation Experience

108 Advertisers’ Index

MAPS 17

Map of Guyana

Map of Georgetown

FEATURE ARTICLES 20

The First Lady’s National Beautification Project

ABOUT GUYANA About Guyana

THAG TRAVELLER Accommodations - Georgetown & Environs / Eco-Resorts

Herdmanston Lodge

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Ft. Lauderdale

GRAND CAYMAN

Dominica

Curacao

Ogle

Explore

The Official Tourist Guide of Guyana 2022 EXPLORE GUYANA is designed and published annually for the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) in association with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) by: Advertising & Marketing Services (AMS) P.O. Box 101582, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: (011592) 225-5384

Project Coordinator: Danielle Farley

Advertising Sales: Lokesh Singh

Graphic Design: Advertising & Marketing Services Kathryn Duncan

Editorial Contributors: Lokesh Singh Andrea de Caires Salvador de Caires Annette Arjoon-Martins Anita Facundo Claire Thorne British High Commission Jane Miller US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch Photography & Video Contributors: Office of the First Lady Kenneth Shivdyal Andrea de Caires Office of the President Guyana Tourism Authority Department of Public Information (DPI) British High Commission Jane Miller US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch Wilderness Explorers Reel Guyana Leon Moore Dylan Efron Brennan Schuelke

Enjoy! Explore Guyana and our nation of six

Publisher & Editor: Lokesh Singh Tel: 1 758 484 6168 lokesh@amscaribbean.com Editorial Support Team: Andrea de Caires Salvador de Caires Oslyn Kirton

and

Anand Harrilall Nicola Balram Dr Raquel Thomas Dr Sonia Noel Robert Meyer Adventure Guianas Guyana Tourism Authority Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) Anita Facundo Anand Harrilall Nicola Balram Dr Raquel Thomas Dr Sonia Noel Fran Pires Margaret Chan-A-Sue Robert Meyer Adventure Guianas My Dream Wedding Alicia Morgan Gerry Perreira Visit Guyana

Front Cover Photo: Brennan Schuelke On the Cover: A group of Jungle Trekkers and Arecuna Guides celebrate their discovery of the stunningly beautiful Uchi Falls – a hidden gem with a single drop of 701 Ft. located in the Paruima Village District, Region 7. © Copyright 2022. Reproduction of any material without the permission of AMS is strictly prohibited. AMS and THAG wish to express sincere thanks and appreciation to all parties who have assisted in making this publication a reality.

people warmly welcome you to beautiful Guyana - the land of many waters! Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, we trust that you will find time to unwind, explore and enjoy Guyana. Experience the capital city of Georgetown with its rich colonial British and Dutch built heritage, visit the imposing St. George’s Cathedral, dine at the many fine restaurants offering international and local cuisine. Indulge in shopping for signature gold jewellery, the diverse culture and entertainment and so much more. Take time to visit the iconic Kaieteur Falls and the interior regions to experience the lifestyle of our indigenous people, the lush Rupununi Savannahs, the unspoilt tropical rainforest with bountiful flora and fauna, capture amazing vistas and refresh yourselves in the cool waters of the many rivers and waterfalls. We encourage you to peruse our pages to Herdmanston Lodge Have a help you plan your time in Guyana. great stay and share the story of Undiscovered Guyana.

Lokesh Singh Publisher

WELCOME BACK TO GUYANA!

Come find us! Throughout this issue of Explore Guyana, we introduce you to 12 birds of Guyana. Look for the clues in the yellow circles and follow through to the end to experience their full reveal!

Don’t let it stop here. Come to Guyana and experience these beautiful creatures in person!

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Kaieteur Falls – the world’s tallest single drop waterfall at 741 Feet

Welcome Message His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

welcome you to Guyana, your dream tourist destination, where every step is enlivening. From the moment you arrive, we promise to make your stay memorable and pleasant.

I invite you to visit and, if you are already here, to enjoy your stay with us. You can be assured of an unforgettable time. Guyana’s tourism is defined by its superb product and by its people. Our people, friendly, warm, generous and helpful, are our finest assets. They will pamper you with our traditional and unique Guyanese hospitality. You will savour our delectable, sumptuous, and diverse cuisine which has its origins in our people’s varied backgrounds. Divine favour has smiled on our country. Guyana is a place of breath-taking natural beauty – serene beaches, lush botanical gardens, diverse flora and fauna, majestic mountain ranges, luxuriant rainforests, treacherous rapids, vast network of rivers and waterways, sprawling savannahs and magnificent waterfalls. These are complemented by secure, comfortable and clean resorts, most eco-friendly, which serve as perfect getaways from the stresses and noises of modern-day life. With you in mind we are sparing no effort in ensuring a safe and healthy environment.

Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

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Whatever your taste or interest, we have tourism offerings which will meet your every need and craving. For those with an interest in cultural heritage, our capital city, Georgetown is adorned by a number of elegant colonialstyled buildings; throughout Guyana we can also find churches, temples and mosques which attest to our people’s religious diversity and fervor.

Our many artistic expressions - dances, music, paintings, sculptures, interspersed with joyful festivals and vibrant national celebrations will also add to an enriching and totally enjoyable experience. The rustic lifestyle of communities offers an escape into a more sedate world divorced from the breakneck pace of urban life. Here you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the countryside and the daily routines of agricultural life.

We have provided tax concessions aimed at reducing domestic air travel to the hinterland. The tourism sector continues to benefit from the ongoing improvements and construction of community roads and aerodromes. A Hospitality Tourism Training Institute will be established to equip workers in the sectors with the skills needed to provide world-class standards of service.

Our indigenous peoples are mainly to be found in the hinterland. They inspire us with their sustainable practices and their knowledge of the land and its creations.

We are expanding connectivity by examining the opening of new routes and the licensing of new carriers which would bring tourists from all corners of the world.

Guyana unquestionably possesses a world-class tourism product. We are now developing a world-class tourism industry and to become a prime international destination for tourists.

We are, however, extremely diligent in ensuring strict safety standards. The safety of all is our prime concern. The pandemic had led to a contraction of arrivals but the sector is now reopening in a phased manner with safety the foremost priority. Our international airports have been reopened with strict COVID-19 prevention and containment protocols in place.

My Government is providing investors with incentives for the construction of new hotels and tourism-related businesses. Guyana is expanding its stock of hotels, lodges and resorts. Towards this end, the Government has already received expressions of interest from a number of branded international hotel chains. We expect in the short-term to add an additional 1,000 hotel rooms, and in the long-term by a further 2,000 to 3,000.

Promoting Guyana at Dubai World Expo

Explore Guyana magazine shines the spotlight on Guyana’s diverse and splendid tourism product. This year the magazine focuses not only on new additions to our tourism services but also assuring tourists of the precautionary measures which stakeholders are taking to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and exciting experience.

Ground breaking of new Marriott Courtyard Hotel

CPL Cricket at Guyana National Stadium

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Minister Walrond kayaking at the Blue Lake in Linden

Opening of Eco-Lodge at Moraikabai with British High Commissioner

Welcome Message

Hon. Oneidge Walrond Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

ongratulations to the publishers of the Explore Guyana magazine on the publication of the 2022 edition. We must continue to share with our readers, the positive strides Guyana has made towards the recovery of the tourism sector. It is also imperative that we let the world know that our country has established health and safety protocols to keep visitors and workers within the tourism sector safe. The pandemic has undoubtedly been a difficult time for the global tourism industry. However, with the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccines and prudent management, tourism sectors in various countries have begun to emerge from the stranglehold of the Corona Virus. In Guyana, we are aware that unprecedented times such as these call for innovation, creativity, and determination. So, we used the downtime of the pandemic to achieve two targets. First, we wanted to lay the foundation for safe travel throughout the country. Against this backdrop, our government invested millions of dollars in the distribution of sanitization supplies throughout the sector, including many of our indigenous communities. Throughout this period, we have also been actively involved in providing training for our tourism stakeholders. The government also utilized this pandemic period to further enhance our tourism packages. We have launched several new experiential products, and all the regions across our beautiful country now have exciting

attractions to offer you. As Minister, I am happy to report that Destination Guyana is now more diverse than the pre-pandemic period. Further, several internationally branded hotels have begun construction in Guyana. This development will add approximately 1,000 high-quality rooms in and around the capital, Georgetown. Our vision is that Guyana will be able to provide various tiers of accommodation across the country. The addition of these rooms also means that Guyana has a greater capacity to host larger sporting and business events. Specifically, in terms of our COVID-19 response, the government continues to provide vaccination for all residents. Almost 50% of our population has received at least one dose of a vaccine, and I am optimistic this figure will increase significantly over the short term. My message to you is that Guyana remains an exciting destination for tourism. While the global spotlight has been placed on our country because of our new oil production status, there is much more to this fascinating country. As you browse this magazine, I am sure you will be captivated by the majestic beauty of our country and the diversity of our food and culture. Now you can rest assured that there are adequate systems here to keep you safe. I invite you to partake of what Guyana has on offer as you do your part in conforming to the health guidelines. Be safe.

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OUR EXECUTIVES

About the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) was established on January 6, 1992 by individual operators working in the industry. THAG is a member of the Private Sector Commission and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association. Initially, called the Tourism Association of Guyana, the Association evolved into Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana in recognition of the magnitude of the industry. It is the umbrella body of all tourism related restauranteurs, tour operators, travel agents, accommodation providers, transportation services and community based tourism providers among others. THAG has pursued a partnership with the Government of Guyana in the development and expansion of various aspects of the tourism industry; generic marketing, training and development; positioning individual members locally, regionally and internationally to operate with the highest standards in the industry.

President Mr Harrinand Persaud MBA, Chief Financial & Marketing Officer King’s Jewellery World

Vice President Mr Kenneth Shivdyal, Destination Development Manager Wilderness Explorers

Ms Oslyn Kirton Executive Director (Ag.) THAG

Treasurer Mrs Camille Boodhoo Managing Director Old Fort Tours & Angellina’s Travel

Mr Eduardo Reple General Manager Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown

Mr Victor Pires Managing Director Bullseye Investments

Mr Dane Gobin Chief Executive Officer Iwokrama

Ms Zena Bone Owner Adel’s Rainforest Resort

THAG is headed by an Executive Board comprising a President, Vice President, Treasurer and four Committee Members. The Secretariat is headed by an Executive Director whose responsibility is the day to day management of the Association. THAG’s other permanent staff is the Executive Officer. THAG has formed invaluable alliances with varying stakeholder groups for the enhancement of Guyana’s cultural, social, built and natural environment as a tourism destination. Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana Private Sector Commission Building 157 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana, South America. Tel: (592) 225 0807, 225 0817 Email: secretariat@thag.co Website: www.thag.co Subsidiaries: Explore Guyana Magazine: www.exploreguyana.org Guyana Restaurant Week : www.guyanarestaurantweek.com THAG Tourism Development Fund: https://www.thag.co/tdf Facebook: Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Guyana Restaurant Week Instagram: Guyana Restaurant Week

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Guyana’s Journey towards a

Safe Recovery Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing is abundantly clear, the demand for travel and tourism will continue to grow until it can be met and destination health and sanitation is the new norm and the standard by which travel decisions are made. With vast open, pristine rainforests and savannahs, Guyana’s tourism product is uniquely positioned to be one of the safest destinations given travellers’ continuous concerns. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) and the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has implemented a collaborative, coordinated approach to ensure that Guyana’s tourism and hospitality sector safely reopens and maintains its top spot as a sustainable tourism destination. The tourism sector has shown commendable strength and patience during this time, which will undoubtedly contribute to the strength of Destination Guyana as it works to maintain its palace on an international scale. It is important, however, that we continue to strive to maintain the standards that have been developed and adhered to if we are to combat the fight against COVID-19 and regain some semblance of normalcy. The GTA has been stringent with its approach.

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Training & Capacity Building Support Extensive training and capacity building opportunities in priority areas such as Hygiene & Sanitation and First Aid & CPR are continuously provided to those tourismfocused communities, tour guides/tour operators as well as tourism establishments to prepare them to adequately yet safely host travellers. Technical reviews of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), to ensure that the recommended Hygiene & Sanitation protocols are implemented, on-site inspections and supplying sanitation products n and signage are also a part of the GTA’s support efforts for the sector.

Delivering COVID-19 Support Packages to St.Cuthbert’s Mission

As a result of the collaborative efforts and intervention between the GTA, THAG and the NCTF, there has been the implementation of a 2-step process for tourism businesses to reopen: ● Submission of Business’s written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to the GTA for a desk review. ● On-site inspection of Businesses to verify the implementation of the SOPs and approval by the GTA.

First aid and CPR training

The GTA as part of its monitoring role requires businesses to develop written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and conducts inspections both randomly and at the request of businesses that have already made the adjustments and are ready to reopen. These on-site inspections are conducted by the GTA team with a representative from the National COVID task Force or the Ministry of Health. Given the Authority’s current role and procedure, a separate inspection by the Ministry of Health is not required for the reopening of tourism businesses. It is noteworthy to mention that the conditional approval process and the subsequent listing of tourism as an essential service would not have been possible without the partnership with the National COVID-19 Taskforce.

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Conditionally Approved Tourism Businesses Currently, forty-seven (47) tourism businesses have received their conditional approvals for reopening which is tied to the National COVID-19 measures and GTA’s recommended protocols. These conditionally approved businesses are reminded to maintain the protocols as outlined by the Guyana Tourism Authority and the National Gazetted measures. Failure to adhere to these measures will result in the revocation of the conditional approval tied to the COVID-19 measures. In addition to training and capacity-building support, the GTA also provides tourism-focused communities with the recommended hygiene and sanitation packages to aid in their recovery process.

Marketing Campaigns The GTA has a “Safe for Travel” marketing campaign tied to the conditional reopening of tourism businesses under the GTA’s mandate to ensure that there is increased awareness and a drive for bookings as the sector safely reopens. Tourism businesses that have been granted conditional approvals for reopening have been benefiting from increased social media presence by the GTA, as well as media interview opportunities. These interviews provide a platform for the businesses to guide listeners and viewers through any new policies and guidelines that they should be aware of, as well as the implemented hygiene and sanitation protocols when visiting your establishment. Examples of the ‘Safe for Travel’ social media presence

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Safe Lodges, Safe Guests, Safe Communities Project, Ecotourism App In a project funded by the Inter-American Development Bank - DAI, in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority, and Wilderness Explorers have embarked on the development of an eco-tourism app that will serve as a primary tool for researching tourism in Guyana following the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a system designed for the implementation, communication and certification of compliance of health and safety protocols, which will safeguard eco-lodge employees, host communities and ecotourism visitors, this app will facilitate and support the resumption of ecotourism activities and associated livelihood opportunities on which host communities depend. This application was successfully launched in November 2021. Through its messaging, the GTA will continue to advocate for safe travel to and within Guyana and promote those businesses that are in keeping with the GTA’s as well as the Ministry of Health and NCTF guidelines. Reinforcing the importance of being fully vaccinated is also an area that the GTA will continue to support as it works with the NCTF and the Ministry of Health. It is important that we achieve herd immunity (90%) to increase the safety mechanisms put in place to welcome travellers, and by extension, keep Guyana safe for its people.

For further information contact:

We are confident that based on GTA’s systems to assess the state of readiness of a business to reopen, the commitment by businesses to protect the health and well being of their staff, communities in which they operate and the traveller, and with vast open spaces, no crowds and small group sizes... travel in Guyana can be and is being done in a safe way. This is exactly what will help to position Guyana as a Safe travel destination.

Hon. Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce at the official launch of the “Beyond Tourism: Safe Lodges, Safe Guests and Safe Communities” project, hosted by the Guyana Tourism Authority in collaboration with DAI Global, IDB Lab and Wilderness Explorers in December 2021.

Download the App!

The apps will help officials safeguard eco-lodge employees, host communities and visitors in the region’s eco-tourism circuit during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are FREE for download from the Google Play Store, etc..... (this caption needs to be shortened..)

Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) National Exhibition Centre Sophia, Georgetown, GUYANA Tel: +592 219 0096 – 96 Fax: +592 219 0093 Email: info@guyanatourism.com Website: www.guyanatourism.com

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Map of Georgetown Map Mapof ofGeorgetown Georgetown

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National Beautification Project W

OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY

Article prepared for: Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana 18 January 2022

The National Beautification Project

What generations of Guyanese have only heard of is undoubtedly becoming a reality in this tiny space we call home. The advent of oil has allowed Guyana to emerge on the international scene, shattering GDP growth records and amplifying the richness of its diversity. With hat this level of unprecedented attention due to theonly exploitation generations of Guyanese have heard ofof‘Black is Gold,’ it is critically important for this South American state to protect its environmental credentials which has undoubtedly becoming a reality in this tiny space commanded the respect of the international community.

First Lady H.E. Arya Ali

we call home. The advent of oil has allowed Guyana With this level of unprecedented attention due to the At the same time, tourists exploring these 83,000 square miles must delight in a safe, clean and toaesthetically emerge on the environment. international scene, shattering GDP pleasing exploitation of ‘Black Gold,’ it is critically important for growth records and amplifying the richness of its this South state to protect its environmental It was out of a recognition of these developments that the First Lady, Her Excellency Arya American Ali, conceived the idea of the National Beautification Project – with a specific focus on diversity. credentials which has commanded the respect of the environmental sustainability and scenic revitalization.

international community.

“Environmental sustainability within the context of development must ensure that a stable relationship exists between human activities and the natural world, so that the quality of life for future generations is not diminished,” Mrs Ali shared. At the same

time, tourists exploring these 83,000 Her strategy was simple: to introduce a project which would help to safeguardsquare the scenicmiles must delight in a safe, clean and qualities of Guyana’s roadways, urban spaces, and countryside while simultaneously creating a aesthetically pleasing environment. more environmentally-friendly society.

Scenic revitalization can both motivate and accelerate community renewal and reinvestment as It was of a recognition of these developments part of a larger economic development or master plan. And so to guide the work of her out project, the First Lady relied on five principles of Scenic Conservation. that the First Lady, Her Excellency Arya Ali, conceived

the idea of the National Beautification Project – with a specific focus on environmental sustainability and scenic revitalization.

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Proposed redevelopment of the Georgetown Seawall Bandstand

Her strategy was simple: to introduce a project which would help to safeguard the scenic qualities of Guyana’s roadways, urban spaces, and countryside while simultaneously creating a more environmentallyfriendly society. Scenic revitalization can both motivate and accelerate community renewal and reinvestment as part of a larger economic development or master plan. And so to guide the work of her project, the First Lady relied on five principles of Scenic Conservation.

Redevelopment works are also currently ongoing at the famous Georgetown Seawall Bandstand where a modern fifteen-unit food court is being built. An elaborate promenade and a sanitary facility are simultaneously being erected, while the Bandstand has benefited from restorative works and the tarmac will soon be resurfaced. Once completed, live cultural performances will return to this tourist hotspot.

The first was to ensure retention of the distinctive character of Guyana’s cities, towns, and communities as beautiful places in which to live and work; and the conservation of agricultural land and open spaces. In keeping with this, open spaces have been identified for the creation of eco-friendly (green) parks in each of the ten administrative regions. Works are currently underway at Tuschen on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) to create the model eco-park which will house a multi-purpose complex. That complex will facilitate technical and vocational training for special interest groups such as persons with disabilities.

