EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
Country
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The Official Tourist Guide of Guyana 2019 EXPLORE GUYANA is designed and published annually for the Tourism
and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) in association with the Ministry of Business with responsibility for Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) by:
Advertising & Marketing Services (AMS)
213 B Camp Street P.O. Box 101582, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: (011592) 225-5384
Publisher & Editor:
Lokesh Singh lokesh@amscaribbean.com
Associate Editor: Treina Fiona Butts
Project Coordinator: Nerissa Moore
Advertising Sales: Lokesh Singh Lesa Fleming Fiaz Yamin Nerissa Moore
Graphic Design:
Advertising & Marketing Services Heimant Ram, Carlisle Searles
Editorial Contributors:
Lokesh Singh Treina Butts Maryam Saheed Khan Rawletta Barrow Brian Mullis Soffia Mangal Frederikke Just Stephan Sookram Avenash Ramzan Dr Rebecca Cliffe British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn
Contributing Photography:
GSDS Coordinating Office Guyana Tourism Authority Dr Andrew Snyder Renee Bish Meshach Pierre Kevin Hand Kevin Daby Eleanor Hughes Kirstie Duke Kit Nascimento Lola Chan-a-Sue Iwokrama Guyana Carnival Fiaz Yamin Avenash Ramzan Travis Montooth Hero CPL Espncricinfo.com Paul Fraser Kevin Hand Kevin Daby Frank Singh Banks DIH Eleanor Hughes Kit Nascimento Winslow Craig
Ministry of the Presidency Ministry of Business Department of Public Information GSDS Coordinating Office Guyana Tourism Authority David DiGregorio Hugh Hough Annette Arjoon-Martins Leon Moore Stephen Persaud Soffia Mangal Suzi Eszterhas Sloth Island Nature Resort Dr Andrew Snyder Renee Bish Meshach Pierre
Front Cover Photo: Suzi Eszterhas
On the Cover:
Pale-Throated Sloth and baby taken at Sloth Island Nature Resort on the Essequibo River. Š Copyright 2019. 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.
ADVERTISING
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& MARKETING S E R V I C E S LT D.
24. Leveraging Our Strengths to Realise Tourism’s True Potential
The Official Tourist Guide of Guyana 2019
CONTENTS
Guyana, South America. Undiscovered INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME 4. Credits 7.
Welcome - President of The Cooperative Republic of Guyana
9.
Welcome - Minister of Business With Responsibility for Tourism
11. About The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) 13. Tourism Poised to be The New Frontier Industry MAPS 15. Map of Guyana 16. Map of Georgetown FEATURE ARTICLES 18. January 2019 20. Explore Guyana Essay Contest
26. Tourism in a Green State 28. From Exploration to Discovery
- Researching Nature in Guyana
70. August 2019 72. Let’s Go Fishing for Fun and Adventure!! 74. Exploring Guyana - Where Nature and Wildlife Thrive
30. The Return of The Scarlet Ibis
78. September 2019
32. February 2019
80. Community Based Tourism
35. Hosting an Event or Conference?
82. October 2019
38. In Pursuit of The Pale-Throated
84. An Overland Journey Through
Sloth!
Guyana
42. March 2019
88. November 2019
43. Kaieteur Falls - A Sight To Behold
91. The South Rupununi Safari
45. Newly Discovered Blue Tarantula
92. Welcome to Banks Country
46. The Undiscovered Jewel - Guyana
94. December 2019
52. People of Guyana Winslow Craig 54. April 2019
ABOUT GUYANA
56. Iwokrama The Green Heart of
96. Country Facts, Government,
Guyana Where Images and Stories
Travelling, Money & Business
are Waiting to be Told 58. Yachting on The Essequibo River
THAG TRAVELLER
60. May 2019
101. Accommodations Georgetown &
62. A Rich Dutch Heritage and The Essequibo River
Environs 106. Tourism Service Providers
64. June 2019
108. Advertisers’ Index
66. July 2019 68. People of Guyana Dr Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Regal Banquet Hall & Bistro
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Welcome President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
Welcome President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Explore a New Frontier Guyana’s eco-tourism tourism product is as exciting as it is educational. Its natural landscape – the islands and lakeland of the Essequibo, mangroves of the coastland, majestic highlands, verdant grasslands, alluring wetlands, pristine rainforests, meandering rivers and surging rapids and breath-taking waterfalls – will satisfy every explorer’s impulse. Guyana’s nature-based tourism product is complemented by its enchanting wildlife. Hundreds of species of birds, bats, fish and snakes will engage the attention of the most avid, or even amateur, naturalists. The country is a new frontier for the enquiring mind. Rich, colourful, cultural festivals celebrate the people’s ethnic diversity. Festivals – such as the Hindu Diwali and Phagwah, the Muslim Eid, the Christian Easter and Christmas and the national Mashramani – promise extraordinary experiences. The cultural calendar, heritage tours and sporting events provide entertainment for persons of all ages and tastes. Guyana – a continental country with Caribbean characteristics – invites you to come and experience the difference. The warmth and hospitality of the people, the varied cuisine reflecting their ethnic diversity and tropical climate assure an enjoyable vacation.