Inspection of works on proposed eco-park, WCD

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The First Lady participating in a beach clean-up exercise

Proposed waterfront park at La Jalousie, WCD

Also on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), another child-friendly waterfront park is being developed at La Jalousie. This will serve as a recreational space for families of neighbouring communities. The second principle which is being relied on is the protection and regulation of scenic resources. This is being achieved through the introduction of a national tree-planting exercise targeting all available public spaces. This exercise commenced in 2021 through a partnership with the National Agricultural Research and Extension institute (NAREI). The regulation and monitoring of any form of unlawful intrusion on the landscape or community appearance

Proposed redevelopment of the promenade

of public spaces is also an area of focus. To address this, an ongoing country-wide clean-up campaign led by government authorities, the private sector and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) was introduced recently. Educating citizens about the value of scenic conservation and the importance of environmentallyfriendly lifestyles is the fourth principle of scenic conservation which the First Lady will utilize to create a change in culture. This will be done through a public awareness campaign which will be launched later this year in partnership with the Ministries of Education, and Local Government and Regional Development. Finally, the First Lady believes that business, industry, civic and professional organizations must be actively and routinely engaged in the push for a more scenic Guyana. Through this, she hopes to establish a permanent link between business and tourism development. “The vision is an ambitious one. But we are no longer the little Guyana that the superpowers didn’t notice. We are now on the big stage competing with big players and so our thinking and our vision need to be big,” she added.

For further information contact: Office of the First Lady State House, Main Street, Georgetown. T: 592-225-3957 Email: officeofthefirstlady@op.gov.gy

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Our Trek through the Jungle Ascending plateaus, conquering rivers, chasing waterfalls By: Anita Facundo Photos: Dylan Efron, Brennen Schuelke and Anita Facundo Travelling on the Kamarang River

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Kamarang Falls on the Kamarang River as it plunges off of the Pakaraima escarpment in an isolated southwestern corner of Guyana.

Enjoying vacquero country

If you asked me 2 months ago what I thought of Guyana, I would have given you a blank stare. I wasn’t even able to point it out on a map! Now, all I can say is – if you get the opportunity, GO TO Guyana! It is by far the most unspoiled and primitive country that I have ever experienced.

lying into Guyana from the US, we had no idea what to expect. Dylan (Efron), Brennen (Schuelke) and I had put complete trust into our local Elsewhere guides to create a unique experience for us. Our asks included an off-the-grid adventure, and a taste of local culture with a focus on conservation and sustainability. As a result, our 10 days in Guyana would consist of two main itineraries; hiking in the jungle with the Indigenous community of Paruima (a huntergatherer Arceuna settlement nestled along the bank of the Kamarang river) and exploring the Rupununi region with local vaqueros (cowboys!). Our journey to the jungle started with a couple unexpected changes in transportation plans, but it immediately paid off. Due to recent rainfall, we weren’t able to fly into Paruima so we re-routed our flight to Kamarang and then jumped into a speedboat that took us up Kamarang river (Now I get why Guyana is referred to as “the land of many waters!”). Our 3-hour detour quickly turned into a scenic boat ride accompanied by vibrant macaws soaring above us. By the time we arrived in Paruima, we were buzzing and extremely intrigued—our adventure finally felt real! We were on our way, venturing deep into the dense jungle to ascend Guyana’s plateaus to experience the incredible Kamarang Falls and Uchi Falls. Oh yeah, and this is all on foot.

Quick side note - my very first impression of Paruima was “wow, their lawns are IMPECCABLE!”. I was blown away with how well-kept this community was—not a piece of garbage in sight! This impression was a sincere reflection of the incredible care and tenacious work ethic that we would experience over the next couple of days.

Our trek into the jungle was itchy, muddy, wet, and exhausting. Our feet were achy and blistery from walking in gumboots, all while covered in bug bites. Our hands were swollen (we think from the bugs?), sun-burnt and covered in dirt. But the rewards of the trek into the jungle made any discomfort worthwhile. Around every corner came a new surprise – whether being presented by our guides with a new fruit to taste, a native bird or animal species to observe, or a new breathtaking view to take in.

Chasing rainbows

Enjoying homemade Kasiri

From dangling our feet off the top of Kamarang Falls to drinking homemade Kasiri with local farmers (a fermented alcoholic drink made out of Cassava that we LOVED!), we experienced so many unforgettable moments. A couple other highlights were playing UNO while the sun set behind us, chasing rainbows (literally!) across the plateaus and bathing in natural

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infinity pools. A personal favorite was simply learning the ways of the Arecuna - like which plants would help settle upset stomachs (which we fortunately never had to deal with!) or the local way to catch fish (which is incredibly clever). It was inspiring to observe how the Arecuna can live so sustainably off the land that surrounds them. On our last day in the jungle, our goal was make our way down the plateau, hike to Uchi Falls, and then take a tiny inflatable boat for 3-4 hours back to Paruima. The catch was we had to make it back before sunset as it was the first day of Sabbath. As soon as the sun set, we would have to stop and set up camp wherever we were at the time. Up until this point, we never once had to look at our watches, so the pressure was on!

into our rafts and started the 3-4 hour journey back to Paruima. We rafted through rainstorm after rainstorm, all the while getting tossed around by the rapids. Towards the end of the journey, I looked back and saw that one of our porters had capsized!! All I could see was the little boat floating upside down, his head bobbing up and down and garbage bags carrying our belongings floating away in all directions. Fortunately within a matter of minutes, we were able to retrieve our bags, secure the boat and get our porter safely back onto his raft. We made it back to Paruima just 15 minutes before sunset - SWEET RELIEF! Our guides and porters from Paruima, led by Eleo, were incredibly caring, generous, well prepared, and full of local knowledge. From serving us hot coffee in our hammocks to constantly feeding us wild fruits from the jungle (Pacay was our favourite), we were given the 5-star jungle treatment! The Arecuna are not only extremely hardworking and motivated people, but they are welcoming, kind and warm (and their English was perfect!).

The incredible Uchi Falls!

A couple hours later, we made it to the incredible Uchi Falls. While we could’ve spent a couple hours here, time was ticking and we still had a big trek ahead of us. We scarfed down our lunches, put our muddy gumboots back on, and off we went. Moments later we piled

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Trekking through the jungle with our Arecuna guides

Crafting with an elderly Arecuna woman

In the short time that I spent travelling throughout Guyana, I got to experience two vastly different environments – the rugged jungle & the stunning savannah. I left Guyana with a full heart, a full belly and thousands of GoPro photos and videos. This little country that I knew nothing about just months before, now suddenly holds a very special place in my heart.

The people, the sights, the blend of cultures—Guyana is a uniquely beautiful destination, full of surprises. I can’t wait to come back. I would recommend Guyana in a heartbeat for anyone seeking a true off-the-beaten path, un-plugged, gowith-the-flow adventure. If you can handle a couple bug bites, surprise rain showers, and dirt under your nails, you will find travelling throughout Guyana extremely rewarding. I promise you, it is worth it. Massive thank you to GoPro & Elsewhere for creating this incredible adventure!

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In the Footsteps of

Great Explorers of Guyana by Claire Thorne, Wilderness Explorers

Howler monkey

Geographically at the crossroads of the Caribbean and Central and South America, Guyana has long attracted explorers, scientists, naturalists, writers and intrepid travellers. First populated by nomadic Asian people maybe 35,000 years ago who slowly worked their way through North and Central America, the early peoples of Guyana were many different Amerindian groups who lived in small communities throughout the country. When Christopher Colombus made his first sighting of Guyana during his third voyage to the Americas in 1498 the main tribes were loosely-divided between the bellicose Caribs in the interior and the peaceful Arawaks who were easier to conquer. Another notable explorer drawn to Guyana was Sir Walter Raleigh who wrote ‘’The Discoverie of Guyana” from a European’s perspective after his expedition to the region in 1592 in search of El Dorado, just before the Dutch became the first Europeans to settle there in the early 17th 32

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century. In the early 19th century, the pioneering British naturalist and explorer Charles Waterton put Guyana on the natural history map in his important book ‘’Wanderings in Waterton’s South America’’ which in turn inspired Charles Darwin, Alfred Wallace, Gerald Durrell and Sir David Attenborough who filmed the Zoo Quest series in 1955 at the start of his TV naturalist career. Since then many other international filmmakers, presenters, writers and philanthropists such as Werner Herzog, Gordon Ramsay and Stan Brock have been inspired by the

remote rawness and richness of Guyana’s wildlife, scenery, cultural heritage, cuisine and indigenous communities.

Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay with Guyana’s Chef Delvin Adams

Photographer capturing the stunning Kaieteur Falls

Travel to Kaieteur Falls or the highlands around Mount Roraima in search of ancient landscapes reminiscent of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Lost World which loosely inspired Edgar Rice Burrough’s “The Land That Time Forgot” and Michael Crichton’s “Jurassic Park” and “The Lost World” novels. Or go south to the vast Rupununi savannahs described by Evelyn Waugh as “empty plain; sparse, colourless grass; anthills; sandpaper trees, an occasional clump of ragged palm” in 92 Days, a slim autobiographical memoir of his time in Guyana which in turn inspired his classic novel, A Handful of Dust. Visitors today can still meet descendants of the larger than life characters that Waugh met during his journeys in Guyana. In more recent times,

Expedition travelling on the Mapari River

Colonel John Blashford-Snell, head of the Scientific Exploration Society, famously delivered a grand piano to the remote Wai Wai tribe in southern Guyana and returned a couple of years later with some piano-tuners. John Gimlette’s excellent ‘Wild Coast - Travel’s on South America’s Untamed Edge’

describes beautifully the 900 miles of muddy coastline and across the three Guianas and some of its rickety coastal towns, behind which the dense green interior and dark waterways hide species unknown to science and land disputes are often settled with Elizabethan maps.

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Historic ruins of Fort Zeelandia, Essequibo

Self-contained cabins at Rewa Eco- Lodge

Bird Watching at the Canopy Walkway, Iwokrama Rainforest

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Of course, the country’s vibrant capital, vast hinterland, rich indigenous culture and complex history, shaped by colonialism, immigration, slavery, sugar and now oil have inspired countless Guyanese writers, explorers and adventurers to pen award-winning novels, poems, documentaries and films. Edgar Mittelholzer, Wilson Harris, Sharon Maas, Pauline Melville, Martin Carter and Ian McDonald to name a few have written powerfully about the geographical, historical and political landscape of Guyana which has been a truly well-kept secret for so long but now attracts the attention of travellers, filmmakers and conservationists from far and wide. For those who want to follow in the footsteps of these great explorers, soldiers and writers, Guyana has plenty of gung-ho experiences to offer. Choices include self-drive itineraries for experienced 4x4 drivers, river and camping expeditions into pristine areas such as the Mapari River with one of Guyana’s most

Vaqueros on the Rupununi Plains River canoeing

famous river guides, expeditionary canoe trips and survival courses with Amerindian guides, treks up mountains and river gorges in search of some of South America’s most beautiful yet untouched waterfalls and horseback expeditions in the savannahs, accompanied by barefoot vacqueros. Photography, birding and sports-fishing expeditions by river far away from the lodges, staying in hammock camps along the way, offer some of the best wildlifeopportunities in the Guiana Shield, making it a haven for natural history film crews and nature lovers.

Jaguar on the prowl

Contact Wilderness Explorers to follow the footsteps of one of the great characters that have been inspired and explored Guyana. Email: info@wilderness-explorers.com Telephone: +(592) 226-2085 Duty Manager: +(592) 624-2225 WhatsApp: +(592) 624-2225 Skype: Wildernessguyana

Boating on the river

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Impressions

of a Newbie

By:

Jane Miller, OBE

British High Commissioner to Guyana

We have now been living in Georgetown for just over 2 months and we love it! As a ‘Newbie’ to the country our short time here has been nothing but busy and exciting. When I applied to work here, someone told me, ‘the people of Guyana love to party’. And it is so true. Everywhere we have been, people have been incredibly warm and welcoming; with an immense pride in the beauty of their country, its food and of course its rum. Georgetown is a bustling small city with a mix of wonderful old colonial wooden architecture, some stunning and others having seen better days. Then between them are some very modern glitzy buildings, which are more what you would expect in Dubai than the Caribbean. It feels like a city that is in the midst of massive change. All around the city, building is happening – new roads, new offices, new homes – and this reflects the rapid economic growth the country is experiencing since the discovery of oil.

I am so happy to be here at this exciting time in the country’s history.

Horse riding in the Rupununi

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Sitting on Guyana’s seawall

My city highlights so far have been the Stabroek Market, St. George’s Cathedral and the Sea Wall. The Stabroek Market was built in 1881 and is a place full of energy, colour and noise with market traders and buses rushing off around the country. Its iconic red and white design make is stand out, and the tower overlooks the city as well as the port. St. George’s Cathedral has recently been renovated – and stands white, tall and proud in the centre of the city. It is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. When inside, one direction is traditional gothic style with beautiful old stained glass windows – the other direction is modern with bright purple and yellow windows streaming light into the church. Personally, I love this weird juxtaposition of the modern and ancient.

Local produce in stock at the Stabroek market

The Sea Wall – a place where the Guyanese love to ‘lime’ – ie. hang out, eat and drink. The Sea Wall is an incredible 280 mile sea defence running along its Atlantic Coast– and a great place to catch the sea air, watch the sunset or just relax with a beer and street food. It is an awe-inspiring structure when you remember the city is 6 feet below sea level. On the western end is the Bandstand, built in 1903 as a memorial to Queen Victoria. A reminder of Britain’s long relationship with Guyana. But remember, my early impressions are coloured by the Covid pandemic. The city is known as ‘The garden city of the Caribbean’ but many parks remain closed to prevent people from gathering to ‘lime’ and party! But the National Park remains open with an attraction of feeding grass to manatees – or sea cows. I can’t wait for the gardens to all open up as the bird life is apparently incredible. As the sun sets every night, I love it as the squawking parrots fly over our home. Therefore, in Georgetown, instead of sundowners – we have parrot time! Guyanese food is a real fusion - Caribbean, Indian, African, European and American. In Georgetown, there is a mix of everything from up-market restaurants to street food and a huge range in-between. There is fast food almost everywhere – from fried chicken to pizza – but there are also good restaurants and cafés all over the city.

With Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine at the St. George’s Cathedral

Sampling local cuisine

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Enjoying dinner at Chef Delvin’s Backyard Café

With Minister of Tourism , Hon. Oneidge Waldron, extracting cassareep from cassava, in Moraikobai

With Mayor Narine, enjoying coconut water in Georgteown

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One of my favourite restaurants is the Back Yard Café – literally in a wonderfully converted back yard – and run by an amazingly charismatic local celebrity chef – Delvin Adams. Eating with him is more like an event than just a meal out. He is a highly skilled chef and brings to life Guyana’s wonderful array of fruits, vegetables and traditional Guyanese dishes. Most of the hotels have good restaurants and we have had a number of excellent meals at the Marriot but my favourite has been Cara Lodge – an historic building with loads of character and great food. Other places we have loved are some old Guyanese favourites – Nicky’s for fish and chips – and German’s for soup (which is definitely more a meal than a starter). But across the city we have had great Indian, Chinese and Mexican. The Guyanese traditional dish is their Pepper Pot – described to me as their ‘pride and joy’ – a dark, sweet meat stew eaten with bread. It is rich and amazing. The magic ingredient is Cassareep an extract from the bitter cassava. Definitely worth a try. Traditionally, it is eaten at Christmas and is a breakfast food. The other major Guyanese speciality is Garlic Pork – a very slow cooked dish that is apparently amazing – but still on my list of things to do.

Street foods are definitely worth tasting and I am addicted to plantain chips with mango sour. One thing I have loved has been the markets – bursting with colour, smells and sounds. The range of fruits and vegetables blew me away. I toured the market with Delvin, the celebrity chef, who let us taste the fruits, drink coconut water and eat bake and salt fish in one of the market food stalls. There are also wonderful traditional medicine stalls that can cure anything from cancer to business problems. And everywhere around Guyana you can get coconut water – best if drunk fresh from the shell – and even better with a dash of rum.

You have not been to Guyana if you have only spent your time in Georgetown. Outside of the city, the pace slows down and is an ecologists dream. Over 80% of the country is virgin rainforest and this really hits you from the air, when in every direction, all you can see is trees. Interspersed are rivers and waterfalls – and thus the county is known as ‘the land of many waters’. The hinterlands are sparsely populated and as you head South opens up into the wide Rupununi savannah, famous for its cattle ranches and rodeos. What we have loved has been meandering down rivers watching the birds and monkeys and swimming in the ‘black’ water. In fact, while it looks black, the water is actually tea coloured and created by the infusion of leaves along the course of the river. Eco tourism is really taking off in Guyana – and we have loved experiencing Amerindian culture – with the goal of the cash helping to sustain local communities and discouraging illegal logging and mining.

Kayaking at Arrow Point Nature Resort

We still have so much to see. Guyana is an amazing holiday destination for those who enjoy exploring or love wildlife – Guyana has unique biodiversity and is a holiday of a lifetime. We have yet to see the world famous Kaieteur Falls – the highest single drop waterfall in the world – or go fishing for piranha – or meet a jaguar, sloth or giant anteater. I also can’t wait to go to Shell beach to see the turtles or visit Mount Roraima, the setting for Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel The Lost World.

Howler monkeys spotted on one of the river tours

We certainly have exciting years ahead of us here in beautiful Guyana and the only Englishspeaking country in South America. We encourage you to visit this undiscovered gem on the coast of South America surrounded by Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela as its neighbours.

Target practice with bow and arrow

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The Barima Mora Passage

Sustainable Living in Guyana’s Largest and Most Intact Mangrove Ecosystems g Low Carbon Guyana’s groundbreakin (LCDS) in 2009 Development Strategy ment with Norway and its five year agree 0 million annually which provided US$5 has enhanced the for its forests services of the immense country’s global standing stems. contributions of its ecosy sent positioning as As important is its pre important countries one of the world’s most ation, to the extent for biodiversity conserv the expanded Low that it will be included in ategy in addition to Carbon Development Str e Economy. Watersheds and the Blu

By: Annette Arjoon-Martins Photos and video: Reel Guyana

mongst the country’s ecosystems and biodiversity assets are mangrove ecosystems which are also among the planet’s most important tropical Social-Ecological Systems (SES). Guyana’s largest and most intact mangrove ecosystem which falls within the Amazon eco region, are found in the Barima Mora Passage Area (BMPA) in the North Western region and spans an impressive 46,700 hectares. Comprised of a mosaic of wetlands, rivers and tidal creeks, it extends from the brackish parts of the lower Kaituma River up to the Shell Beach Protected Area (SBPA) and across to the Orinoco Delta in Venezuela. As the nucleus of the most biologically and socio-culturally diverse coastal ecosystem in Guyana it provides critical habitats and important ecological corridors for a wide range of invaluable flora and fauna. It is home to jaguars, pumas, ocelots, giant anteaters, white lipped peccaries and river otters which are listed on the IUCN’s Red List and are protected under CITES, making it a biodiversity hotspot of immense value.