H.E. Brigadier David Granger President Cooperative Republic of Guyana
Explore Guyana Magazine 2019 provides insights and information about Guyana’s unique tourism product. The magazine serves as a useful guide for tourists and would-be visitors. It provides useful and invaluable for planning a visit to Guyana. I encourage you to peruse its pages and convince yourself about the exciting experience which awaits you in Guyana.
David Granger President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
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Guyana Office For Investment (GO-Invest)
GO INVEST FP AMS TO DESIGN
Guyana The New Frontier SERIOUS ABOUT INVESTING & EXPORTING?
Let GO-Invest advise on incentives available in all sectors of Guyana’s economy. Including the priority sectors- * Agriculture *Energy *Forestry *ICT *Light Manufacturing *Mining *Tourism * Services
CONTACT US 8
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190 Camp & Church Streets, Georgetown, Guyana, S. A. Tel: (592) 225-0658; 227-0653 Fax: (592) 225-0655
goinvest@goinvest.gov.gy www.goinvest.gov.gy
Welcome Minister of Business with Responsibility for Tourism
Welcome Minister of Business with Responsibility for Tourism As Minister with responsibility for tourism in Guyana, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome readers to the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana’s (THAG’s) 2019 edition of “Explore Guyana Magazine” the official tourist guide for Destination Guyana. “Explore Guyana” continues to offer readers useful insights into Guyana’s vast tourism resources, highlighting established and well known, as well as new and exciting attractions for the avid traveler. These are exciting times for Guyana, not just because of recent worldclass oil discoveries, but because our country is transitioning to a “Green State”. We in Guyana are proud of our rich green heritage and look forward to becoming one of the world’s leading green destinations. “Explore Guyana” depicts an emerging green destination and, as you browse these pages and enjoy images and tales of our beautiful country, I invite you to experience first-hand what Destination Guyana has to offer. Whether you wish to experience our vibrant festivities such as Mashramani, Phagwah, Easter, Deepavali; or enjoy the seasonal exuberance of a Guyanese Christmas; or explore the well-preserved natural habitats and waterways of our vast hinterland, Guyana welcomes you with open arms. So come and experience authentic Guyanese hospitality. Congratulations to THAG on yet another well-presented guide to tourism in Guyana. Dominic Gaskin Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism
Hon. Dominic Gaskin Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism
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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.
Mitra Ramkumar President
Camille Boodhoo
Treina F. Butts Executive Director
Harrinand Persaud Treasurer
Kevin Daby
Alexandra Correia
Eduardo Reple
Jacqueline Allicock
Vice President
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 restaurateurs, 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. 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,
Committee Member
Committee Member
Private Sector Commission Building Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana, South America. Tel: 011 592 225 0807 / 225 0817 Email: thag.secretariat@gmail.com Website: www.thag.gy, Website for Explore Guyana Magazine: www.exploreguyana.org Facebook: Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana
Committee Member
Committee Member
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Tourism Poised be to be Tourism to Poised the New Industry theFrontier New Frontier Industry By: Mitra Ramkumar – President, Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana
Welcome to our 2019 Explore Guyana Magazine!!
As we embrace the start of the New Year, Guyana is enthused with the prospects of becoming a Globally Recognised Nation, not only as an Economic Powerhouse but to create a perfect balance between National Development and preserving/protecting our live ecosystems with pristine rainforest and healthy fauna & marine life. THAG perceives that these developments could augur well and promote Tourism as the New Frontier industry for Guyana since it bolsters Environmental protection, champions diverse Cultural Heritage while empowering communities by creating employment for a wide cross section of Guyanese.
Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) stated in his World Tourism Day 2017 message “Tourism is today the 3rd largest export industry in the world after chemicals and fuels. It brings hope, prosperity and understanding to so many lives and livelihoods all over the world”. Developing Guyana’s Tourism Industry is an ideal strategy to diversify our economy and make it robust to shocks from decline in commodity pricing. A thriving Tourism Industry creates an in-transit population that drives all other sectors such as Agriculture, Transport, Manufacturing (Value-Added products) and the Creative Arts Industries. Tourism should be used as a Catalyst for positive change and to mobilise all stakeholders to work together in every area of National Development, these include: Infrastructure – upgrade drainage, new & improved road networks and interior airstrips, deep water harbour, bridges, market facilities for fresh produce, etc. Safety and Security – reliable Search & Rescue operations and development/implementation of National Security Plan for all security agencies. Social Services – advancement in education, health care and housing, also development of rehabilitation centers and homes for the people living in the streets. Environmental - preserving and enriching the environment and addressing climate change by generating renewable energy, recycling, stop land degradation and desertification, etc. Cultural - celebrating and preserving our cultural diversity and identity.
Animal Protection/Welfare – prohibiting sale and exportation of faunal species (wild meat) & birds. Strengthen the management of stray animals & pets by establishing more shelters, etc. The revenues that will be earned from our emerging Oil & Gas sector should be invested in these areas of our National Development since it will catapult our Tourism and other Industries on the world stage. Oil & Gas is an extractive industry and therefore is not sustainable, however it provides the revenues needed to build a Sustainable Tourism Industry. Mitra Ramkumar President This strategy has been used with much success in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which according to data released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism sector contributed a total of US$41.95 billion – 11.3 percent – to the UAE’s GDP in 2017. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/travel-hospitality/ According to the data, the figure is expected to rise 4.9 percent in 2018 and 3.8 percent per annum to US$63.77 billion by 2028, constituting 10.6 percent of the UAE’s GDP. Additionally, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in 2017 was US$18.81 billion, a figure expected to rise 5 percent to US$19.77 billion in 2018. The data also shows that the travel and tourism sector generated 300,000 jobs directly in 2017, or 4.9 percent of total employment. In 2018, jobs generated by the sector are expected to grow 4.1 percent to 312,500, including restaurant and leisure industry jobs supported by tourists. By 2028, travel and tourism will account for 396,000 jobs directly, and support a total of 720,000 jobs, or 10.2 percent of total employment. Guyana is the only English speaking country in the continent of South America and therefore is ideally placed as a hub for economic activity and a diverse Tourism Industry. Georgetown will have the potential of developing into one of the major cities of the world with modern architecture that brings it inline with the likes of Dubai or Singapore. Mitra Ramkumar - President Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG)
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LATINO WINE BAR
AURA sky LOUNGE
Come for Business.. Stay for the Fun AROMA’S CAFE
EL DORADO ITALIANO Pegasus Hotel Guyana is a timeless gem among hotels in Georgetown, Guyana, and a luxurious marriage of classic and inviting friendly warmth, all in a convenient setting in heart of Guyana’s Capital.
Luxury Accommodation Restaurants Bar & Sky Lounge Event Planning
luxury rooms & Suites
Banquet & Conference Facilities Customized Catering Services Live Entertainment
Contact Seawall Road, 592 225 2853/9 Kingston, Email: reservations@pegasushotelguyana.com Georgetown sales@pegasushotelguyana.com Guyana 14 EXPLORE GUYANA 2019 Web: www.pegasushotelguyana.com
IGNITE BAR & GRILL at poolside
Map of Guyana
“Yours to Experience, Explore & Enjoy” Guyana
Arrowpoint South America
Hurakabra Resort
Warapoka
Charity
ANNA REGINA
Barima - Waini
Pomeroon - Supenaam Essequibo Islands - West Demerara
Fort Island Demerara Harbour Bridge
Demerara - Mahaica
Fort Zeelandia
CJ Internat’l E.F. Correia Int’l Airport Airport Jubilee Resort
Cuyuni - Mazaruni Hurakabra
Bartica
Mahaica - Berbice
No. 63 Beach
Sloth Island Berbice River Bridge
Rockstone
ssau
Orealla Upper Demerara - Berbice
Kurupukari Crossing
Iwokrama River Lodge
Potaro - Siparuni
Fair View
SOUTH PAKARAIMA DISTRICT
AG Piraiba Lodge
Governor Falls
214,970 sq km (83,000 sq miles) 746,955 (Census 2012)
Governor Light Falls
Atta Lodge
Lodge NRDDB
V Town/Community Lethem Hotels
Rewa Lodge
Waikin Ranch
Karanambu NORTH Lodge RUPUNUNI Yupukari DISTRICT Caiman House
Pirara AG Hotel Nappi Toucanna
Takatu Bridge
St. Ignatius
Administrative Regions Major Bridge
East Berbice - Corentyne
Temperatures in Georgetown are quite constant, with an average high of 32 °C (89.6 °F) and an average low of 24 °C (75.2 °F) in the hottest month (July), and an average range of 29 to 23 °C (84.2 to 73.4 °F) in February, the coolest month. The highest temperature ever recorded in the capital was 37.7 °C (99.9 °F) and the lowest 16.6 °C (61.9 °F). Humidity averages 70 percent year-round. Locations in the interior, away from the moderating influence of the ocean, experience slightly wider variations in daily temperature, and nighttime readings as low as 12 °C (53.6 °F) have been recorded. Humidity in the interior is also slightly lower, averaging around 60 percent.