Jaguar in the River”

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Warrau children in their canoe

The dynamic hydrological networks which weave through a mosaic of interconnected coastlands are linked to the Atlantic Ocean making them important nurseries for fish, crabs, shrimp and other aquatic species, on which the Warraus, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years depend on for their survival. The Warraus are one of Guyana’s nine indigenous peoples whose entire livelihoods are linked to such coastal ecosystems and their traditional lifestyle and cultural practices have remained largely intact. Guyana’s global presence as an award winning ecotourism destination, is largely due to the indigenous eco lodges in the South but there is an emerging niche research tourism destination in the North in the Warrau community of Imbetero which is found near to the Orinoco Delta which has hosted two international film production companies to date. Imbetero boasts a brand new research station which hosts national and international researchers who are placed with local community counterparts to ensure equitable partnerships. The research station is also open to visitors who are looking for an immersive cultural experience like no other. Meals from the farm straight to the table is complimented by visitors not only harvesting their own ingredients for preparation of traditional meals but also preparation of remedies which have been used by the indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Whilst most visitors are familiar with indigenous agricultural products for only their dietary value they will acquire new knowledge from the Warraus sharing their “knew knowledge” of their medicinal properties. These run the gamut from using

Warrau homesteads

Indigenous woman with her straw craft

cassava bread soaked in warm water to stop bleeding, the tincture of casareep, lemon juice and bird pepper to treat congestion to their heavy reliance on ginger and lemongrass teas during the time of the pandemic and the commercial opportunities beyond home use. Warraus are the original canoe makers and an early morning misty canoe ride up the Imbetero Creek where the only sounds are provided by nature is an unforgettable experience. The Warrau women produce some of the highest quality handicrafts in the country and a conveniently located craft shop at the entrance of the community offers beautiful items which are handmade from one hundred percent naturally harvested materials.

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CHAMPIONS OF TOURISM

Malcolm Chan-A-Sue Guyana’s Tourism has lost one of its pioneers. Malcolm Chan-a-sue was more than a famous pilot. He was also passionate about education, healthcare, environmentalism, and especially Guyana’s tourism. A true renaissance man who was interested in everything and whose knowledge was vast. But always eager for more. His work with the communities in the Rupununi is legendary. He brought doctors and nurses from abroad to treat cases that could not be handled locally, such as a cleft palate, cerebral palsy, and birth defects. He pioneered ‘medical tourism’ before any of us knew there was such a thing. He provided equipment and training for remote airstrips at Annai, Surama and Karanambu, which included backboards, splints, straps, and the first responder training so that when no doctor was available, the communities could provide the emergency medical triage until the medivac plane arrived.

He pioneered ‘medical tourism’ before any of us even knew there was such a thing provide care and education for their members with developmental disabilities. The team returned many times with donations of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and learning materials, transported by air, truck, and boat through Malcolm’s generosity. His compassion and dedication to these children and their families was fierce and passionate. Malcolm worked with international universities and colleges. He took the professors and their students into the interior to do research and explore the indigenous culture. This was yet another passion. Hundreds of students from the University of Missouri St Louis, got to know Malcolm through his collaboration with Guyanese-born Dr. Godfrey Bourne and the Ceiba Biological Centre on the Linden Highway. He ensured that hundreds of students had the opportunity to be amazed by Kaieteur Falls.

Through his connection with the Mercy Hospital and with the help of Nurse Marcian Gravesande, hundreds of people were trained in triage and were certified as emergency first responders. He never arrived emptyhanded. He provided donations of medicines to remote locations where there were lodges and tourists. During more than 15 trips to the Rupununi in 9 years, Malcolm escorted Dr. Vivian Carlson and her medical colleagues to more than 17 villages to help families

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Malcolm was an avid birder long before we knew about birding tourism. He never went out in the interior without his binoculars around his neck. Once when he was landing at the small airstrip at Karanambu, he swerved the plane at the last minute to avoid a nest of doublestripped thick knees babies on the runway. Malcolm and Margaret set up one of the first tour operations in Guyana, Torong Guyana, over thirty years ago.

Malcolm and Margaret, always inseparable, were the first to take guests to the Rupununi and introduce them to the amazing savannahs

Malcolm and Margaret

Malcolm, along with his wife of 58 years, Margaret, were among the founding members of THAG in 1992. As a couple, they were a force to contend with! They were strong advocates for the development of tourism, an industry they were among the first to pioneer. Malcolm and Margaret, always inseparable, were the first to take guests to the Rupununi and introduce them to the amazing savannahs. In 2012 they were awarded the ‘Excellence in Service to Tourism’ award by The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana. (THAG).

THAG salutes you, Malcolm. You will be greatly missed, and your expertise, opinions, and dedication will be the gold standard for all to follow. 4

Malcolm never tooted his own horn. He never looked for awards and recognition. He did it because it was the right thing to do and never accepted no for an answer. He worked relentlessly to turn Ogle Airstrip into the Eugene F Correia international airport. EXPLORE GUYANA 2022

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Explore Guyana

in and out of the Boardroom

A destination for meetings, special events and conferences By: Nicola Balram

In recent years, the spotlight has been highlighted on Guyana. In March 2019, Guyana received one of the biggest international tourism awards it has ever received in its history - the destination was named the #1 “Best of Ecotourism” destination in the world by the Green Destination Foundation at ITB Berlin.

The Kaieteur Gorge

That same year, on December 20, Guyana announced the discovery of first oil. While these two events are big accomplishments in the respective industries, for Guyana as a nation, it helped to shine an even brighter spotlight on a country that was already positioning itself as a destination for meetings, special events and conferences. EXPLORE GUYANA 2022

Business events & conferences

Cricket tournaments

Prior to the world lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Guyana saw many international events and conferences taking place in the country. In 2017, Guyana hosted the CARICOM Chief Nurses Conference, 42nd Regional Customs Sports Tournament, Oil & Gas Conference, 35th Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean Conference, and the Inter South American Games. In May 2018, the first ever Guyana Carnival was held. This saw a 28.1% increase in visitor arrival numbers compared to May 2017. Guyana also hosted the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Meeting and ICC Women’s World Cup that year. Guyana Carnival continued in 2019 attracting even more travellers than 2018. 2019 also saw the country hosting the Guyana Lands and Survey CRIC Meeting and Caribbean Premier League (CPLT20) Cricket Tournament.

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Mashramani As the world begins to slowly and safely open for travel (business and leisure), Guyana continues to have a high investor profile. The demand side for business meetings, convention and alternative meeting spaces is growing as more and more international companies look to invest in the country. The Government of Guyana has taken note and has issued a call for 1,000 new hotel rooms to be built to cater for and position the country on the road to expanding on the meeting spaces available for same.

International hotel chains

First class conference facilities In the past year alone, this call has been oversubscribed by the local business community committing to build new five star hotel properties with modern Banquet and Conference facilities and partnering with internationally recognised hotel brands including Aiden Hotel, Best Western, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Radisson Blu and the Marriott Courtyard – to name a few. This demand will not go away any time soon as the Guyanese economy continues to grow and its presence is more demanded at Heads of 5

Birding treasures

Multicultural cuisine Government meetings, Oil and Gas and Energy conferences, and other country engagements. Guyana has since been confirmed to host the International Energy Conference and Expo in February 2022 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. This type of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism lends itself to Guyana’s nature, adventure and culturalbased tourism products. After the meetings and conferences, there are many eco-lodges, river White-bellied Piculet

side resorts, and experiences participants can add in at the end of their trip. Local companies or companies looking to set up an office in Guyana can incorporate these into their company retreats. Visit the national icon, Kaieteur Falls, go wildlife spotting and birding in the North Rupununi, try horseback riding in the South Rupununi, and learn about the indigenous way of life from some of the seemingly untouched communities. Learn how these communities protect their livelihoods through tourism and conservation. Experience the cultural melting pot of Guyana through a city tour and the local cuisine. Visit the nature resorts that line the Essequibo River – each providing a new experience and landscape to enjoy. Guyana has a lot of offer in and out of the boardroom. The country is well positioned to offer an amazing experience in both arenas. Visit www.guyanatourism s.com to learn more.

About the Author: Nicola Balram – is a former Senior Marketing Executive with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). She has travelled across the country reviewing the tourism facilities and crafting policies and strategies that help to better guide and market the Guyana tourism experience to the local and international markets.

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North to South, Guyana is the Epitome of Effervescence! r re e d n a W a m o fr s te o d c Ane

By: Anand Harrilall

’ve always discouraged foreigners from forming an opinion of Guyana based on just a visit to the capital city. Many visitors to Guyana are only in for a quick business trip or a short visit and don’t take time to see other parts of this gorgeous country. Unfortunately, some are quick to make a pronouncement on Guyana based on just a short stay in Georgetown. Georgetown is not Guyana. The city is a mere 0.03% of the landmass. Don’t get me wrong, Georgetown has its fair share of attractions whether it’s fishing along the Kingston jetty or bird watching in the botanical gardens. However, the city offers nothing but a fragment of the unmatched beauty of landscapes and the rare flora and fauna of this South American paradise.

Anand and friends fishing in the Essequibo River

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Guyana is still an undiscovered gem in the tourism community, strategically located to offer connections to the Caribbean and South America; and taking the best of both – the culture and beliefs are Caribbean and the geography is all South America. The reference of Guyana as a Caribbean country has been disappointing for some visitors expecting white sand beaches and blue water. We aren’t your typical limited beach Shangri La but a destination awaiting the curious with a penchant for a myriad of outdoor adventures and culinary delights spanning North to South and East to West.

Lake Capoey, Essequibo Coast

We aren’t your typical limited beach Shangri La but a destination awaiting the curious with a penchant for a myriad of outdoor adventures and culinary delights spanning North to South and East to West I’ve been lucky enough to have travelled the length and breadth of Guyana, and experience the diversity and beauty of landscapes, people, culture and food. There are so many things to do, some requiring more time than others, whether it’s taking a drive to Berbice in the East to sample culinary delights such as Chinese food served in a brown paper bag or fried netley (small fish) or hiking the scenic Rupununi in the South. The experience varies according to administrative regions. In the North West, especially in Port Kaituma, which is a mining town, the vibes are contingent on when there’s a gold rush and the price for gold is high – there’s a guaranteed buzz of activities and merriment. The same can be said for Bartica, another town fueled by mining activities located in North Central Guyana which can be reached by road, ferry or a jet boat. Bartica has a vibrant Brazilian community which was perpetuated by Brazilian miners so it’s easy to stumble on Brazilian food and drinks. For a more peaceful and quiet time, I prefer to explore some of the indigenous communities whether it’s Shell Beach to watch the sea

Exploring the expansive #63 Beach, Berbice

turtles nest or chilling with family and friends at Capoey Lake on the Essequibo Coast. My absolute favourite part of Guyana is in the south, the Rupununi – it is this magical piece of land that is scenic and therapeutic and makes you want to forget your troubles. It’s exactly the kind of mysticism Evelyn Waugn wrote about in the 1930’s. A trip to Guyana without a visit to the Rupununi is an injustice - the savannahs against the backdrop of the Kanuku Mountain is a spectacle and is even better at sunrise or sunset.

Driving to Region 9 to hike in the Kanuku Mountain Range

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Guyana is really an explorers’ dream. My buddies and I have done numerous hikes in the Kanuku and Pakaraima mountain ranges, encountering various forms of wildlife particularly rare birds and plants. Through our safari expeditions we were able to explore many more indigenous communities and experience different cultures in the Rupununi and the Pakaraimas, sampling the infamous cassava bread and tuma pot (stewed meat) and fly (alcoholic drink from sweet potato). I was fortunate enough to spend time on two different occasions with one of our indigenous tribes, the Wai-Wai in Masakenyari, in the “deep south” of Guyana. The Wai-Wais are notorious for their exquisite jewelry from seeds of various plants and feathers of beautiful birds. Their roasted himara (fresh water fish) and bush hog (tapir) are quite a treat.

Cotton Yarn spinning in Rewa Indigenous Village

Rescuing a three-toed sloth in Rupununi

I am never bored in Guyana - the land of many waters boasts an over abundance of rivers, creeks and lakes. Naturally, a trip to a body of water is a favourite pastime for many Guyanese which is somewhat of a paradox since many persons taking these trips usually cannot swim but would immerse themselves in the shallow waters.

Anand with his first catch at Magic Pond, Apoteri

Sometimes my friends and I would spontaneously do a day or weekend trip to one of the many creeks along the Linden highway which is a mere 90 minutes outside of Georgetown. These trips are incomplete without a dip in the water, games, drinks and cooking a Guyanese favourite; cookup, metem or curry on the riverbank. For less spontaneous trips that require some amount of planning, fishing in the Canje River or Mahaica Creek is possible in a day or over multiple days. If you are adventurous enough like my crew, I certainly recommend a fishing trip, similar to one we did earlier this year in the Rupununi River. Not only for the delectable fish and the scenic views, but for the wildlife you may encounter while camping along the banks of the river at night, and the true feeling of a vacation – being totally disconnected from the outside world.

Roasting fish for dinner

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Camping with friends at Spring Creek, Linden Highway

Bull cart transporting firewood, Region 9

In the event you desire some Latin vibes, Guyana is an unassuming launching pad for South America. My friends and I have done South American trips by driving or flying from Georgetown to Lethem, the town in Guyana that borders Brazil. From there, it’s a matter of crossing the Takutu Bridge that connects both countries into the Brazilian municipality of Bonfim which offers transport to Boa Vista, the capital of Brazil’s Roraima State. In Boa Vista, we found taxis to Santa Elena de Uarien, the Venezuelan town that borders Brazil, and the launching pad for our Mount Roraima climb. On other occasions, I’ve made connections in Boa Vista to fish in the Amazon River, Leticia in Colombia and Guayaramerín in Bolivia. Other trips have taken me to the Guyana - Suriname border crossing in the East and then on to French Guiana. Apart from the more obvious tourist attractions, the land of the giants offers many fun activities such as a simple road trip. Sometimes, the drive might be inspired by the craving of a particular taste, which for me often leads to the West Coast of Demerara for the best duck curry and crab curry. Other times, it might mean connecting with a Guyanese friend to attend a jhandi (Hindu religious function) to experience seven curry (seven different vegetables and lentils with rice) served in a leaf; or a backyard lime for some barbeque and fried fish. Come with an open mind and you’d never be bored! Trust me. If you are, connect with me on insta @ anandh_g2nst or check #chroniclesofawanderer for ideas.

Duck curry cooked on a fireside at a “bottom house” lime

About the Author: Anand Harrilall is an International Development/ Private Sector Development and International Business Professional with over 20 years of experience in Canada, USA, and Caribbean markets. Anand has an affinity for travel and culture and has wandered extensively in all ten administrative regions of Guyana. He has also travelled to approximately 70 countries, sometimes just to hike a glacier or to bungee jump. EXPLORE GUYANA 2022

EXPLORE GUYANA 2022

In the Villages of Our Indigenous Peoples

n Guyana, we have a wonderful and unique Community Tourism product. When we say community, we mean that the village owns and operates the business. The village council decides how the profits from the business are to be spent to benefit the entire community. In many other parts of the world, community tourism is actually an individual who has a business. What is also unique is that everyone in the village who wants an opportunity to work is given one. There is a rotation system of one month on and one month off that affords as many villagers as possible who wish to work the chance to do so. This also allows the villagers to use their time off to work their farms and keep up their culture. In the past, there was no way of earning money in the village except for the few government jobs such as schoolteacher and health worker. In many villages, as much as 80% of the men left to work in the non-sustainable industries, such as the goldfields or the logging industry. Tourism has made it possible for families to stay together and earn a salary at home. Cassava is the staple food, and all the lodges offer the opportunity to take part in reaping and processing this important agricultural product. EXPLORE GUYANA 2022

See below a list of Community Lodges currently operational in the villages of our Indigenous Peoples.

SURAMA ECO LODGE Surama is the oldest of the community lodges. In business for over twenty years. They had no idea how to issue an invoice or figure out prices when they first started. Today, they are training other lodges on starting and running an Eco Lodge. Surama offers a variety of activities. There are the standard two and three-day packages. But then there are the jungle survival experiences for the more adventurous guests. You can go with a guide and learn to survive in the bush. You can have a guide teach you to survive in the bush. How to sleep in a hammock, how to start a fire from scratch and how to catch your own food. You can paddle up and down the Burro Burro river and make various stops along the way. It is a wonderful experience.

REWA ECO LODGE They are located where the Rewa river meets the Rupununi river in region nine. The first year Rewa received two guests. Now, many years later, you have to book well in advance to make sure you can get a cabin! The area is very rich in wildlife. They offer trips up and downriver and there are mountains to climb with spectacular views. Makarapan, the oldest mountain in South America, if not the world, is waiting to welcome you. But Rewa is known most for their catch and release sportfishing the protocols of which were developed completely based on scientific research. Twice a year, in March and November, fishermen are taken to fish for the largest scaled freshwater protected fish in the world, The Arapaima. There is also excellent peacock bass fishing or Lukananni as we call it in Guyana. All in all, it’s a wonderful experience and the food is not bad either, as Gordon Ramsey, who visited in 2020 to do his show ‘Uncharted’, can confirm. But book early, because there is always a waiting list.

UBIDI ECO LODGE Located up the Mahaicony river in the village of Morakabai in region five, this is one of the newest community lodges. It is named after the sacred cashew tree used by their ancestors for ceremonies right next to the lodge. It is a small lodge, but they have big plans to expand. You can explore the creek or the white sand savannah nearby. Once a year, they run a safari from Linden to the village for off-road vehicles. The nearby Abary conservancy offers very good fishing or just cruising around in a boat. One of their signature dishes is roasted Tacuma worm. It is not for everybody, but it is quite tasty for those who are brave enough.

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KESEE ECO LODGE It is located in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains in the village of Karasabai. A two-hour drive north of Lethem. Karasabai is on the Ireng River, forming the border between Guyana and Brazil. Their claim to fame is the stunning endangered sun parakeet. Almost wiped out by the American pet trade, this remarkable bird is protected by the villagers. Many of the guides used to be the ones catching the bird, but now they are the ones protecting this amazingly beautiful parakeet. The increased sightings of these birds, proves the success of the village’s initiative.

CAIMAN HOUSE ECO LODGE The lodge is located in the village of Yupakari in the north savannahs of the Rupununi. Caiman House offers very comfortable accommodations. There are two main ongoing projects. The Black Caiman research and the River Turtle conservation project. If you wish to accompany the researchers on an evening excursion of Caiman tagging. You go in a separate boat and join the researchers on the sandbank to help in data collection. A caiman is caught and hauled onto a sandbank and weighed, sexed and tagged. Stomach content is also examined. The research has already discovered interesting information on diet and nesting. All very exciting and should be on everyone’s bucket list.