Guyana Dollar (GYD) Ori Hotel The Rupununi Eco Hotel Savannah Inn Takatu Bridge
Lethem Area
Shea Rock
SOUTH RUPUNUNI Upper Takutu - Upper Essequibo DISTRICT
Konashen uR
Sip
iver
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Email: info@amsguyana.com, Website: amsguyana.com
T: (592) 219.0096 - 6 • F: (592) 219.0093 Email: info@guyana-tourism.com Website: www.guyana.tourism.com www.guyanabirding.com
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Map of Georgetown
THE CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Was designed by an Englishman, Sir Leonard Stokes. Granite obtained from the quarries of Dalli and Wolga on the Essequibo River and sand from Leguan was used in the construction of this structure whose foundation stone was laid on 15 August 1915.
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DENOTES CITY HOTEL LOCATIONS Please refer to page 105 for details of Hotel listings
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This 280 mile wall is a Dutch-designed and British-built dyke that protects Georgetown against flooding. It is a favourite “liming”, jogging and kite-flying spot.
STAL HOTEL
TO GRAND COA
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LAMAHA STREER
ALEXANDER STREET
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RAILWAY STREET
PUBLIC BUILDINGS (PARLIAMENT BUILDING) Public Building also know as Parliament Building is located with its main facade facing Brickdam and currently houses the seat of the National Assembly of the Government of Guyana. It was completed in 1834 and designed by architect Mr Joseph Hadfield.
MIDDLETON STREER
The monument was designed by renowned Guyanese Artist Philip Moore.
ANIRA STREET
LALUNI STREET
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JANUARY 2019 JANUARY 2019
Happy New Year Welcome to Guyana
H
appy New Year and best wishes for an amazing 2019 and continued success to you and your families. We are very happy that you have chosen to explore Guyana and trust that you have had an amazing Guyanese Christmas enjoying the traditions and festivities of the season whilst reconnecting with family and friends and making new Guyanese connections. We hope that you have also taken the opportunity to visit the different Regions of Guyana and explore the various tourist and heritage attractions of the country. A trip to Guyana is incomplete
without a visit to the Kaieteur Falls. If you did not, then you must come again. Ensure you take home fond memories of the good times and encourage your friends and family to come to Guyana. Tell them about the fabulous Guyanese hospitality and the wonderful traditional dishes such as Garlic Pork, Pepperpot and Black Cake not to forget our world famous Rum which you enjoyed aplenty. Spread the word about beautiful Guyana. We look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Grand Coastal Hotel
The Black-Headed Parrot The black-headed parrot (Pionites melanocephalus ; also known as the black-headed caique, black-capped parrot or pallid parrot (for P. m. pallidus), is one of the two species in the genus Pionites of the family Psittacidae; the other species being the allopatric white-bellied parrot. It is found in forest and nearby wooded habitats in the Amazon.
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Grand Coastal is a 43-room boutique international hotel located on the East Coast of Demerara, 10-15 minutes away from the capital city of Georgetown. The hotel caters to both the business and vacation traveller and comes equipped with many amenities including a conference facility, fully equipped gym, an outdoor courtyard, an air conditioned dining room, a pool and pool bar, free Wi-Fi internet, airport shuttle and many more. Lot 1 & 2 Area M Plantation, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara Tel: 592 220 1091 Fax: 592 220 1498 Website: www.grandcoastal.com
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ESSAY CONTEST
EXPLORE GUYANA ESSAY
There were two categories, one for primary school (600 words) and one for secondary school (1,000 words).
CONTEST
The topic for the THAG Essay Competition was “Ten Things that make Guyana a Unique Place to Visit”.
The Judges were: Ms. Sharon Maas, Author, Dr. Steve Surujbally, Chairman, GECOM, (Fmr), Professor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, PhD, CCH, Vice Chancellor and Principal, The University of Guyana, Mrs. Andrea de Caires, President of THAG and Mr. Salvador de Caires. The guidelines for adjudication were as follows: Creativity - 30% Structure - 20% Adherence to topic - 20% Grammar - 10% WOW factor - 20% TOTAL 100% There were countless entries, but there were two very clear first place winners.
Senior Essay Competition Winner - Rawletta Barrow (left) and Junior Essay Winner - Maryam Khan with her father and Hon. Dominic Gaskin Minister of Business at the launch of Explore Guyana 2018
Ms. Maryam Saheed Khan of the ISA Islamic School won the Primary School Category and Ms. Rawletta Barrow of Queen’s College won the Secondary School Category. Ms. Maryam won a day trip for 2 to Arrowpoint Nature Resort while Ms. Rawletta Barrow won a trip for two (2) to Rewa Eco-lodge, North Rupununi.
a n a y u G e k a M t a h 10 Things T t i s i V o T e c a l P A Unique By: Maryam Saeed Khan
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Swimming at Creek
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uyana is a beautiful tropical paradise. It has stunning waterfalls, virgin rainforest and vast river systems that combine to create a very exciting destination for adventures, travel and exploration.
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The majestic Kaieteur Falls is a waterfall in the Potaro River. Kaieteur Falls at over seven hundred feet, is five times taller than Niagara Falls in North America and is the tallest single drop waterfall in the world.
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Then comes the famous Blue Lakes in the Linden area which were created from bauxite mining activities. In mining bauxite there is a layer of sand which has to be removed in order to get to the minerals. Deep holes were created in the ground which became filled with rainwater. The colour of the water appeared blue due to the vegetation at the bottom of the white sand and the reflection of the sun. The Blue Lake is a fascinating area for families to picnic and relax.
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Guyana also has lots of black water creeks and many are found along the Soesdyke and Linden highway. Many people flock to the creeks on holidays and weekends to swim, picnic and spend time with families and friends.
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St. George’s Cathedral in Georgetown has been declared as a National Monument. It is the tallest wooden building in the world standing at a height of 43.5 meters (143 feet), the building was completed in 1899 and is still standing in 2017.
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The Canje Pheasant or Hoatzin is Guyana’s national bird. The adult Hoatzin measures about 22 inches from beak to tail. Its colour is reddish-brown streaked with green. The Hoatzin has a crest of very long feathers on its head which gives the bird an almost majestic look.
Our forests boasts the largest and most powerful eagle in the Americas, the Harpy; the biggest cat in the new world, the Jaguar; the Giant Otter as well as the biggest freshwater fish on earth, the three meters long prehistoric looking Arapaima. The people of Guyana are famous for the hospitality exuded by the six ethnic groups. Except for the Amerindians who were the indigenous people and a few Europeans, the other four ethnic groups were brought to work on the sugar plantation as slaves or indentured workers. Presently the majority of the population are East Indians followed by the Africans, the Amerindians, Chinese and Mixed Races. Guyana’s natural beauty, its wonderful climate and hospitable people makes it a very unique destination for eco-tourism. However Guyana remains hidden and greater efforts need to be made to unveil its wonders and beauty to the world. Visitors Travelling up the Essequibo River
The Victoria Regina Lily became Guyana’s national flower when the country gained its independence. It is also known as one of the world’s largest flowers. Guyana’s largest river is the Essequibo River which is connected to
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the country Brazil. The mouth of the river is 21 miles wide and has an amazing 365 islands. You can enjoy thrilling boat rides up the mighty Essequibo River and be enthralled by the historical sites along the way such as the ruins of the 17th century Dutch fort on Fort Island. Then comes our Demerara Harbour Bridge, a floating wonder which is considered one of the world’s longest floating bridges. It was established in 1978. It consists of 61 spans of varying lengths and floats on 122 steel pantoons. The Harbour Bridge is described as a majestic landmark which is an awe-inspiring sight as the central section is retracted each day to allow oceangoing ships and large vessels to pass. Attached to the bridge is a walkway which is used by pedestrians, sightseers and tourists. The walkway is seen as a recreational outlet from which the public views the awesome fireworks display by the Guyana Defense Force on holidays. Our lovely untouched jungle is an area the size of England. How pristine this Rainforest north of the Amazon is? It is one of only four such untouched Rainforests left in the whole world.