HORO HONOCO This lodge is located in the village of Warapoka on a small creek off the Waini River in Region One. It is one of the oldest continually settled Amerindian communities. The shell mounds and petroglyphs are dated at over seven thousand years. The village is set among huge boulders that look out over the surrounding swamp and Rainforest. This is a must for birding enthusiasts with three Harpy Eagle nests close by and a newly discovered Agami Heron rookery. Just down the river, there is wonderful Tarpon fishing in Luri creek. Enjoy breakfast on the verandah at sunrise, the flocks of birds going by is truly a wonderful experience. This is a Warrau community and well worth a visit.

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GUYANA IS OPEN FOR INVESTMENT We are accelerating its development Our country is ripe for both local and foreign investment; our future has arrived. We welcome all investors including Guyanese to invest in Guyana as we move rapidly on an upward development trajectory. Our Guyanese population is an important source of investment and can significantly contribute to the future of Guyana. We must raise our sights in order to grow with the new Guyana. Guyana is considered the most attractive investment destination in South America and the Caribbean with immense opportunities and equal treatment for local and foreign investors to include the Guyanese Diaspora.

In His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s inaugural speech in the National Assembly on 12th February, 2021, the President outlined his Government’s aggressive economic development plans and programmes for the next five years with key areas being energy, infrastructure transformation, technology, social services, human resources and the macroeconomic framework to complement massive private sector investments across the country. At Expo 2020 Dubai, President Ali stated: “Guyana is the most resource-rich country in the English-speaking Caribbean. If we speak about world food production, environmental services, world-class eco-tourism, freshwater potential, mining opportunities, research and development, human transformation, health and educational services, I assure you Guyana will be an important part of that conversation.” Not only will we work to expand our emerging sectors, but it will be vital for us to modernize our known industries with the aim of becoming more efficient and competitive throughout the region. Guyana is an excellent jurisdiction for both local and foreign investors with a vision and capacity to deliver. It is well known globally as a business-friendly destination with vast lands for agriculture, natural resources, a young, educated, English-speaking population; stable

and open financial markets; investment protection under the law. We also offer a suite of attractive incentives and protections ranging from Exemption from Custom Duty on most plant machinery and equipment, zero-rate of ValueAdded-Tax on exports, and most importantly, full and unrestricted repatriation of capital, profits, and dividends.

A Robust Infrastructure and National Projects Plan Guyana’s growing economy and national infrastructure boom will benefit its regional partners, Guyana and Brazil will benefit from a long-planned road and increased bilateral trade. The construction of the Corentyne River bridge, will link Suriname and Guyana, and will radically enhance Guyana’s investment portfolio.

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With oil discoveries offshore Guyana of an estimated 11 billion plus oil-equivalent barrels, makes it one of the most significant global finds in recent years. These deposits occur in the Guyana Basin which covers the entire coastal region and extends 150 km out into the Atlantic Ocean. With the development of Guyana’s embryonic energy sector, a plethora of opportunities are anticipated to emerge over the years – with Guyanese businesses capitalizing to form strategic partnerships – a mixture of both local and foreign companies to provide support services to the offshore drilling companies and other oil and gas-related ventures. In essence, the government and the local private sector are collaborating to build institutional capacity, develop the relevant skills and requisite competence to capitalize on the vast array of investment opportunities.

Tourism – Renewing the Dream “Our Support to cultural development and the creative industry will be critically linked to our Tourism and Hospitality sector”

Tourism is not only of great potential, but tourism has a bright and prosperous future. It is a fiercely competitive market, requiring skills, talent, enterprise, and a government that backs the sector. We welcome new players to this industry and will offer incentives to catalyze its development. Our government is interested in having two thousand (2000) new rooms over the next five (5) years. The Lethem aerodrome, on the border with Brazil, will be developed into an international airport as part of our drive to boost eco and adventure tourism. Tourism presents a huge economic opportunity for Guyana. Not just bringing business to eco-tourism locations, but right across the country, driving new growth in the regions, and helping to deliver the rebalancing of our national economy.

Agriculture – Modernizing Our Known Industries With vast lands exceeding 20 million hectares, Guyana is ideal and poised for mega investments in large scale agriculture ranging from: Aquaculture and Seafood processing to Hydroponic Farming for niche markets and Mega Farms. Our plan is a diversified economy with Agriculture as the powerhouse of Guyana. Guyana is in close proximity to the US & the Caribbean, making it a strategic location for large scale agriculture. President Ali stated: “Guyana will become the agricultural heartland of the English-speaking Caribbean and will play its part in helping the Caribbean Community reduce its food import bill by 25% by 2025.”

Guyana has rightfully earned its place as the world’s #1 eco-tourism destination, with our beautiful people, virgin rainforest, and exceptional flora and fauna. We also boast scenic locations including our spectacular waterfalls and rapids, as well as our mouthwatering cuisine.

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Energy – Protecting and Defending the Environment

With respect to the energy sector, the President outlined the objective to achieve an optimum energy mix inclusive of hydro power, solar, wind and natural gas. The Government’s number one objective is to reduce energy cost by more 60% to as low as US$0.06 – US$0.10 cents kwh from a current average of US$0.25 – US$0.35 cents kwh. With this objective being realized, this in turn will transform Guyana into a manufacturing hub and the most powerful industrialized economy in the region. This will also further enhance Guyana’s national competitiveness to become the most attractive investment destination within the region. The investment opportunities, as outlined are huge over the next 10 – 20 years.

ICT – Taking The Side of Innovation With the modernization of our known industries, coupled with the transformation projects outlined by his Excellency that the Government will be pursuing, will indeed transform Guyana into a modern economy. New and emerging opportunities will open in new sectors including Tourism, ICT, a service driven economy and a shipping hub within the region. We are setting a course for a new era of innovation with the rapid acceleration of Guyana as an emerging leader in the BPO industry.

By virtue of Guyana being on the cusp of an economic transformation as the newest petroleum producing state in the region, Guyana has an opportunity to become the driver of a transformative agenda within the region, vizà-viz an enhanced framework that would foster deeper regional economic integration of South America and the Caribbean with the rest of the world. This notion is premised against the backdrop of its arguably geopolitically potent location, its emerging petroleum industry, coupled with the increasing global interests in Guyana.

“BPOs have access to strong, qualified workforces outside of the capital. People in areas outside of the capital, like in Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Region 10 (UpperDemerara-Berbice), want to stay there. The BPOs offer good jobs (example of Midas BPO moving into Linden) and that helps keep attrition rates low.” Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance.

“As a rising Nearshore location, Guyana has the advantage of clear government support. We work alongside partners and industry players to promote BPO and generate jobs” (example of Midas BPO), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, CEO, GoInvest.

Interested in investing in Guyana? Contact:

Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) 190 Camp & Church Streets, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: +592 2250658 / 227 0653 Email: goinvest@goinvest.gov.gy Website: www.goinvest.gov.gy

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CHAMPIONS OF TOURISM

Shaun McGrath

Shaun and family with a friend visiting the famous Kaieteur Falls

Committed to Guyana’s Tourism Development As a founding member of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Shaun has served four terms as President. He was the catalyst for establishing Guyana Restaurant Week, the Guyana Tourism Development Fund, and the Explore Guyana Magazine. He was inducted into the Tourism and Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2017 for his dedication and extensive service to the tourism industry.

Shaun McGrath has been a driving force in tourism development in Guyana for more than 30 years. Shaun graduated in 1982 from the Dublin College of Catering with a H. Dip in Hotel Management and Trinity College Dublin with a B Sc. He worked in hotels in Ireland, the UK and Trinidad before moving to Guyana in 1989 as Deputy General Manager of the Guyana Pegasus Hotel, where he remained until 1994. In 1995, Shaun and Paul Stephenson started Cara Hotels, which operates Cara Lodge in Guyana and Cara Hotels at Pointe-a-Pierre in Trinidad. He currently serves as CEO and handles all operational and financial aspects of the company. Shaun is also a director of Wilderness Explorers - the only destination management company and largest inbound tour operator in Guyana. Wilderness also manages Atta Rainforest Lodge, home of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. 60

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Recently, Explore Guyana sat down with Shaun. It is with gratitude and great respect that we share this conversation. EG: What makes a young Irishman choose to move to Guyana? There are hotels all over the world, why Guyana? Shaun: It was a question of timing, more than anything else. I was working in Trinidad when I met the GM of the Guyana Pegasus, who I had worked with previously in the UK. I had just resigned from my job on the day we met, and he offered me the job as Deputy General Manager in Guyana. I said yes, but did not discover until after my arrival in Guyana that Forte Hotels had previously sent several people to Guyana for a look-see for my job in the previous year. They had all gone back to London and said

there was no way they would work in Guyana, so they were surprised when I agreed to go, sight unseen. EG: What made you stay and make Guyana your forever home? Shaun: I ate Labba and drank lots of creek water. I also met a wonderful Guyanese woman who captured my heart as much and probably more than the country did. Guyana and the people reminded me in many ways of Ireland but with much better weather. I also saw that Guyana was a land of opportunity. At that time, the country was opening up again to the rest of the world. There had been free and fair elections in 1992. The restrictions on imported goods had been lifted, and the availability of hard currency made Guyana a more viable place to start a business. EG: When you think back on your years in Guyana, what are some of your most memorable experiences? Shaun: As a hotelier, Guyana has given me opportunities and experiences that I would never have had if I had stayed in Europe. Meeting and hosting numerous Heads of State, celebrities, and looking after a Royal visit is not something the average hotelier gets to do. The first time I drove to the Rupununi will be etched in my brain forever. The drive was an adrenaline rush that was only matched by seeing the majesty of the rainforest and the sprawling savannahs.

Shaun with his wife and son

EG: If you were going to tell someone about Guyana, what would you highlight as your own personal favourite things to do in Guyana? Shaun: There are too many. While I have seen many parts of Guyana, there is nothing like Kaieteur Falls. I have been fortunate to take friends and family there over a dozen times, but I am still in awe every time I see it. It should be on everyone’s bucket list. I also love spending time in the Rupununi but unfortunately don’t get to do it often enough. And finally, there is nothing like a good book and a cold beer in a hammock overlooking the mighty Essequibo River.

The day I got my citizenship papers made me realize that my connection to Guyana was cemented forever. EG: Who or what experience has made the most significant impact on you since you arrived in Guyana? Shaun: The people of Guyana, without a doubt, are some of the most resourceful and resilient people I have ever met. Coming from a more developed part of the world where it’s generally easier to do business, Guyana taught me that you really have to think outside the box and that perseverance is a daily requirement if you want to succeed.

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EG: Talk to us about the future of Tourism in Guyana Shaun: I think tourism can play a significant role in the future of Guyana. While oil will be the major player for the next few years, we need to use some of the oil revenues to develop the sector. Guyana has a unique product and unlike the extractive industries, the resource will last forever if correctly managed. In recent years, there has been a constant and significant growth, and Guyana has become better known in the international marketplace. With the appropriate investments in the appropriate areas, we can see increased growth with the benefits spread across all sections of the economy.

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Shaun with his son on a fishing trip

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In Unusual Spaces and Special Places The Wedding Industry in Guyana is one of the most underestimated economic sectors with several hundred weddings held annually and hosted across the country and celebrated primarily at popular city hotels and banquet halls. With a diverse ethnic and religious background Guyana has hosted traditional Christian, Hindu and Muslim weddings being the most popular. Many of these are celebrated in grand style with elaborate pomp and ceremony and hundreds of invited guests. Whilst being predominantly local, in recent times with the opening of Guyana’s tourism industry, recent trends seem to be moving towards more simple and intimate weddings being held at unique destinations in the hinterland, on the beach, at the riverside, at the top of a mountain and many other exotic locations. This is now extended with the newly wed couples enjoying Honeymoons at our major hotels and interior and riverain resorts. The Wedding industry has expanded into a full service sector ably supported by a wide array of highly skilled and professional services to include Banquet Halls, Caterers, Bar Services, Wedding Planners, Jewellery, Wedding Cakes, Venue Designers and Decorators, Photographers and Videographers, Limousine Services, Clothing Designers, Musical Bands, et al. Weddings today are now a major commercial sector with immense opportunity for growth and expansion of our tourism sector by attracting our international diaspora and others to consider Guyana as a unique wedding destination. For further information contact the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) or the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG).

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Preliminaries to Marriage No legal marriage can be solemnized without the publication of BANNS/NOTICE or obtaining a LICENCE. Banns/Notice Permanent residents of the Republic of Guyana will contact their religious leader to effect Banns/Notice. License Permanent residents who desire may apply for a licence. All non-residents MUST obtain a licence. Legal Requirements One of the contracting parties MUST BE a resident in Guyana fifteen (15) days before a licence can be issued. The application for a licence MUST be lodged at the General Register Office two (2) business days before a licence can be issued. The licence is VALID for ninety (90) days from a date of ISSUE. Marriage Officers MUST LODGE the Registration of Marriage at the General Register Office within fourteen (14) days of the Marriage. (It is advised that persons deliver this document in person). Contracting parties who are sixteen years of age but not eighteen years old must obtain the consent of the appropriate person (s). Clinical Marriages A marriage officer may solemnize a marriage WITHOUT any licence or publication of BANNS/NOTICE where the marriage is between two persons, one of whom is at the point of DEATH. The medical practitioner in attendance can issue a certificate instead. The contracting parties will be given a copy of the Registration form by the Marriage Officer.

Requirements • Purchase and obtain a marriage package at any Post Office • Fill out the marriage package then take it to a Justice of the Peace/Commissioner of Oaths to be notarized. • Contracting parties will bring in at the General Register Office (GRO) the completed petitions form and supporting documents that must be produced where applicable: • Original & photocopy of Birth Certificate • Original & photocopy of National Identification Card or Passport (Non-Residents are required to use passport ONLY) • Original & photocopy of Absolutes with original court seal or stamp • Original & photocopy of Deed poll (name change document) • Original & photocopy of Death Certificate if either of the contracting parties was married before and the spouse has died. • The name of your Marriage Officer & place where the marriage is to be performed Processing and Fee 1. Download the desired form below and fill out the necessary information. 2. Take the completed form to any local post office. 3. The certificate will then be posted to you within 3-6 weeks 4. If you do not receive your certificate after this period, feel free to contact our offices for further advice. Please Note: A processing fee of GYD$300 is required. General Register Office G.P.O Building, Robb Street, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: +592 226-1291 / 225-5761 / 610-9394 Email: groguyana@gmail.com

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Mystical and magical wedding atop Mount Roraima By: Annette Arjoon-Martins Photos: Reel Guyana

At two billion years old Mount Roraima is amongst one of the oldest geological formations on earth and is truly timeless. Held in deep reverence by the indigenous peoples, it is central to many of their legends passed down through generations such as it being the stump of a once great tree that bore all fruits and crops in the world and upon being felled unleashed a great flood. “Roraima” originates from the indigenous Pemon language meaning “Mother of all Rivers”. It is a consequence of highaltitude rains collecting in the small lakes which then run off the massive cliffs in spectacular waterfalls forming the sources for several rivers which in turn feeds into the mighty Essequibo, Orinoco and Amazon Rivers of Guyana. Whilst aerial tours to Mount Roraima have been around for a while, over the past decade it has become a hotspot for extreme adventurers who would either trek to the bottom from one of the indigenous communities and then scale its walls to the summit, or be dropped off by helicopter on the summit and then scale down to the base.

Being “Wedded on Cloud Nine” at Mount Roraima’s summit at over nine thousand feet, floating surreally above the clouds became possible with the first such wedding at this most unique location taking place in September 2021.

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Air Services Limited which has specialized in helicopter tours to Mount Roraima was the ultimate wedding planner that made this historic and pioneering occasion possible. The wedding party departed from Georgetown’s municipal airport at Ogle in the early morning and the two-hour inflight movie consisted of viewing the incredible landscapes of mighty rivers and mountains en route before landing on this mother of all mountains.

The bride and groom were joined in holy matrimony on Mount Roraima’s fog-covered summit made even more ‘otherworldly’ by the black wind-sculpted rock formations, wildflower gardens, crystal clear pools and lakes. It is a unique setting that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘Lost World’, where prehistoric creatures survived on a remote flat-topped mountain. After the ceremony the guests enjoyed a champagne brunch and captured the moments in photographs which are literally worth several thousands of words on this biodiversity hotspot due to the large number of species resident there, many of which are new to science and said to be unique to the Pakaraimas. The return journey consisted of a fifteen-minute flight to the nearest community of Phillipai for refueling, and then a ninety-minute journey back to Georgetown in the early afternoon in a sun-kissed setting.

Extraordinary care was taken to ensure this ultimate wedding destination was left as untouched as it was met, so that others can enjoy its timeless beauty as well. Air Services Limited is one of Guyana’s largest domestic airlines and has been flying to hinterland locations across Guyana for over 50 years. The company can facilitate tours by fixed wing aircraft and helicopters to popular tourist sites and also plan unique weddings at unusual locations. For further information Phone: 222 1234 / 2994 Email: res@aslgy.com

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Think Iwokrama!

A Wedding Destination with a Difference

Many looking to tie the knot are searching for unique experiences with which to start their lives together. For those couples who are thinking of a small wedding but exotic location, the Iwokrama River Lodge may just be that perfect place for you. Located on the Essequibo River, this lodge offers scenic and tranquil beauty, with spacious green lawns, and a beautiful dining area, surrounded by lush rainforest, making it ideal for those who have a more adventurous spirit.

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The Fred Allicock Building with spacious upper section offers the chance for a beautiful reception, with catered meals from the Iwokrama Chef and staff. Clients can decide whether they prefer a morning or afternoon wedding, also if they prefer their ceremony out on the expansive lawns (dry seasons) or in the Fred Allicock Building overlooking the Essequibo River.

Fred Alicock building

The Iwokrama River Lodge offers many tours and experiences so the young couple may just want to stay on for their honeymoon as this is also an additional service that we offer. Other guests may want to also experience the hikes, river trips and trail walks that we have to offer. For the Bridal party and guests, eight beautiful, self-contained cabins overlook the River and there are options to also stay in rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

For more information on organizing your wedding and tours contact our Tourism Reservations Unit: Mobile/Whatsapp:+592 600 3504 Email: tourism@iwokrama.org Website: www.iwokramariverlodge.com

Aerial view of the Iwokrama Rainforest Centre

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WAIKIN RANCH Your Ultimate Vacation Experience 2021 Best New Product (Accommodation)

From fishing and reaping, splashing and relaxing, to riding and exploring, Waikin Ranch has it all. Successfully combining their passion for agriculture, animal husbandry and conservation with authentic Guyanese hospitality has created a truly unique guest experience in a rustic-style, modern eco-resort. Being a working cattle ranch and farm, the majority of the food consumed by the ranch - including the fruits and vegetables as well as the majority of the fish and meat - is grown onsite. This is truly a farm to table experience that you can be involved in as much or as little as you choose. Walking through an avocado orchard surrounded by trees laden in fruit is a wonderful experience.

he ranch has been set up with the goals of sustainability, self-sufficiency and being a positive force for the local environment and surrounding communities.

Located on a holding of 33,000 acres of largely untouched land Waikin encompasses savannah, rivers, lakes, wetlands and small pockets of forest or bush islands, teeming with an abundance of birdlife, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Large and very strategic areas have purposefully been left wild and untouched to act as both sanctuaries and corridors for wildlife, which is so important for their migration and preservation. The ranch has an on going camera trapping exercise that provides data essential to the monitoring and protection of the wildlife populations and you can be a part of this on-going important exercise. 70

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A Giant Anteater in the Savannah

At the beginning animal sightings were rare and signs of hunting, poaching and over-fishing were everywhere. Today much of the indigenous wildlife has returned and there are regular sightings of Giant Anteaters, Capybara, Red-Toed Land Tortoises, Spider-Monkeys, Racoons, Tamanduas and Iguanas.

Over 200 different species of birds have been identified - including the rare endemic Bearded Tachuri and endangered Hoary-Throated Spinetail. This makes animal spotting and bird watching - from a 4x4, on horseback or on foot - a very rewarding experience.

An early morning expedition can bring you just meters from a Savannah Deer or Giant Anteater and afternoon strolls with a pair of binoculars allows close ups of the birds or watch movements of Black Caiman or Green Anaconda. Horses are a necessary part of life at this working ranch, and with the help of the experienced vaqueiro and a choice of tame horses you can explore the savannah at a leisurely pace, especially exploring the bush islands that dot the savannah. Nearby ponds and natural lakes have a variety of species of fish that can provide hours of pleasure for both the professional and amateur angler. More fishing expeditions can be planned to the Ireng or Pirara Rivers. Canoe trips along these rivers also allow guests to explore from the comfort of a boat. There is also a pond with flotation devices and water toys for just chillaxing. Most trips last between two and four days and the Ranch makes a great base camp to explore the many other nearby attractions such as Moco Moco Village Falls and Kumu Falls. There are daily flights to Lethem from Georgetown which is a 30-minute ride away by road.

An Aerial View of Waikin Ranch

Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols as well as measures to control and monitor the movement of personnel, goods and supplies into the property to ensure the safety of its staff and its visitors. This, coupled with its remoteness has allowed Waikin to create and stay in its own bubble of safety. Visitors have to undergo a health pre-screening prior to admittance into the ranch, with a daily health self-evaluation.

Waikin was among the first to be certified as compliant with the Guyana Tourism Authority’s recommended Hygiene and Sanitation Protocols.

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Adels Resort

An Unexpected Getaway Adel’s Resort Zena Bone

By: Dr Raquel Thomas The Pomeroon River is known to be the deepest River in Guyana and quite possibly one of the busiest. My grandmother, Dolores Gouveia, hailed from this beautiful region and as a child I was always fascinated by her stories of swimming in the rivers with Piranhas, listening to mangos falling into the river and learning about our family roots. It was not until around 2003 when on project work with the Guyana Forestry Commission that I was able to visit this area and it was exhilarating to experience the place my ‘Granny’ had told us so much about. Many years later my dear ‘Aunty Zena’ entered my life and helped to further shape my deep love for this beautiful area.

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Corkwood Akawini creek at Adel’s

Zena Stoll is the daughter of my grandmother’s first cousin, Ivy Stoll, and is the owner of Adel’s Resort which sits on the mouth of the Akawini Creek just off the Pomeroon River. This picturesque

resort is situated on the land of her late grandmother Adel Stoll, which was bequeathed to her. If you meet Zena, you will understand the energy you feel the moment you arrive at Adel’s. Her passion for the

Going to market

land, farming and tourism is very evident as soon as you touch down at the landing and walk into the resort space. You are greeted with a calm sense of being, as you are surrounded with comfortable sitting areas, hammocks, cushions, great food (farm to table experience), beverages (no alcohol sold but guests can bring own with limits) and great conversations.

be arranged to Wakapao Village, a scenic Lokono village which is a boat ride away. Additionally, longer trips can be arranged to visit the Moruca District where sub villages such as Santa Rosa and Kumaka can be experienced. The beauty of the grounds can make Adel’s a perfect location for hosting small weddings as have done in past or it is a perfect spot for a

honeymoon or anniversary getaway. Adel’s is super child friendly so I would encourage family visits as well. Even though many may want to get away from the hustle and bustle, just to note for those that need to keep in touch with work or loved ones- Wifi connection is available and Digicel Mobile Service operates in this area.

The beautiful wooden structure is all designed by Zena, consisting of three connected buildings which can comfortably host 20 persons with social distancing considerations. She also has been able to construct the first tidal pool in Guyana. Aside from complete relaxation, perhaps even the prospect of writing that book that you promised many, visitors can do trail walks to experience the farm and also to the beautiful ‘Temple of Palms’ which inspires meditation and yoga sessions. Community visits can also

Temple of Palms at Adel’s

For reservations at Adel’s: Tel: (592) 698 9474/600 0283 | Email: pomeroon34@gmail.com | Facebook: @Adel’s Resort

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CHAMPIONS OF TOURISM

Ian Craddock Ian Craddock first moved to Guyana in 2002, organizing jungle expeditions for a British conservation charity. He fell in love with its remote beauty, especially the Rupununi. He often said that the Rupununi had it all. The jungle, the savannahs, the rivers. Ian was especially fond of the Kanuku mountain reserve that divides the savannahs into north and south and where you could go for days and not meet any people.

Ian would spend about 75% of his time in the jungle, on desert islands or in the Arabian Desert each year

Horseback riding across the Rupununi

Ian was an ex-British Army officer who served in the Infantry and Special Forces for many years. Prior to that, he lived in London, Cyprus, The Falklands, Jordan and Belize. Ian completed a variety of specialist courses from Combat Survival Instructor to Military Mountaineering, Climbing Instructor and even scuba diving. He took part in exercises and operations in a host of countries around the world, from the Gulf to the Falkland Islands, from North America to the Indian Himalayas, where he jointly led a joint Anglo-Indian team on the first successful ascent to Mt Tingchen Khan. He spent a couple of years trying to do the city life in London, but got dragged back to the outdoors quite easily! Ian would spend about 75% of his time in the jungle, on desert islands or in the Arabian Desert each year. The rest of the time, he would be planning how to get back there! Ian started Bushmasters over 15 years ago in Guyana and was based in Lethem. Bushmasters offered unique

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extreme adventure trips. Riding horses across the southern Rupununi of Guyana, herding cattle, driving 4×4 vehicles through the forest and savannah, rappelling off the biggest waterfall in the world, jumping out of helicopters into rivers, trekking through jungle, over mountains and through rivers! With a wide range of resources, qualifications, equipment and experience, Bushmaster frequently worked with TV productions in Guyana, such as the Discovery channel, BBC and National Geographic who have all called on Bushmasters for fixer support, ranging from a two week shoot to nearly eight straight months for a whole TV season.

Rappelling off Kaieteur Falls

film shows such as “Gold Rush” and the iconic ‘Naked and Afraid”. In 2017, The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana presented Bushmasters with the President’s Award for Tourism Services.

Channing Tatum with some of the residents of a rural Amerindian village

He loved Guyana and was always willing to help promote its spectacular geography and wonderful people. Always committed to the highest standard of safety and excellence, Bushmasters put the GREEN Adventure into Guyana’s Tourism product. He was well known for bringing celebrities to check out the extraordinary remoteness in Guyana. He brought film actor Channing Tatum for a survival trip into the jungle around Surama. Gordon Ramsey came and cooked at Rewa Eco Lodge after rappelling from a helicopter into the river. He was the person who brought TV crews to

Ian and I spent many hours under the rum tree on the Patio at Cara Lodge discussing tourism in Guyana. Impossible was not a word that existed in his vocabulary. Organizing a Nat Geo climb to the lost world on top of the North face of Mount Roraima was always doable and he did it more than once. He loved Guyana and was always willing to help promote its spectacular geography and wonderful people. He wrote many articles and provided some of the most amazing photographs including many covers for ‘Explore Guyana’. He loved living in Lethem and it was there that he passed away after going out for a quick jog around the airstrip. He would have had it no other way. Ian, Guyana misses you terribly and thanks you for all you did to promote this amazing country.

Receiving his award from the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana in 2017

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THE RUPUNUNI What a Sweet Place to Be By: Dr. Sonia Noel

A Sea of Green Sweet Scenery

he first time that I visited the Rupununi was probably over a decade ago for the Annual Rodeo at Easter and I fell in love, instantly. The breathtaking view of the Kanuku mountains was mesmerizing or rather, it was more hypnotizing. I seriously wanted to forget about the rest of the world and create my own world in the Rupununi Savannahs. I have created many invaluable life experiences in this paradise. I can remember what it feels like to have the water from Kumu Falls massaging my body. The magnificent tree-shaded waterfall descends from the mountain tops of the majestic Kanuku Mountains and flows down a gradient of about 3 miles into the Kumu River. The falls are about 30 minutes from the town of Lethem on the border with Brazil. I have a photo looking at the Kanuku mountains and visualizing what my life could be. The atmosphere in the Rupununi allows people’s minds to go to extensive depths beyond their imagination. I envisioned

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Rupununi rodeo ©Alessia Barviera (Bushmasters)

a long runway with the mighty Pakaraima mountain ranges as the backdrop showcasing a unique collection with indigenous influences. I couldn’t resist the urge to take a photo on the road before viewing the huge termite mound my friend Raquel told me about. I found it interesting to see the women skillfully traversing the trails and villages on motor bikes which was a captivating sight against these majestic mountains. I love watching the Moms in the villages taking the kids to school or seeing the young girls just cruising. I felt at home in the Rupununi and I pledged at that very moment, with

a great degree of intention, to visit all of the villages not merely for their beauty but to be able to explore what contributions I could make to add value to the lives of those within the communities. I thought of offering very similar programmes (Confidence Becomes You and Fabric Art) like the ones I started in Lethem and Fairview. I can confidently affirm that some of the most creative persons I have encountered came from the Rupununi, especially from Surama Village. I interacted with many visual artists and even a couple of fashion designers. I particularly admire the artwork designed on the houses and schools.

Musicians – Gavin and Chucky

The Author Outside of an Original Indigenous Kitchen

The first time I saw an original Makushi Kitchen was in Surama and it was such a beauty to behold. Once, the people in Surama hosted a very impressive Cassava Festival featuring many creative cuisines for Amerindian Heritage Month and it was an unforgettable feast. I love cassava bread and it was fascinating to witness the ladies in Toco Village peeling cassava with such speed, the likes of which I had never seen before, and the very next day I had my fair share of cassava to eat with my Tuma, my favourite Amerindian dish. I am part indigenous and I grew up with cassava bread as an option in our kitchen. This pristine part of my native land has cemented a premium spot in my memory bank. From climbing Turtle Mountain at Iwokrama, to shooting my collection of designs on the Canopy Walkway to dreaming in a hammock at Rockview Lodge. It was the best hammock sleep I ever had in my life and, mind you, I did have a lot of those sleeps while growing up in Bartica. It takes vision to think decades ago that eco-tourism at a high level in the Rupununi was possible. Colin Edwards was on a mission with a vision when he created Rockview

Fashion shoot on Iwokrama’s canopy walkway

Lodge. He is one of the pioneers in making it a reality. It is always a treat to interact with him not only because of his sense of humour but also his ability to tell real stories. I had tea with him and his beautiful wife and his guest Robert who had travelled to 141 countries. Robert was at Iwokrama a few days before and shared some interesting travel experiences with me which added to

Enjoying lemongrass tea in Surama

my own virtual travel experiences. It was a lucky day for me because I had a double treat at Rockview. Gavin and Chucky, two of the most talented musicians in Guyana, were there and they performed at the poolside under the Pandama tree. It was so magical. Two lines from the song were on repeat in my mind for days. “Rupununi, what a sweet place to be. Sea of green sweet scenery.”

The Rupununi has convinced me that nature is the best medicine! I encourage you to explore as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called “Life in the Rupununi”.

Dr. Sonia Noel is an acclaimed Guyanese Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author and Philantropist who is well known across Guyana, the Caribbean and further afield. In recent years, she has become a prolific author and has committed herself to creating opportunities and empowering women across Guyana. She can be contacted at soneiaenoel@gmail.com

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Horseback riding

Vaquero ready for a ride

Canoeing down the Rupununi River

Wichabai - What a Magical Experience! By: Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana

hile my husband, Kevin Healy, and I had traveled to the Rupununi before, we hadn’t had a chance to explore the South Rupununi until recently. It is a truly magnificent and unique part of Guyana, and not to be missed! Starting our trip with a twohour rugged drive from Lethem, we were grateful for solid four-wheel drive vehicles and a guide to show us the way to the Wichabai Ranch and Guest Houses. After settling into a spacious and absolutely lovely cabin, co-owners Erin and Justin greeted us with some very

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welcomed cool drinks as we mapped out our visit. Kevin and I spent the next two days hiking, horseback riding, boating and searching for the elusive giant anteater! Highlights of the trip included attending a cattle roundup at Dadanawa Ranch and canoeing down the Rupununi River. Dadanawa is one of the oldest, largest and most isolated ranches in the world, featured in the old Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom television show. In fact, as preparation for this trip, we

watched a few episodes of the old show – I highly recommend them! And, although we didn’t get the chance to wrestle an anaconda like Stan Brock, we did see amazing flora and fauna. At Dadanawa, besides the roundup, the vaqueros also demonstrated their impressive rodeo skills for us. The cowboys were truly amazing and lasted for quite a while on those bucking broncos! Luckily, Justin suggested we ride their slightly more tame horses on our final morning at

...a breathtaking adventure that I will not soon forget!

Relaxing at our guest house at Wichabai Ranch

remember the very tasty organic beef dish – out of this world. And, as for Erin’s delicious passion fruit cocktail? You will want two. Erin was also serious about making sure the ambiance was perfectly captured.

Wichabai, although Kevin’s horse, Buckshot, was a bit pesky at times! The canoe trip also did not disappoint as we watched ten adorable Giant River Otters playfully fall out of a hollow tree into the river, barking the entire time. We also spotted two Capybaras, the largest rodent in the world! The birding was fabulous as we watched gorgeous herons, ibis and hawks enjoy the beauty of the savannah skies. Our favorite bird was Parrot, however, who spent most of his time on Erin’s head – even when she was serving us dinner.

After witnessing a gorgeous savannah sunset, our last night was spent having roast pork under the stars in Erin’s garden, surrounded by twinkling fairy lights. Speaking of the food, we ate the most amazing food at Wichabai. Every meal was carefully planned and completely different from the one before. It was all so good, I have trouble picking a favorite, but I still

We were so sorry to say goodbye to Wichabai. The food was amazing, the activities were endless and the hospitality was unmatched. We even started to appreciate Robin and Gash, the two resident bats that resided in our cabin! The relaxed lifestyle of the South Rupununi, the rich Amerindian culture, and the outdoor activities provided a breathtaking adventure that I will not soon forget!

Owner Erin with the parrot

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My Trip to Guyana

The Lure of Adventure and the Majestic Kaieteur Falls

fter many years of a peripatetic lifestyle, it’s not unfair to say that I’m slightly addicted to travel. Well, perhaps it is unfair to say that my addiction is only slight. As the 18th month of pandemic lockdown quickly approached I felt it was time to, prudently, venture out into the world again. Looking for places that I hadn’t been to before, were open to vaccinated travelers, and were a relatively easy flight from Toronto, I was intrigued to find direct flights to Guyana on Caribbean Airlines. Hmm, Guyana, famous among other things for the remarkable Kaieteur Falls. I now, at long last, had a new adventure on my horizon – a trip from Niagara Falls (where I was born and raised) to the majesty of Kaieteur! Thanks to the details of the Caribbean Airlines flight schedule, I managed to score a very reasonably priced ticket to Ogle Airport, with a 23-hour stopover in Trinidad to allow a taste of the island (and its incredibly delicious ‘doubles’) on my way. My Friday afternoon arrival into Ogle was a bit anticlimactic – to say it’s not the most bustling airport

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Article and photos by: Robert Meyer

in the world would be quite an understatement. Covid procedures, with vaccine and PCR test results, were thorough, and after some time waiting to receive back my stamped passport I made it smoothly through Customs ready to hop into a taxi. Only there were no taxis. At all. It turns out that the one taxi that was waiting had already left, and almost everyone else on the flight was either picked up or had pre-arranged a transfer. The kind assistance of one of the remaining staff at the airport procured a car, and for a very modest sum I was quickly transported to my accommodation for the night, the El Dorado Inn. After a day of travelling I had certainly worked up an appetite, so I promptly decided to ignore the advice that every guidebook had emphasized – don’t walk around Georgetown at night. Taking a brisk walk through Bourda market in search of a bite to eat made me realise that at the very least an investment in functioning street lights wouldn’t go to waste, but I fortunately found a hawker stand that had a small crowd around it, my goto indicator that a good meal was to be had. After picking up some delicious jerk chicken at Hawker’s Burger Shack & Grill, I slept very soundly my first night in Guyana, dreaming of Kaieteur Falls. Kaieteur Falls, unfortunately, would have to wait. My scheduled Saturday morning flight had been cancelled (not enough tourists or no functioning plane, the answer was unclear), so I needed to come up with a Plan B. I had always intended to visit the rainforest as well, and thought no better time than the present. There are three ways to get there – hire a car

(exorbitantly expensive), charter a plane (egregiously expensive), or take an overnight minibus. The latter option being the obvious choice, I was told to show up at Cindy’s Bus Service at 1pm. I did, dropped off my bags, bought a ticket, and waited. And waited. Wandered around, grabbed a bite to eat, chatted with some of the other passengers, and waited some more. Finally, at around 6pm, we were off! I knew that a 12-hour, overnight minibus journey over unpaved, frequently flooded roads might not exactly facilitate a good night’s rest. Or any rest at all. It definitely was a journey to be endured rather than savoured, though the brilliance of the stars when we briefly stopped in the middle of the night, and the beauty of the dawn when we arrived at the Kurupukari Ferry Crossing almost made it worthwhile. What definitely made it worthwhile was the kindly greeting from the Iwokrama River Lodge when I got off the 6am ferry across the Essequibo River. This gem in the jungle was to be my home for the next three days and two nights, and I almost regret having ever left.

The setting, right on the Essequibo, was bucolic, the views from the main building where meals were served were beautiful, and the accommodation was airy and comfortable, with the hammock on my balcony being the icing on the cake. Over the next couple of days I enjoyed a jungle walk, multiple trips on the river, caiman-spotting at night, and fishing in the afternoon.

Kurupukari crossing on the Essequibo River

My prized catch – a large Catfish

Cabin at Iwokrama River Lodge

I’m not a big fisherman, but my experience on the Essequibo was incredible – barely had the line hit the water when the bait was taken by a substantial piranha. The next cast, another piranha! The only challenge was catching anything except a piranha, which we managed to do with a huge catfish and an aptly named ‘Vampire’ fish.

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While staying at the River Lodge I also had to pleasure to meet some locals, among them Dr. Raquel Thomas, director of the Iwokrama International Center for Rainforest Conservation and Development, who told me about the work they did and the struggles they faced with conservation, as well as Dr. Sonia Noel, the noted Guyanese fashion designer who came to the Lodge as often as possible to recharge and to get away from it all, a sentiment I heartily understood. After a too-short stay at Iwokrama, I reluctantly moved on down the road to the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway.