Maryam Khan enjoying kayaking at Arrowpoint Nature Resort on the Kamuni Creek EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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Why Guyana? Ten Unique Reasons You Should Visit By: Rawletta Barrow
Kanuku Mountains
What does it mean to be a tourist? For some, this term summons images of casual relaxation and adventure combined with earnest exploration of unknown wonders and unseen cultures. However, many others see a much more generic picture --- heavily standardized destinations, exorbitant prices, crowded beaches, clamorous central hubs, and gross environmental and cultural degradation. The previous image seems infinitely more desirable! Yet, it is said to be impossible for one to attain the benefits of tourism without these countless costs. This is, fortunately, simply not true… especially not if you are planning to journey to the pristine, untouched jewel of South America…wait no…I don’t mean Brazil…nor Suriname…no, not Venezuela either. I speak of the ruby nestled between these diamonds, with a beauty just as valuable, but much rarer. I speak of Guyana. Haven’t heard of her? That’s okay. Many have not, but that is the point! Guyana is one of the few places on earth that is sincerely exotic, shrouded in mysterious wonder and myth, forgotten, a sleeping beauty, humbly longing to be rediscovered…reexplored… revived. This is the number one reason why everyone, from all paths of life and continents of the globe, should visit her -- to remind yourselves what it truly means to be a tourist; to explore and experience something utterly and irrevocably novel. Desirous of something worthwhile? Guyana is the place for you. Situated on the Guiana Shield…yes, that Guiana Shield – one of the oldest and most naturally-diverse geological areas still preserved today, Guyana boasts glorious natural wonders. Her expansive mountain ranges feature the renowned Mount Roraima’s flat22
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Squirrel Monke y
topped peak, overlooking the boundless rainforest landscape, which stretches all the way to the central hub of Iwokarama. This strange-sounding word represents a fundamental principle of Guyana – the preservation of the natural environment. The Iwokarama rainforest reserve facilitates nature-lovers who seek to cherish its diverse combination of flora and fauna among which some of the rarest species of the world are inhabitants. This brings us to a third reason to explore Guyana: her wildlife. Want to meet some certifiably mind-blowing creatures? Not to worry. Here in Guyana, there are harpy eagles, hawks, parakeets, sloths, tapirs, pumas, giant otters, tayras, capuchin monkeys, saki monkeys, chinchillas, manatees, crocodiles, rare species of sea turtles at Shell Beach, Canje Pheasants, water lilies, anacondas, Jaguars…and much, much more! It’s a nature lover’s utopia… scary yet riveting, plunging you into the depths of wonderous adventure and awe. Not enough? Then this fourth reason, also on the nature spectrum, will definitely win you over. What more can there possibly be you ask? Well, Guyana is surely an attraction-rich nation, but her pride and joy, the apple of her eye, lies hidden away in the Potaro river…yes, Kaieteur Falls. With a height five times that of Niagara and a volume significantly greater than Venezuela’s Angel Falls, Kaieteur holds the reputation of the largest singledrop waterfall in the world…yes, the world. To top it all off, like the rest of Guyana’s natural attractions, Kaieteur is unspoiled by modern tourist conventions. There are no high-rise hotels or large metropolitan tourist centres. The entire environment is
almost perfectly preserved in its natural state, serene and pure, where one can be peacefully enveloped in its splendid glory. In this modern world, no one should die before witnessing such absolute authenticity. Not a nature-lover? We’ve got something for you too! The fifth of the many reasons you should visit Guyana lies in its diverse landscapes. There are the Rupununi Savannahs in the south-west if you’re interested in an exhilarating rodeo and rolling grasslands out of which rises the splendid Kanuku mountain range, creating a most picturesque scene. Further to the north-east there is the Hilly, Sand and Clay region, a rippling expanse of brown and white sands, featuring the mining town of Linden – a prominent, culturally-rich mix of rural and urban life. Then there is the Atlantic coast, upon which ninety percent of the Guyanese population resides. Here lies the sixth reason you should visit Guyana: The Garden City. Is culture or history your forte? Then you must take a trip to Georgetown: The Garden City capital of Guyana. A striking combination of ethnic groups and cultures living in harmonic Caribbean bliss with calypso, reggae and soca music and rich Guyanese-creole pervading the atmosphere, is severely juxtaposed with classic, colonial architecture in this exclusive city. Come experience Mashramani, a nation-wide Caribbean-style festival of gyrating hips and hearty laughter and expose yourselves to culture that is as accommodating as it is unique Are you wondering what culture is there outside city life? In fact, another reason you should visit Guyana is to experience the Indigenous culture of the Amerindians. Inhabiting from the semiforested savannahs to the swamps and marshes of the highland, these respected people have scores of tales to share about their thousand-year existence. Live among them and experience what it means to be self-sufficient. Listen to their wise stories and beliefs,
Main Street Avenue, Georgetown
Uncomfortable meeting new people? Not to fear! Guyanese are rumoured to be some of the most hospitable people around. This is the next reason to visit Guyana. Our cultural diversity makes this a very accepting place. People are empathetic, kind, and quite easy to converse with. So, be prepared to be greeted with ‘Good mornings!’ as you walk the city streets and to feel at home among the friendly Amerindian tribes! Looking for somewhere affordable? The final reason you should visit Guyana is its relative affordability. We are eager to receive tourists from all parts of the world and compared to many exorbitant tourist resorts, we are quite cost-effective. Besides, considering all we have to offer, you are very likely to get value for your money! Reach beyond your comfort zone. Instead of lounging on the same polluted, overpopulated beach every year, or looking at sites that you’ve already seen in numerous pictures and films. Try something new. Visit Guyana!