Iwokrama Canopy Walkway

The mere fact that a walkway could be constructed 30 meters above the ground in the middle of a rainforest is remarkable. Walking on the canopy itself felt surprisingly secure, and although there was

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not much wildlife to be seen (the best viewing is to be had near dusk and dawn) I enjoyed the experience. I most certainly never thought of myself as a birdwatcher, but I greatly enjoyed the variety and beauty of the birds of Guyana. The Merlin Bird ID app, which allows one to identify birds by their song, was a remarkable traveling companion.

Lethem – the Border Town

I continued up the road to Lethem to my penultimate stop, the Rock View Lodge. More basic than the River Lodge, it was run by a charmingly eccentric owner, Colin Edwards. By happenstance, the musicians Gavin Mendonca and Marlon ‘Chucky’ Adams were also there to ‘Folk it Up’, shooting video and performing some catchy songs – it was difficult to get “Rupununi, what a sweet place to be…” out of my head for days afterward. After days of overland travel, returning by minibus to Georgetown to catch my flight out of Guyana seemed like a daunting prospect. I ended up splurging on a plane ticket from Lethem back to Georgetown, which required travelling a few more hours further south on an early morning bus. Lethem is an odd town, and the pandemic had hit it especially hard. As far as I could tell, its economy is driven by selling vast amounts of made-inChina merchandise to Brazilians crossing the border to avoid taxes. With its streets populated with cavernous, but empty, stores, it oddly resembled Ciudad del Este, a Paraguayan city set up for exactly the same purpose. The border being closed to Brazilians meant virtually no business, and I felt for the shopkeepers and merchants whose livelihood had disappeared virtually overnight.

My flight back to Georgetown was preceded with some pomp at the airport – it turns out that the President’s wife had just arrived in Lethem for an official visit. The flight back was swift and smooth, but I don’t regret having experienced the long, bumpy, overland route from North to South. No doubt the lack of easy transport links to the rainforest seriously impacts the number

of tourists visiting Iwokrama and the Northern Rupununi, but this only enhances the unique atmosphere that I was grateful to have experienced.

My week-long stay in Guyana was almost at an end, and alas, a flight to the famous Kaieteur Falls had never become available. Clearly, I need to come back!

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A Fishing Experience Like No Other on the Essequibo River at King William Falls and Beyond

Matt with a giant fish

Nicholas (Nick) Berridge and Matthew (Matt) Alexander, of the United Kingdom are experienced Anglers and have fished in many countries around the world over the past twenty plus years. But nowhere compares to fishing on the Mighty Essequibo River, Guyana’s longest stretching 1,014 km (630 miles). The home to multiple fish species and a relatively unknown fishing destination, it is a dream for any angler.

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Matt and Nick with Navin Roopnarain of Adventure Guianas

Camp set up on the river bank

aving arrived in Georgetown, the capital City of Guyana, and received by Navin Roopnarain, who owns and operate Adventure Guianas and Piraiba Lodge at Lethem, Matt and Nick picks up a few last minute supplies consisting of mostly dry rations and canned foods. The Team would travel by small aircraft from Ogle to Lethem, where we meet our local guides, Raymond James and Everton Allicock. Here the boats, engines, fuel, etc would be transported by vehicle to Parabara Village, on the Kuyuwini River, a tributary of the Essequibo, in the deep southern region of Guyana. The jouney to Parabara Village is long and arduous, which means we will have to overnight at the Amerindian Village of Aishalton and set off at daybreak the following day.

The first cast by guide Raymond James would yield a 28 pounder Trairo, locally called Hymara or Wolf fish because of its toothy jaws and agression. The signs are positive and expectations are high.

The following days of fishing would deliver exciting results with heathy catches of Tiger Shovel Nose Catfish, Leopard Catfish, Amazon Red Tails, Payara or Vampire Fish, Flat Whiskered Catfish, Peacock Bass and numerous Wolf Fish but none to surpass the 28 pounder Trairo.

Clearing a fallen tree from the trail.

The team arrives at Parabara just after lunch and jouneys by boat to the First Camp located on the Kuyuwini River, set up by an advance team from Parabara Village. The following morning the team continues by boat to the confluence of the Kuyuwini and Essequibo Rivers and set up Camp.

Payara

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The Team would constantly move camp further down the Essequibo fishing and enjoying nature at its best. Along the way there were sightings of numerous bird species including the giant Harpy Eagle, Tapirs (Bush Cow), Capybaras (Watrash), and many smaller rodents adding to the excitement. Sightings of fresh Jaguar tracks were seen on two occations but not of the big cats, although they were sometimes heard during the nights.

On the journey to King William Falls we passed numerous small and relatively unknown Water Falls, including the larger Jacob Ladder and King George V Falls. Of course, we could not resist the temptation to indulge and enjoy the pristine environment and swimming in the fresh, clear flowing waters which was rather refreshing. Along the way, fishing was very successful with us reigning in a number of large and medium sized fish. This was truly an Angler’s delight with bountiful catches of a variety of fish species endemic to the area. As experienced Anglers this trip to Guyana was the trip of trips for us as we engaged and battled with some of the large monsters of the deep before reeling them in with youthful exuberance.

King William Falls

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From the Kuywini River, this fishing expedition is truly not to be overstated as it took us over two weeks of travel to reach the King William Falls. We entered into the realm of an undiscovered world for adventure and thrill seekers where we embraced nature in its purest form. We hardly saw people and enjoyed the Camps where we relaxed and slept after a sumptuous feast of freshly grilled fish over an open fire and catching up on the ups and downs of the day and thinking only a few outsiders have done such a trip before. After two weeks, the team arrived at the foot of the King Willam Falls and were joined by Navin Roopnarain and the local guides Laurence Antonie and Mark Andries, who would have travelled up River from Kurupukari (Fairview Amerindian Village) with additional supplies and fuel to continue to Piraiba Lodge and Fairview, our final stop. Nick, Raymond and Everton with massive Jau

Fishing at King William Falls and surrounding areas are particularly good for the larger Catsfish, the Goliath Catfish, locally called Lau Lau or Piraiba, Jau and Red Tails. The toothy Payara or Vampire fish enjoys the fast flowing rapids, so too the Red Pacu, a delicacy of the Indigenous People.

Matt with Redtail

We would later be joined by Captain Mazar Ahmad Ally, owner of Air Services Ltd, and a few friends who journeyed by helicopter to our King William Falls Camp.

The next expedition set for 2022, will be from Piraiba Lodge to Rock Stone, to complete exploration of the fishing grounds of the almost entire Essequibo River.

We spent another week at King William Falls enjoying great fishing and camaraderie, before boating down River to Piraiba Lodge for some cold beers, rum punch, a good shower, and sleep, to conclude a thoroughly thrilling, satisfying and rewarding three weeks fishing expedition.

Adventure Guianas is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable licensed Tour Operators in Guyana specialising in Fishing Tours in the rivers of Guyana. For more on Fishing Expeditions offered, visit www. adventureguianas.com or contact Navin Roopnarain at +592 673 0039.

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ODYSSEY ACROSS

The Three Guianas by Claire Thorne, Wilderness Explorers

Surama Rainforest

To travel through all three Guianas is to explore one of the least-known and leastvisited corners of South America. Wedged between Brazil and Venezuela and the Atlantic on the north-east shoulder of South America, the largely-undiscovered destinations of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana are a rich melting pot of cultures, religions and races shaped

their

indigenous

communities and extraordinary colonial footprint.

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GUYANA SURINAME FRENCH GUIANA

Truly off the beaten track and set against a backdrop of stunning scenery, pristine wildlife and wild adventures, this trio of nations in one of the most hidden parts of the continent can easily be visited in one trip. This is a far-flung region where tourism is still somewhat undeveloped and the infrastructure lacks the sophistication and variety of choices of other more geared-up Caribbean and Latin American destinations. Instead, the focus is the privilege of being in a raw and unspoilt region where nature, adventure and cultural tourism predominate which relatively few travellers have explored. To travel here is to make adventurous journeys, often by riverboat, mountain paths, rough roads and small planes and to stay in comfortable but not glossy lodges where your tourist dollar often goes back straight to the communities.

The black caiman the largest predator in the Amazon region

Guiana dolphins

The three Guianas are part of the Guiana Shield, one of the world’s oldest and most biologically diverse areas dating back 1.7 billion years which extends from parts of Colombia to Brazil. Covered with more than 80% untouched rainforest, these lands of many giants are home to the Neotropic Big 5 of the jaguar, black caiman, giant river otter, giant anteater and the impressive harpy eagle, the largest raptor in the Americas. Here biologists discover every year new species to science, little golden frogs live their entire lives in the same giant bromeliad and the mighty prehistoric arapaima fish comes up for air in the giant lily-strewn lakes of the savannahs. The ‘Wild Coast’ along the three Guianas is one of the most-important nesting grounds on the planet for four species of turtle, including the Giant Leatherback, as well as home to the Guiana Dolphins that swim in the Suriname River and at least 15 other species of whales and dolphins. A wildlife tour in the 3 Guianas can take you to a houseboat on the marshes of Kaw in French Guiana, the isolated ranches of wildlife-rich savannahs and to emerald green rainforests that resemble broccoli forests from your plane or the summit of a mountain near an Amerindian community. Here your senses will be bombarded by the sights, scents and sounds of the jungle, including the extraordinary screech of the red howler monkey, the world’s loudest mammal and a glimpse of the Goliath Bird-eating Spider, bigger than a human hand and the largest spider by mass in the world. During your tour across the region you can visit the stunning remote Kaieteur Falls in Guyana which is almost 5 times the

The Goliath bird-eating spider, Apoteri, Guyana

Victoria Amazonica flower and lily pods in BuffaloPond, Rupununi, Guyana

height of Niagara and is home to thousands of swifts who swoop down to roost behind the falls at dusk. River journeys on bronze-tinted waters will take you to oxbow lakes where giant waterlilies open as the sun sets and nature unfolds around you as you drift back to your river lodge looking at the stars and spotlighting for caiman, tree snakes and night-birds along the banks. The wildlife-viewing opportunities and quality of guiding are generally best in Guyana, where many of our Amerindian guides are delighted to show you the wildlife of the rainforest, rivers and savannahs through their eyes and share with you some of the myths and stories of the flora and fauna. Turtle and dolphin-watching are currently easiest in Suriname and French Guiana. Birdwatching in Guyana is particularly rewarding even for less-experienced neotropical birders due to the large number of widespread species that can be seen as well as the specialties such as the rare sun parakeet and red siskin. Even non-birdwatchers get caught up in the excitement of seeing the stunning orange Guianan cock-of-the rock, the many species of colourful parrots and the mysterious and imposing harpy eagle.

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Maroons in Suriname

Former prison cells on Devils island,

Saint Joseph’s Church in Iracoubo, French Guiana. Handpainted by a convict

Combine this with the intoxicating yet dark history of a region that was shunned by the conquistadors and left to the Dutch, French and British to fight over and carve out into three colonies of valuable sugar plantations in the 17th and 18th centuries. Slave rebellions, the abolition of slavery and the subsequent arrival of indentured labourers followed by the struggle to escape colonial rule have shaped the history, economies and politics of the region. This has resulted in a unique blend of English, French and Dutch-speaking nations, peppered with indigenous villages and pockets of Asian and African communities. Where else can you sample delicious Indo-Chinese soup in a Hmong Market bought with Euros in a South American outpost of metropolitan France? Or eat peanut soup in an African community deep in the forests of Dutch-speaking Suriname and hear songs sung by the Maroons? Or attend a duck curry festival and eat curry and roti washed down with rum or beer overlooking the rice-fields of Guyana or in a backyard cafe, at the crossroads of the English-speaking Caribbean and South America? These three countries offer an enigmatic fusion of festivals, rodeos, Amerindian heritage celebrations and the world’s longest Carnival, in French Guiana.

Vendors at Hmong market in the village of Cacao, south of Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana

Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana

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A tour across the three Guianas allows a chance to sample many different cultures, languages and cuisines against a backdrop of a fascinating, if often painful, history, shaped by the story of explorers in search of El Dorado, the dark chapter of sugar, slavery and colonialism, Devil’s Island penal colony made famous by Henri de Charrière’s Papillon, the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou and the beguiling charms of the three very different capitals along the coastal fringes. Further inland there are adventures to be had in the wilderness, expeditions on foot and by car, by plane and by horseback.

Cabins at Fredericksdorp Plantation in the Commewijne district in Suriname

country has to offer. In French Guiana, English is not always spoken except in the hotels and restaurants in Cayenne, so English-speakers may choose to pre-book an English-speaking guide where possible through their operator. Mosque and synagogue in Paramaribo

Although tantalisingly close to each other, to travel across the three countries requires careful planning, as although it is possible to fly easily between Guyana and Suriname, it is not possible to fly between them to French Guiana. Instead, there are exciting overland journeys to be made and river border crossings to had, such as that between Suriname and French Guiana where you feel like you have not just crossed a river but an entire ocean once you have left the dusty Surinamese outpost of Albina and arrived at the very French customs office in Saint-Laurent du Maroni. To fly to Cayenne on a plane from Paris is to have taken a domestic flight complete with its cargo of French papers, cigarettes, wine and bread. This is travelling not only geographically but in time, between different former colonial powers and between different languages with visa and vaccination requirements different for each of the three Guianas, especially in these pandemic times. This is a very rich and rewarding destination to explore but often it is easiest to book an organised tour, be it in a group or on a private basis, so that the logistics and any visas are taken care of allowing you to simply relax and enjoy the very different experiences each

To travel in the Guianas is to travel to places with limited accommodation so pre-planning is always recommended to ensure getting availability at the best time of year. The best season is September through to April, with the main wet season traditionally occurring between May and July and a short rainy season on the coast in December-January. Air access to the region from Europe and North America is improving with airlines such as American Airlines and Copa Airlines flying frequently to Georgetown and talk of other carriers coming to Guyana with the onset of extensive offshore oil production bringing investment to the country. There are regular flights each day between Georgetown and Paramaribo making it easy to include Guyana in a three Guianas trip. Your local operator will be able to advise you on the best routing. Wilderness Explorers offer scheduled and tailor-made tours across the Guianas, combining the highlights of all three countries in a couple of weeks. The Discovering the Hidden Guianas itinerary combines the wonderful Maroon community of Danpaati on the Upper Suriname River with the charms of Paramaribo with the Guiana Space Centre and Devil’s Island and Cayenne in French Guiana. It then takes you to Guyana to experience the delights of the Iwokrama Rainforest

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Demerara River tour

including its canopy walkway and Turtle Mountain, a stay at the Amerindian community of Surama as well as a unique culinary and market tour of Georgetown and sunset river cruise on the Demerera River. This tour is a cost-effective way of combining several key locations in the company of like-minded seasoned travellers looking to explore one of the last frontiers of South America. Apart from scheduled groups, bespoke trips can be tailor-made across the region. Contact Wilderness Explorers at

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info@wilderness-explorers.com Telephone: +(592) 226-2085 Duty Manager: +(592) 624-2225 WhatsApp: +(592) 624-2225 Skype: Wildernessguyana

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COME FIND US! BIRDS OF GUYANA Photos by: Leon Moore

1. Crimson-hooded Manakin

2. Collared Puffbird

3. Guianan Cock-of-the-rock

4. Burrowing Owl

5. Black-crested Antshrike (female)

6. Blood-coloured Woodpecker

7. Green-tailed Jacamar

8. Ferruginous-backed Antbird

9. Hoary-throated Spinetail

10. Sun Bittern

11. Tepui Brushfinch

12. Sun Parakeet

QUICK GUIDE TO BIRDING IN GUYANA Guyana Tourism Authority BIRDING TOURS

For a hassle-free birding trip, it is best to stay connected with local tour operators who can be your eyes and ears on the ground. Choose from seasoned tour operators, guides and itineraries to develop a plan to see the birds that are on your list based on your budget, interests and time availability.

BIRD GUIDES

The most popular birding field guides in use in Guyana are the Birds of Northern South America: An Identification Guide and the Birds of Venezuela (Helm Field Guides). 94

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Many birders use the eBird app to record their sightings. Click here for a copy of Guyana’s bird list.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

The weather in Guyana is hot and humid, which makes your packing list a bit easy. Dull coloured breathable clothing that can be layered and that blends into the environment is recommended. Carry mosquito repellent and sun protection including a hat and sunscreen. Binoculars and cameras with extra batteries will ensure you don’t miss anything. A light jacket for early mornings, a rain jacket for unexpected showers, and waterproof boots or hiking

shoes are recommended as well. Looking for a more detailed packing list, we have you covered.

GUIDES AND NATURALISTS

Hiring guides and naturalists with the help of local tour operators and outfitters is recommended, so you can ensure you get the best of the best. Most all eco-lodges employ local indigenous guides who have been involved with research and conservation and know the details about the birdlife in the regions in which theyspecialise. This affords a great opportunity to interact with Indigenous Peoples who have fascinating stories to share as well as local knowledge.

BOOKINGS

Limited internet and phone connectivity in the interior of the country can make the booking and payment process challenging for international travellers. It is best to be connected to local tour operators, outfitters, and guides who can take care of all of the details on your behalf. They are regularly in touch with lodges, experience providers

and transportation service providers to ensure that your trip is smooth. It is also best to book ahead in time to ensure you secure best lodging and guides. You can contact our list of local tour operators here.

BEST TIME FOR BIRDING

The best time to travel to Guyana for birding is immediately after the two green seasons: September to early December and January to late April. This is the most vibrant time, as the vegetation is refreshed, and access is easier via dry roads. During green season from late April to August, it can be difficult to travel to remote locations. However, labouring through the rains is often rewarded when you see star birds and nesting sites up close and personal, travelling via small boat in mangroves and along remote creeks between the thick foliage. Source: Guyana Tourism Authority https://guyanatourism.com/explore_category/birding/ guide-to-birdwatching/

ARAWAK STEAKHOUSE Sheriff St. & Campbell Avenue | Georgetown Tel: 227-8839/227-8840 | omg@banksdih.com All major credit cards accepted. Reservations recommended. Dress Code: Elegantly Casual

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ABOUT GUYANA EMERGENCY NUMBERS Guyana Police Force (GPF): 911, 564, 225-6411 GPF Emergency Response Unit: 225-6411(24hrs), 226-4585 GPF Impact: 225-2317, 227-4064-5 Criminal Investigations Division Headquarters: 225-3650, 225-8196, 226-6978 Police Headquarters, Eve Leary: 226-2487, 226-2488, 227-4656 Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary: 227-2272, 226-9431, 227-2349 Operations, Brickdam Police Station: 227-1270, 227-1149 Fire: 912, 226-2411-13 Ambulance Service: 913 Civil Defense Commission Telephone: 226-1117, 226-1114, 226-8815, 225-5947 Email: cdcinfogy@gmail.com Radio Call sign: 8RG-79 Fax: 225-0468

Civil Defense Commission – Timehri, East Bank Demerara Telephone: (592) 261-2125, 261-2130, 261-2249 Radio Call sign: 8RG-479 National Emergency Monitoring Systems (NEMS) Civil Defence Commission Head Office Georgetown (Emergency Operations Centre – 24 hrs.) Telephone: (592) 226 -, 226-1114 Emergency Cellular Telephone (24 hrs.) 600-7500, 623-1700 Email: cadnems@gmail.com Radio Call sign: 8RG-79 WhatsApp: 600-7500 Civil Defense Commission – (Georgetown and Timheri) Radio Frequencies: 7.4535, 5.2050, 4.5550, 7.850, 14.415

GEOGRAPHY

Guyana is the third-smallest sovereign state on mainland South America after Uruguay and Suriname. It covers a total area of 214,970 sq.km. Guyana is divided into four geographical regions of the country - the Low Coastal Plains, the Hilly Sand and Clay, Interior Savannahs, and Forested Highland Regions. Approximately 75% of its landmass is still intact forest, and 2.5% is cultivated. The coastline is 1 metre to 1.5 metres below sea level at high tide necessitating elaborate systems of drainage canals. The most valuable mineral deposits are bauxite, gold, alumina, diamonds and natural gas. The country’s major mineral exports include gold and bauxite. Oil and uranium deposits have been found onshore and offshore, catapulting Guyana onto the world stage with more likely to be developed in the coming years. The main rivers are the Demerara, Berbice, Corentyne and Essequibo. The Low Coastal Plain is narrow and consists mainly of clay and is approximately 1 metre to 1.5 metres below sea level. It comprises approximately 6% of the country’s area and is the location where most of the administrative, agricultural, industrial and residential activities are concentrated.

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The coastal locations are primarily and predominantly agricultural -based, business support services and nature based tourism while interior locations are renowned for ecotourism and extractive commercial industries such as gold, diamonds, manganese and timber and cattle rearing. The low coastal plain is home to the capital city, Georgetown. Its wards and streets with a variety of names which reflect the influence of the Dutch, French and English who administered the town at different periods of history that enthrals world travellers Georgetown offers experiential travellers a combination of offerings- heritage, gastronomy, nature and culture.

The Hilly Sand and Clay Region is found just after the coastal belt, most of it is covered with vegetation, the region is known for its reserves in bauxite. This area takes up about 25% of the total area of the country and is sparsely populated, the major population centre is Linden a town of 39,992 persons (Bureau of Statistics, Census 2012). The Interior Savannahs account for almost 6% of the country’s area and is vegetated mostly by grasses, shrubs and low trees. The population primarily comprises the Indigenous peoples living in remote villages. Located within this area is the township of Lethem. The Interior Savannahs is home to the Macushi, Patamonas, Wai Wai and Wapishianas Peoples. The Rupununi region caters towards nature based/ adventure tourists and ecotourists. It is designated a “protected area” by the government of Guyana, housing some 80% of the mammals and 60% of the bird life found in Guyana’s tropical forests and savannahs. Several Lodges welcome guests, for example Karanambu Lodge, Waikin Ranch and Rock View Lodge. The Rupununi is accessible by small aircraft and helicopter flights regularly available from Guyana’s capital Georgetown on the Atlantic coast. In the dry season, it is accessible by an unpaved “all- weather” road using trucks or 4x4 vehicles or minibuses. Travel from Georgetown to Lethem takes approximately 11 hours by road. In the rainy seasons, the journey is longer and arduous. Additionally, heavy flooding makes this drive unpredictable and dangerous in the rainy season during the months of April to June. The Forested Highlands make up for approximately 63% of the country’s landmass. There are four major mountain ranges in this region, Kanuku, Pakaraima, Imataka and Acarai. This region along with the savannahs are Pre-Cambrian landforms which are very old. The soils under the forests are heavily weathered laterite and are covered by heavy forest cover.

CLIMATE Guyana is a tropical destination that is pleasant and warm for most of the year, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to June, November to January). Mean temperature of 27 ̊C and the average temperature range from 24 ̊C to 31 ̊C. Rainfall is approximately 2,300mm a year in Georgetown.

CLOTHING Lightweight, casual clothing may be worn throughout the year. However, longs are recommended for the evening along with mosquito repellent containing deet, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, as well as a variety of plant oils, such as cedar, citronella, geraniol, lemongrass, and rosemary to safeguard against mosquito bites.

HEALTH COVID-19 Advisory Travellers to Guyana are no longer required to complete the Health Declaration/Passenger Locator Form as a requirement for entry into Guyana. For entry into Guyana, passengers must possess the following: 1. A negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, taken no later than 7 days; if it is within 4-7, a second test is required at Cheddi Jagan International Airport. 2. Proof of vaccination Please contact the airline or your travel agent for further clarifications. COVID Guidelines when visiting the attractions across Guyana as outlined by the Ministry of Health, please check with your local tour provider for further details. There is a risk of malaria exists in certain parts of the interior however the likelihood is very low in tourism zones. Consult your doctor for the required precautions if you intend to travel there. Georgetown and coastal areas are Malaria-Free. For more details, please visit Municipal Hospitals and Health Care Centres exist within rural and outer lying communities with medivac services available in cases of emergency. For further information, contact the Ministry of Health on Telephone Numbers: (592) 226-7338 or (592) 226-1366.

INTERNET For most customers, internet service is available nationally through independent providers. Internet Service is also available in most hotels and at many internet cafés established across the country. Wi-fi access is available at hotels and restaurants for patrons using their laptops. Keep up to date through the four daily newspapers; Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, Guyana Times Newspaper and the national paper; The Guyana Chronicle Newspaper. There are a variety of locally owned television stations across Guyana, seventeen in total; twenty-two (22) privately owned radio station and one (1) government operated radio station.

PLACES TO WORSHIP The predominant religious groups are Christians, Hindus and Muslims. Each is well represented with its own churches, temples, mosques respectively. They are found country- wide where the major landmarks featuring traditional architecture may be seen.

POPULATION Guyana’s population is approximately 746,955 (Census 2012) of whom 90% live along the coastal strip and banks of major rivers.

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TRAVEL TRAVEL INFORMATION Entry to Guyana during Covid-19 Effective August 8, 2021 and until further notice all persons entering Guyana must be vaccinated (meaning that they have had at least one dose of a vaccine) and also produce a negative PCR test conducted within seventy two (72) hours prior to entry into Guyana.

Visa Exempt Nationals

Home Affairs in advance of the date the visitor is expected to depart Guyana

The maximum duration of stay any visitor will be granted by Guyana Immigration, should not exceed thirty days. Visas are necessary for all visitors except nationals of the following countries: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Commonwealth Countries and United States of America.

For further information and guidance, visitors are encouraged to contact the Head of Immigration Support Service, Ministry of Home Affairs, located at Ministry of Home Affairs, Guyana Post Office Building, Robb Street, Robbstown, Guyana or via mailto: moccarolprimo@gmail.comor on Tel: (592) 226-2221, 223-7867.

Please see link for complete listing: http://www.minfor.gov. gy/index.php/consular-services/travel/countries-whosenationals-do-not-require-visas-to-enter-guyana

The Central Office of Immigration, located on Camp Street, Georgetown should also note the extension in the visitor’s passport at the time of it being granted.

Non - Exempt Nationals

INTERNATIONAL & REGIONAL CARRIERS

All visitors to Guyana who require a visa for travel to Guyana should contact the Guyana Foreign Office nearest to you or send an email to the Head of Immigration, Guyana: moccarolprimo@gmail.com prior to making travel arrangements Telephone numbers +592 226-2221, 223-7867 or 223-5210. Applicants are encouraged to apply three (3) weeks to one (1) month in advance of travel. The process period is one (1) week however this varies depending upon the nature of the case. A letter notifying the applicant of the visa being granted will be emailed. Visitors must have in their possession the original/or copy of the document stating the visa has been granted to show to Immigration upon arrival at Cheddi Jagan International Airport -Timehri. Payment for the visa must be made by a local counterpart at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Guyana Post Office Building, Robb Street, Robbstown, Georgetown.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY Visitors who wish to extend their stay, are visiting Guyana, for purposes other than tourism, or are on work permits must contact the Head of Immigration Support Service, Ministry of

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Guyana now has four points of entry for visitors arriving into the destination; via Guyana- Brazil Road Crossing, Guyana – Suriname River Crossing and via our two (2) international airports. The two international (2) airports are The Cheddi Jagan International- Timehri and The Eugene F. Correia International Airport- Ogle, both of which facilitate flights from and travelling to regional and international destinations. The main airport named after the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, The Cheddi Jagan International - Timehri is located 25 miles south of Georgetown at Timehri. Flights from Europe are routed through Antigua, Barbados or Trinidad. There are also direct flights from Miami, New York, Toronto, Panama and Suriname. Effective September 2009, Eugene F. Correia was declared an International Port of Entry to Guyana. The airport will serve international, regional and domestic destinations with aircraft in the class of Dash 8, 300’s. Currently Eugene F. Correia International facilitates regional transfers between Guyana and Suriname via Trans Guyana Airways. Transfers are provided by Caribbean Airlines Ltd. between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana and Barbados respectively. The Eugene F. Correia International Airport, formally known as Ogle International Airport, is located on the Atlantic Ocean Coast of Guyana, approximately 4 miles east of the capital, Georgetown, in the Demerara-Mahaica region of Guyana.

The Eugene F. Correia International serves a dual purpose, as an international airport and as the air terminal for domestic flights travelling to and arriving from different locations across the country. The Airport receives flights connecting from Eastern Caribbean, Barbados, Suriname and Trinidad to Guyana.

DOMESTIC AIR SERVICE Air transportation is readily available for traveling to several parts of the hinterland, whether for business or for pleasure. Several local airlines depart from Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle East Coast Demerara and from Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. Information on their availability and movement is easily obtainable from the offices of the Domestic carriers and from tour operators. Private charter companies operate flight from the Eugene F. Correia International Airport to interior locations. (For further information, please see list of DOMESTIC OPERATORS listed under our TOURISM SERVICE PROVIDERS to arrange charter or regular service transfers to interior locations.)

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Driving in Guyana Traffic drives on the left. Seat belts are necessary according to the Laws of Guyana. If travelling to Guyana and wish to rent a vehicle during your stay, please enquire with the Customs Officer at the Airport, upon your arrival into Guyana. The permit will immediately be issued provided the visitor has his/her driver’s licence on their person. The permit is issued free of charge.

TRAVEL VIA TAXIS FROM THE CHEDDI JAGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT-TIMEHRI Visitors should ONLY use the official taxi services registered to operate at CJIA. They can be identified by their uniforms (Crème Shirt-Jackets, Black Pants and ID Badges. Fares are listed at the Airport and are fixed). Fares charged from Airport to Georgetown range between US$25.00 and US$30.00.

TRAVEL VIA TAXIS FROM THE EUGENE F. CORREIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT- OGLE Incoming travellers in need of transportation can use Official Ogle Airport taxis located in the compound. Taxis are available at the airport & fares usually range from GYD $2,000 (USD$10.) to GYD $2,500 (USD$13.) depending on drop off destination. Taxi fares for destinations around Georgetown range from GYD $500 to GYD $600. The only other means of public transportation consists of minibus vehicles that seat 15 persons. Minibus fares range from GYD $100 to GYD $160, depending on destination.

TAXI AND BUSES Georgetown is well served with taxis, operating throughout the city and to and from other urban centres. Before embarking, confirm the rates for travel to destination of interest. Use only recognised yellow taxis or taxis bearing the logos of respective taxi services. Alternatively, do seek the guidance of the accommodation’s front desk staff to assist in your selection of service providers, possibly those that are already contracted to the facility. There are also ultra –cheap privately owned mini buses operating in allocated zones- around the city, along the coast, to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and Linden. This arrangement extends to all mini bus routes throughout the country. Please check and confirm those fares before embarking on your journey. Travel around Georgetown by Bus: Short stops within the limits of the city are approximately GY$100.00 and longer stops G$160.00. Travelling by taxi for short distances: approximately GY$400$GY500 longer drops of GY$700.00 and more as these prices will vary from location to location. Rented cars are also available.

RIVER BOATS & FERRIES With the opening of the Berbice Bridge between East and West Berbice, travelling time is lessened for commuters from Georgetown to Berbice and onward travel to Suriname via the crossing at Moleson Creek. A toll is charged at the Berbice Bridge based on vehicle’s capacity. Passengers travelling from Moleson Creek to Nickerie, Suriname using the Canawaima Ferry will be charged a fee of US$15.00 per adult passenger one way and US$ 20 return. Return fare for children (3ys - 12yrs) will be US$10.00 one way and US$15:00 return Commuters to West Demerara have a choice of road transport via the Demerara Harbour Bridge (Be sure to check the bridge opening schedule http://www.harbourbridge.gov.gy/ schedule.html) or by water taxis from the Stabroek Stelling to Vreed-en-Hoop, which is obliquely opposite each other. The highway, which begins on the West Coast of Demerara, is heavily trafficked since it provides a link to Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo River that has become an important centre of economic activity in the Essequibo region.

TRAVEL TO GUYANA’S INTERIOR Travel arrangements may be made with local busing service, jeeps, chartered planes and speedboats.

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MONEY CREDIT CARDS Resorts, hotels, gift shops, restaurants and tour operators generally accept major credits cards and traveller’s cheques for payment from guests. A guide is advisable for longer distance travel to interior locations. Speed boats operators can be hired to take passengers to Bartica, Supenaam on the Essequibo Coast among other locations. Travel to and from some of these location can be completed in a single day. Others will require overnight-stay based on travel time and distance from Parika.

CAMBIOS These are licensed currency exchange houses. Most cambios are open between 08:00hrs and 17:00hrs, and on Saturdays from 08:00hrs to 12:00hrs, sometimes to 14:00hrs. Do keep your CAMBIO receipts, you will need to produce them in order to change Guyanese Dollars on departure.

MONEY & BUSINESS GUIDE ATM machines are accessible to persons with ATM Debit Cards. Persons in possession of international CIRRUS Credit Cards that are Master Card and Visa Card may utilise the ATMs at local banks for cash advances when in Guyana.

BANKING HOURS Banks are generally opened between 08:00hrs and 14: 00 hrs. from Monday to Thursday and 08:00hrs and 14: 30hrs on Friday. Demerara Bank branches in Mahaica and Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara and Diamond, East Bank Demerara are opened on Saturday from 8:00 – 11:30 am. Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry Ltd branch in Diamond, East Bank Demerara is opened on Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00pm and their branch at Parika, East Bank Essequibo is opened on Sundays from 8:00am to 12:00pm Citizen’s Bank Guyana Ltd branch at Linden is opened on Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00pm and their branch at Parika, East Bank Essequibo is opened on Sundays from 8:00am to 12:00pm

BUSINESS ATTIRE Men wear long or short sleeved shirts, a Jacket is optional. Shirt and tie attire is common in most offices. Females are expected to dress conservatively.

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International VISA, Master Card, Maestro and Cirrus credit and debit cards can be used to obtain cash from local banks during banking hours. A similar service is also available at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) at their branches and at select ATM locations.

CURRENCY The Guyana Dollar is the only legal tender accepted in this country. It is a floating currency and the value fluctuates in accordance with the changes in the value of the US$. Visitors may exchange their currencies at banks, cambios and most hotels. The rate of the dollar fluctuates and the exchange is approximately US$1 to GY$210.

TAXES DEPARTURE TAX Departure Taxes are no longer collected at the airports but included in the cost of the ticket. Outbound international travellers departing via Eugene F Correia International Airport are required to pay a Departure Tax is GYD $3,000 that is included in the cost of the ticket. At the Cheddi Jagan International Airport an airport security fee and an airport passenger’s service charge of US$35 must be paid by travellers for a round trip. Departing travellers will be required to pay US$17 while those arriving will pay US$15, payable at the prevailing foreign exchange rate. All airportrelated charges payable at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) have now been included in the ticket prices effective May 11, 2019.

VALUED ADDED TAX Valued Added Tax (VAT) is charged to a value of 14% on most items save those that are 0-Rated or VAT exempt.

ECONOMY Guyana is a middle-income country and home to fertile agricultural lands and abundant natural resources. Among its leading exports are gold, bauxite, sugar, rice, extensive timber operations and a range of other products, from coffee to fish and fruits, and fresh vegetables well –respected brands of rum. Gold, bauxite and diamonds are mined.

Fuelled by mega oil discoveries and production set to hit close to 1 million barrels per day by mid-2020, Guyana is currently listed at number 1 among the 5 fastest growing economies in the world. Tourism is a growing sector, considered today the second largest export sector after gold. Export refers to money going from a foreign consumer to a domestic business. Guyana’s economy depends on commodity exports, which are vulnerable due to fluctuations in commodity production and pricing. Tourism is recognised globally as an export sector that is non-extractive in nature.

BUSINESS CONTACTS & ORGANISATIONS Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development 12 Chapel Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice Tel: 592-333-3324 Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry 157 Waterloo St, P.O. Box 10730, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-7170, 226-4603, Fax:592-227-0725 Email: coglecagi@gmail.com Website: http://www.cagi.org.gy/ Forest Products Association of Guyana 157 Waterloo St. Georgetown, Tel: 592-226-9848, 226-2821 Fax: 592-226-2832 • Email: fpasect@guyana.net.gy Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry 156 Waterloo St, Georgetown • Tel: 592-225-5846 Email: gccicommerce2009@gmail.com Website: http://gcci.gy/ GO-INVEST (Guyana Office for Investment) 190 Camp & Church Streets, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-0658, 227-0653 • Fax: 592-225-0655 E-mail: goinvest@goinvest.gov.gy Website: http://goinvest.gov.gy/ Guyana Manufacturers & Services Association 157 Waterloo Street, Georgetown • Tel: 592-23-7405/6 Email: gmsaguyanaltd@gmail.com Website: http://gmsagy.org/

Guyana Rice Millers’ and Exporters’ Development Association Tel: 592-227-3344, 227-3350 Guyana Rice Producers’ Association c/o Crane, West Coast Demerara • Tel: 254-2012, 254-2013 Guyana Tourism Authority National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Georgetown Tel: 592-219 0094-6 • Fax: 592-219 0093 Email: info@guyanatourism.com Website: www.guyanatourism.com Institute of Private Enterprise Development 253 South Road, Bourda, Georgetown • Tel: 592-225-8949 Email:iped@ipedgy.com • Website: http://www.ipedgy.com/ Linden Chamber of Industry and Commerce 84 Riverside Drive, Watooka, Linden • Tel: 592-444-2901 Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce Address: 229 South Road, Lacytown, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: +592-226-2505, Fax: +592-225-4310 Hotlines: Small Business & Consumer Affairs: 592-225-0665, Commerce: 592-225-2280; 225-6011, Licensing: 592-227-2718 Email: info@mintic.gov.gy CARICOM - The Caribbean Community Secretariat Turkeyen East Coast Demerara Tel: 592-222-0001-75 • Fax: 592-222-0172 Email: piu@caricom.org, caricompublicinfo@gmail.com Private Sector Commission The umbrella organization for more private sector business and employer’s organisations. 157 Waterloo St, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-0977 • Fax: 592-225-0978 E-mail: office@psc.org.gy Website: http://psc.org.gy/ Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) 157 Waterloo St, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-0807 • Fax: 592-225-0817 E-mail: secretariat@thag.co Website: http://www.thag.co

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INFORMATIVE SITES ON GUYANA TRAVEL AND TOURISM: Guyana Tourism Authority

http://www.guyanatourism.com

Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana

http://thag.co

Explore Guyana Magazine

http://www.exploreguyana.org/

Iwokrama International Centre

http://iwokrama.org/

Protected Areas Commission

http://nre.gov.gy/category/protected-areas-commission/ https://www.facebook.com/Protected-Areas-Commission

INVESTING IN GUYANA: Guyana Office for Investment

http://goinvest.gov.gy/

Guyana Lands & Survey

http://www.lands.gov.gy/

Private Sector Commission

http://psc.org.gy/

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce

http://gcci.gy/

Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association

http://gmsagy.org/

Association of Guyana

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (Conservation): Conservation International Guyana

http://www.conservation.org/

World Wildlife Fund (Guyana)

http://www.wwfguianas.org/

Iwokrama International Centre

http://iwokrama.org/

National Trust of Guyana

http://nationaltrust.gov.gy/

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ACCOMODATIONS

Georgetown & Environs All of these properties are members of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, and offer the quality service we know will meet your satisfaction.