Amerindian Dance, Rupununi Music Festival
and witness their distinct language, cultural and religious systems. Do you enjoy good cuisine? Our mixture of cultures comes with a variety of foods that define mouth-watering. If not anything else, come and try our well-seasoned Guyanese curry, or our Africanstyle cook-up rice with any meat or fish imaginable, pastries and cakes of all varieties, traditional Indian sweets, and our very own Amerindian pepper-pot, a mixture of peppery-spices, cassareep and wild meat. Nothing is more satisfying than Guyanese cuisine… flavour surely abounds!
Rawletta Barrow enjoying her prize trip to Guyana’s Interior Regions EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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Leveraging Our Strengths to Realize Tourism’s True Potential
Leveraging Our Strengths to RealiSe Tourism’s True Potential By: Brian Mullis
Canopy Walkway - Photo By David DiGregorio
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ike many of my peers I feel lucky to have come of age and “learned” how to travel in the pre-smartphone era. This was the era when locals were pretty much always happy to see you, it was easy and even expected to get lost even with the best of maps, nobody wasted time on selfies or insta-anything, and the delight of experiencing new destinations that were uniquely different from your home country was welcomed, celebrated, something special. Today, in the age of overtourism we’ve consumerised, homogenised and stretched tourism beyond its natural balance. Like most complex issues in travel and tourism, there is no easy solution here. The New Currency in Tourism is Authenticity An increasing number of travellers are seeking out authentic nature, cultural and adventure experiences. They are looking to immerse themselves in experiences beyond the surface level in order to reach a much deeper level of intimacy with the people Leon Moore looking at Kaieteur Falls - Photo By Nicola Balram
they meet and the places they visit. Fortunately, this is not something Brian Mullis that can easily be consumerised or Director of Tourism homogenised. It is also something that’s not readily accessible except in unspoiled destinations like Guyana. The wealth of natural and cultural heritage in Guyana is truly astounding. We might not yet offer luxury accommodation, but we do offer luxury experiences – like visiting Kaieteur Falls without any crowds or interacting with indigenous peoples without an interpreter. Experiences such as these are becoming increasingly rare in the world, and they’re what make Guyana a standout destination among the most travelled tourists. A Proven Recipe for Success Guyana is special and unique, but the challenges our sector faces and the solutions to the major challenges are not unique. We have a timely opportunity to leap frog tourism development, take advantage of proven solutions, and avoid many of the mistakes made by other destinations. The primary tenet of sustainable destination management is shared responsibility. We all have a role to play to address deeply entrenched and complex problems and serve collective shared interests in the process – from businesses, governments, and travellers, to donors, media and NGOs. The primary keys to success include political will, active multi-stakeholder collaboration, and new and existing financing mechanisms.
St George’s Cathedral - Photo By David DiGregorio
Brian & Atta Lodge Staff - Photo By Hugh Hough
It’s proven that inter-ministerial, cross-sectoral multi-stakeholder coordination and approaches to tourism destination management, marketing and development improve the national economies, strengthen private sector competitiveness, enhance the enabling environment for enterprise development, and boost the benefits received by host communities. This level of collaboration is beginning to take shape in Guyana. It is a work in progress and takes continuous nurturing. But it is the key to realizing the potential of the travel and tourism sector. Taking on More Leadership for Shared Success The Guyana Tourism Authority’s (GTA) mission is to develop and promote sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration to maximize local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the visitors’ experience. In order to achieve our mission, we’re implementing a multi-pronged, living strategy in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and others. Our strategic goals and objectives follow: 1. Optimise Nationwide Socio-Economic and Conservation Outcomes from Tourism • Increase Alignment and Strengthen the Enabling Environment for Tourism • Drive Tourism-Related Business • Develop Product based on Market Demand and Guyana’s Strengths • Institutionalize a Sustainable Tourism Framework • Take Marketing and Communications to the Next Level 2. Support and Empower Guyana’s Tourism Industry and Communities • Increase Financial Sustainability • Strengthen Our Approach to Training and Capacity Building • Improve Data Collection and Aggregation
3. Champion the Value of Tourism • Develop Strategic Alliances • Improve the Enabling Environment for Tourism • Empower the Tourism Private Sector • Maintain Feedback Mechanisms 4. Raise the Profile and Impact of GTA • Improve Employee Quality of Work and Life • Increase Organizational Effectiveness • Strengthen Internal Alignment and Capacity For more information on visiting Guyana or collaborating with the GTA, visit www.guyanatourism.com, email me at brian@guyanatourism.com, or call 592-219-0094.