TOURISM AND HOSPITATLITY ASSOCIATION OF GUYANA Private Sector Commission Building, 157 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana is a private sector-led organization dedicated to lobbying, marketing and advocating for sustainable tourism development by fostering professionalism and quality service, providing benefits to members, representing membership interests and collaborating with Government to influence tourism policies. Contact us: Tel: 592 225 0807, 225-0817 Email: thag.secretariat@gmail.com Website: www.thag.co Explore Guyana Magazine: www.exploreguyana.org Facebook: Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana

1. Aracari Hotel

2. Cara Lodge

157-159 Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara. Tel: 592 264-2947 Ext 251 (1 Mile North of the Harbour Bridge, WBD) Email: info@aracariresort.com Website:www.aracariresort.com

294 Quamina Street, P.O. Box 10833 Georgetown Tel: 592-225-5301-5 Fax: 592-225-5310 Email: caralodge@carahotels.com Website: www.carahotels.com

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3. Demico Hotel

4. Grand Coastal Hotel

Address: Croal Street, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-3297 / 592-225-6322 Fax: 592-226-7851 Website: www.banksdih.com/

1 & 2 Area “M” Plantation, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara Tel: 592-220-1091 Fax: 592-220-1498 Email: reservations@grandcoastal.com Website: www.grandcoastal.com

5. Guyana Mariott Hotel Georgetown

6. Herdmanston Lodge

Block Alpha, Battery Road, Kingston

Tel: 592-231-2480, 231-1870 Fax: 592-231-2481 Email: mhrs.geomc.reservations@marriotthotels.com Website: www.marriott.com/geomc Facebook: guyanamarriotthotelgeorgetown Instagram: guyanamarriott

Lamaha & Peter Rose Streets, Queenstown, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-0808 (Ext. 100), 592-618-0808 (Whatsapp) Email: guestcare@hl.gy Website: www.hl.gy Facebook: www.facebook.com/Herdmanston/

7. King’s Hotel & Residences

8. Ramada Princess Hotel

Track B Block 'Z'

176 Middle & Waterloo Streets Georgetown Tel: 592-226-1684-7 Email: reservations@kingshotel.gy WEbsite: www.kingshotel.gy

B Bank Block 'Z'Bank Demerara Track B Block Z,Track Providence, East Providence, East Demerara Providence, East Bank Demerara265-7013, Tel: 592-265-7001, 265-7006-10, Tel: 592 265-7003-4, 265-7001, 265-7003-4, Tel: 592 265-7001, 265-7003-4, 265-7021-22; Fax: 265-7002 592 265-7006-10, 265-7013, 265-7021-22 592Email: 265-7006-10, 265-7013, 265-7021-22 sales@ramadageorgetown.com Email: sales@ramadageorgetown.com Email: sales@ramadageorgetown.com Website: www.ramadageorgetown.com Website: www.ramadageorgetown.com Website: www.ramadageorgetown.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ramada/georgetown Facebook: www.facebook.com/ramada.georgetown Facebook: www.facebook.com/ramada.georgetown

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9. Roraima Duke Lodge

10. Roraima Residence Inn

94-95 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown Tel: 592-231-7220, 227-2213 Fax: 592-227-3816 Email: roraimadukelodge@gmail.com Website: www.roraimaairways.com

R8 Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-9648-52 Fax: 592-225-9646 Email: rriops@gmail.com Website: www.roraimaairways.com

Nature Resorts, Eco-Lodges & Attractions Adel’s Rainforest Resort

Akawini Creek, Pomeroon River, Essequibo Tel: 592-674-2398 International Tel: 301-938-5513 Email: pomeroon34@gmail.com Website: www.adelresort.com

Adventure Guianas Hotel Toucana & Courtyard

3 Tabatinga Drive, Lethem, Rupununi, Georgetown Tel: 592-227-4713, 673-0039, 621-7766 Email: adventureguianas@gmail.com Website: www.adventureguianas.com

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Arrowpoint Nature Resort

Atta Rainforest Lodge (CATS)

Kamuni Creek Office: 94-95 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown Tel: 592-231-7220, 227-2213 Fax: 592-225-9646 Georgetown: Tel 225-9647-8 Fax: 592-225-9646 Email: tours.roraimaairways@gmail.com Website: www.roraimaairways.com

c/o Wilderness Explorers 141 Fourth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel: 592-227-7698 Fax: 592-226-2085 Email: info@iwokramacanopywalkway.com Website: www.iwokramacanopywalkway.com Skype: iwokramacanopywalkway

Baganara Island Resort

Hurakabra River Resort

Essequibo River Head Office: Eugene F. Correia International Airport Ogle, East Coast Demerara Tel: 592-222-2525, 222-8053, 222-0264 Fax: 222-6117 Email: bookbaganara@baganara.net Website: www.baganara.net Facebook: baganaraislandresort

Essequibo River Office: 168 Century Palm Gardens, Durban Backlands, Lodge, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-3557, 226-0240 Mobile: 592-624-8694, 640-4497 Fax: 592-226- 0240 Email: gemmadhoo@gmail.com Website: www.hurakabra.com Facebook: Hurakabra River Resort

Iwokrama River Lodge

Jubilee Resort

49 High and Barrack Streets Kingston, Georgetown Phone: 592-225-1504, 592-225-1181 Fax: 592-225-9199 E-mail: iwokrama-general@iwokrama.org Website: www.iwokrama.org

Dakara Creek, Timehri Office: 106 –107 Lamaha & Carmichael Street, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-4020 Fax: 592-226-5340 Email: jubileeresortinc@gmail.com Website: www.jubileeresort.com

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Karanambu Lodge Inc

Karanambu, North Rupununi Lodge Cell Phone: 592-624-2111 Email: karanambulodgegy@gmail.com Website: www.karanambutrustandlodge.org

Piraiba Lodge

Upper Essequibo River Tel: 227-4713-673-0039, 621-7766 Email: adventureguianas@gmail.com Website: www.adventureguianas.com

Rewa Eco Lodge

Contact information for reservation: Rovin Alvin, Levi Edwards, Lorindo Honorio, Dicky Alvin, Ceona Mack, Victor Captain Email: ecolodgerewa@gmail.com Website: www.ecolodgerewa.com

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Rock View Lodge

Sloth Island Nature Resort

Annai, North Rupununi, Region 9 Tel: 592-645-9675(Colin), 592-614-1060 Email: info@rockviewlodge.com, colin@rockviewlodge.com Website: www.rockviewlodge.com

Georgetown Address: 91 Middle Street, Georgetown Tel: 592-223-7921, 678-4969, 610-7597,592 610-2408, 612-5493 Island address: Essequibo River Email: slothisland@yahoo.com Website: slothisland.com Facebook: Sloth Island Nature Resort

Surama Eco-Lodge

Surama Village North Rupununi, Region #9, Guyana Email: info@suramaecolodge.com Website: www.suramaecolodge.com Tel: 592-653-7160

Waikin Ranch

Upper Takatu & Ireng Rivers, Pirara West, Rupununi, Guyana At Waikin Ranch: Contact Don - 592-680-8491, Dante - 592-600-2888 Email: waikin.ranch.bullseye@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/bullseye2011/

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TOURISM SERVICE PROVIDERS AIR SERVICES, DOMESTIC CHARTERS AND CARGO AIR SERVICES LTD Eugene F. Correia International Airport Ogle, East Coast Demerara Tel: 592-222-1234, 222-2993 Fax: 592-222-6739 Email: res@aslgy.com Website: www.aslgy.com JAGS AVIATION GUYSUCO Hanger, Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara Tel: 592-222-2460-1 Email: www.bkair.biz Website: www.bkincgy.com RORAIMA AIRWAYS CHARTERS Eugene F. Correia International Airport Ogle, East Coast Demerara Tel: 592-222-2337, 222-4032 Fax: 592-222-4033 Email: raiflightops.geo@gmail.com, ral@roraimaairways.com Website: www.roraimaairways.com TRANS GUYANA AIRWAYS Eugene F. Correia International Airport Ogle, East Coast Demerara Tel: 592-222-2525, 222-3013 Fax: 592-222-6117 Email: commercial1@transguyana.net Website: www.transguyana.net Facebook: transguyanaairways

JEWELLERY KINGS JEWELLERY WORLD Kings Plaza 141 Quamina Street, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: 592-226-0704, 226-0682, 225-2524 Emails: admin@kingsjewelleryworld.com. For orders and inquires, Email: orders.kings@live.com Website: www.kingsjewelleryworld.com/

RESTAURANTS AND BARS AAGMAN INDIAN RESTAURANT Top Floor, Lot 28 A Sheriff St. Georgetown Tel: 592-219-0161, 219-0158 Email: aagmanrestaurant@gmail.com Website: www.aagmanrestaurant.com

BISTRO CAFÉ & BAR 176 Middle & Waterloo Streets Georgetown Tel: 592-225-8634, 628-5666 Website: www.bistrocafebar.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/bistrocafeandbar Instagram: bistro_cafe_bar BISTRO WINE & CHAMPAGNE BAR MovieTowne Mall, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara Tel: 592-650-2777 Email: www.bistrowinebar.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bistro-Wine-ChampagneBar-103050294433692 Instagram: bistro_wine_and_champagne_bar BOTTLE BAR AND RESTAURANT Cara Lodge 294 Quamina Street, P.O. Box 10833, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-5301-5 Fax: 592-225-5310 Email: caralodge@carahotels.com Website: www.carahotels.com CARIBE BOARDWALK POOL BAR AND GRILL Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown Block Alpha, Battery Road, Kingston Tel: 592-231-2480, 231-1870 Fax: 592-231-2481 Website: www.guyanamarriott.com CHICKEN ‘N’ BURGER DELIGHT Track ‘A’ Junction, Vreed en Hoop, West Bank Demerara Tel: 592-264-3600 Email: chickennburger@gmail.com Website: https://chickennburger.com/ GERMAN’S RESTAURANT 8 New Market Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown Tel: 592-227-0079 Email: germanssoup@gmail.com Website: www.germanssoup.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/germansrestaurantgy/ KOSMOS BAR, GRILL & LOUNGE MovieTowne Mall, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, Tel: 592-502-3955, 602-1601, Email: operations@kosmoslounge.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Kosmosmovietowne/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kosmosgrill/?hl=en

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OMG! ARAWAK STEAK HOUSE Sheriff Street & Campbell Avenue, Georgetown Tel: 592-227-8839, 227-8840 Email: omg@banksdih.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/OMGRestaurant ROYAL CASTLE GUYANA INC. Garnett & Sheriff Streets, Georgetown Tel: 592-227-0136 Email: royal@networksgy.com Website: https://www.royalcastlegy.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/royalcastleguyana TERRA MARE RESTAURANT Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown Block Alpha, Battery Road, Kingston Tel: 592-231-2480, 231-1870 Fax: 592- 231- 2481 Website: www.guyanamarriott.com THE DUKE RESTAURANT 94-95 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown Tel: 592-231-7220, 227-2213 Fax: 592-227-3816 Email: roraimadukelodge@hotmail.com Website: www.roraimaairways.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoraimaDukeLodge/ UNDER THE MANGO TREE Cara Lodge 294 Quamina Street, P.O. Box 10833 Georgetown Tel: 592-225-5301-5 Fax: 592-225-5310 Email: caralodge@carahotels.com Website: www.carahotels.com

ADVERTISING AND PUBLISHING COMPANIES ADVERTISING MARKETING SERVICES P.O. Box 101582 Georgetown Tel: 592-225-5384 / 758-484-6168 Email: lokesh@amscaribbean.com Website: www.amsstlucia.com

BANKS DIH LIMITED Thirst Park, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-0910 Fax: 592-226-6523 Email: banks@banksdih.com , marketing@banksdih.com Website: http://www.banksdih.com/ WINEDAYS GY 159 Arapaima Street, Guyhoc Park Georgetown Tel: 641-3633 or 697-3633 WhatsApp: 641-3633 Email: keonhoward@yahoo.com Website: www.winedaysgy.com ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS INC. 60 Area H Ogle, East Coast Demerara Tel: 592-222-4565, 222-3172, 500-1000 Email: emcguyana.com Website: www.emcguyana.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BanksDIHLtd/

TOURISM CONSULTANTS PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANTS LIMITED 168 Century Palm Gardens, Durban Backlands, Lodge, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-3557, 226-0240 Email: kitnasc@gmail.com

TOUR OPERATORS ADVENTURE GUIANAS Mikel Plaza, 53 Pere Street, Kitty, Georgetown Tel: 592-227-4713-673-0039, 621-7766 Email: adventureguianas@gmail.com Website: www.adventureguianas.com

COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS

DAGRON TOURS 91 Middle Street, Georgetown Tel: 592-223-7921, 227-1174 Fax: 592-227-1166 Email: dagron@dagron-tours.com, reservations@dagron-tours.com Website: www.dagron-tours.com

IWOKRAMA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR RAINFOREST CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT 49 High and Barrack Streets Kingston, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-1504, 225-1186 Fax: 592-225-9199 Email: tourism@iwokrama.org Website: www.iwokrama.org

EVERGREEN ADVENTURES Eugene F. Correia International Airport Ogle, East Coast Demerara Tel: 592-222-2525, 222 0264, 222-8053 Fax: 592-222-6117 Email: reservations@evergreenadventuresgy.com Website: www.evergreenadventuresgy.com Facebook.com/evergreenadventuresgy

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HURAKABRA TOURS 168 Century Palm Gardens, Durban Backlands, Lodge, Georgetown Tel: 592- 225-3557, 226-0240 Mobile: 592-640-4497 Fax: 592- 226-0240 Email: gemmadhoo@gmail.com Website: www.hurakabra.com Facebook: Hurakabra River Resort

RORAIMA INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AGENCY R8 Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown Tel: 592-225- 9647-8, 225-9650 Fax: 592-225-9646 Email: rriops@hotmail.com / rriops@gmail.com Website: www.roraimaairways.com

OLD FORT TOURS 157 Waterloo Street, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-1035 Fax: 592-225-1037 Email: oldforttours@gmail.com Website: www.oldforttours.com

ANSA RENTALS 64 Beterverwagting, Industrial Site East Coast Demerara Tel: 592-220-0930 Email: reservations.guy@ansarentals.com Website: https://gy.ansarentals.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansarentalsgy

ODYSSEY SIGHTSEEING TOURS 171 A Light Street, Bourda, Georgetown Tel: 592-223-2471 Email: odysseysightseeing@gmail.com Website: www.odysseysightseeing.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Odyssey-SightSeeing-105886164089252

MOVIE THEATRES

RIVER QUEST JET BOAT SERVICES 72 Charlotte & Albert Streets, Bourda, Georgetown Tel: 592-231-1340 Email: info@riverquestgy.com Website: http://www.riverquestgy.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RiverQuestVenturesInc RORAIMA TOURS R8 Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-9647-8 Fax: 592-225-9646 Email: ral@roraimaairways.com Website: www.roraimaairways.com WILDERNESS EXPLORERS 141 Fourth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel: 592-227-7698 Fax: 592-226-2085 WhatsApp: (592) 624-2225 Email: info@wilderness-explorers.com Website: www.wilderness-explorers.com Skype: wildernessguyana or tonywildex

TRAVEL AGENCIES ANGELLINA’S TRAVEL AGENCY 1995 Parika Highway East Bank Essequibo Tel: 592-260-4536/ 37 Fax: 592-260-4537 Email: angellinastravel@hotmail.com Website:www.oldforttours.com

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

MULTICINEMAS GUYANA INC. MOVIETOWNE Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, Guyana Tel: 592-222-7827 Email: guyana@movietowne.com Website: http://www.movietowne.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/movietowneguyana

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS COMFORT SLEEP 49 Eccles Industrial Estate, East Bank Demerara, Tel: 592-233-3013, 233-2657 Email: comfortsleep49@gmail.com, info@comfortsleep.gy Website: www.comfortsleep.gy REPUBLIC BANK (GUYANA) LIMITED Promenade Court 155-156 New Market Street North Cummingsburg, Georgetown Tel: 592-223-7938-39 Email: email@republicguyana.com Website: www.republicguyana.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/republicbankguyana/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/republicbankgy YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/RepublicBankLimited Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/powertomakeadifference/ RAJ SINGH INSURANCE BROKERS & RISK MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS INC. 86 First Street, Alberttown, Georgetown Tel: 592-227-2800, 227-5407 Fax: 592-557-3093, Email: admin@rsi.gy, rajgyins@gmail.com Website: www.rsi.gy

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Index of Advertisers COMPANY

PAGE

Aagman Indian Restaurant

Adventure Guianas

101

Advertising & Marketing Services

Air Services Ltd.

Inside Front Cover

Amazonia Mall

Arrowpoint Nature Resort

Arthur Chung Conference Centre

103

Assuria Guyana

104

Baganara Island Resort

Banks DIH Ltd - XM Rum

Banks DIH Ltd - BANKS Beer

Banks DIH Ltd - OMG! Restaurant

Banks DIH Ltd - Arawak Steakhouse

Bistro Wine & Champagne Bar

Brandsville Hotel

Cara Lodge

Caribbean Airlines Ltd

Century21 Guyana

Demerara Distillers Ltd

Outside Back Cover

Esso Exploration (ExxonMobil)

Inside Front Cover

Evergreen Adventures

Guyana Office for Investment

Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA)

Inside Back Cover

Iwokrama

John Fernandes Ltd.

King's Hotel & Residences

King's Jewellery World

LEHR Inc. Wine Distributors

Massy Motors Ltd

NALICO / NAFICO

National Milling Company (NAMILCO)

National Car Rental

Republic Bank Ltd

Roraima Airways Group

TotalTec Oilfield Services Guyana Inc.

Inside Front Cover

Trans Guyana Airways

Travel the Guianas - Suriname

Waikin Ranch

Wilderness Explorers

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#discoverguyana

www.guyanatourism.com

@eldoradorums www.theeldoradorum.com

Drink El Dorado Responsibly