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Tourism in a Green State
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Exxon
From Exploration to Discovery - Researching Nature in Guyana Snowy Egret
Introduction ExxonMobil Guyana as part of its commitment to environmental stewardship initiated a series of studies in 2017 and 2018 to research important avian and marine life in Guyana. ExxonMobil Guyana commissioned the global sustainability firm Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and Guyanese biodiversity experts from Environmental Management Consultants (EMC), Ground Structures Engineering Consultants (GSEC) and Leon Moore Consulting to conduct bird, marine and sea turtle studies offshore and along the coast. The team also conducted an ecosystem services study, which documented the many ways in which coastal ecosystems support local human populations - the first study of its kind to be conducted coastwide in Guyana. Marine bird survey Cayenne tern
Birds Three marine bird surveys were conducted by teams of international and Guyanese bird specialists aboard offshore vessels. Historical data on marine birds in the region documented a total of 29 marine bird species in Guyana. The surveys yielded six new records for Guyana (species not documented as having been observed in the country previously, based on available data), increasing the number of marine bird species known to occur in Guyana by 21% - from 29 to 35 species. The new records registered for Guyana include Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus), Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophrys), Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus), Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), Bulwer’s Petrel (Bulweria bulwerii), and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma castro). 28
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Roosting Scarlet Ibises
During coastal bird surveys, over 220 species were observed, with the highest bird abundance and diversity found in Region one, within and around the Shell Beach Protected Area. These results confirmed the conclusions of the Shell Beach Management Plan, which identifies the Shell Beach Protected Area as a regionally important bird habitat and a resource affording the opportunity to develop ecotourism-based livelihoods in Region one. All of the coastal bird species documented during the 2017 and 2018 surveys have been previously recorded in Guyana, although this survey documented many species in the coastal region where they had not been officially recorded previously.
Osprey with Fish
documented where local people use native materials (e.g., palm, local hardwoods) to produce handicrafts and household goods and found a nascent ecotourism industry that is currently developing in some coastal communities around immersion in natural landscapes and indigenous culture. Data from the study could help identify potential opportunities for ecotourism-based activities such as sport fishing, bird watching, and turtle and river dolphin tours in remote communities where employment and economic development opportunities have traditionally been limited.
Sea Turtles ERM and local Guyanese specialists from EMC teamed with The Ocean Foundation (specifically the Sea Turtle Census Initiative program) and members of the Chelonian Research Institute, known for its decades’ long research on sea turtles of Guyana, to conduct a Turtle Telemetry Study in the Shell Beach Protected Area. Four green turtles and three leatherback turtles were tagged with telemetry devices in March and June 2018, in order to assess their inter-nesting habitats, including understanding of distances and water depths at which the turtles travel, as well as their dive/ surfacing profile while off the coast of Guyana. The data produced from the study has shown that at least some turtles remain in Guyana’s coastal waters for several weeks during the nesting season, and provide insights into how the turtles’ preferred nesting locations have shifted along the coast over time. This data is vital to the management of these iconic species and ensuring that they continue to be a part of Guyana’s coastal ecology for decades to come. Coastal Communities The ecosystem services study documented several sites of social and cultural importance (e.g., beaches, shell mounds, historic buildings, and sites that are considered historically and culturally significant) along the coast, in addition to an extensive study of mangrove habitats and coastal biodiversity. The study also
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The Return of the Scarlet Ibis
The Return of the Scarlet Ibis By Soffia Mangal & Frederikke Just
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he shake and roar of the Demerara Harbour Bridge traffic, with its booming Caribbean tunes will dull any commuter’s senses. Increasingly, they are jolted from that trance when a cluster of vibrant Scarlet Ibis glide overhead. Their striking scarlet coloration is remarkably eye-catching and they are now more widely seen in Guyana. A pair, becomes four, and more as the sun sets, providing a magical deep blue backdrop to the striking points of scarlet light. The Scarlet Ibis float towards their river-front mangrove nests to settle for the night. This Guyanese experience is an ornithologist’s dream. A bird watcher, head turned skyward, finds it difficult to believe how fortunate they are to be watching this nightly show. Guyana, whose name comes from an indigenous Amerindian word meaning ‘the land of many waters’, is the only English speaking South American nation, about the size of the United Kingdom. It is crossed by the Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice Rivers, which source from the Pakaraima Mountain Range. A huge volume of silt flows into the sea, creating a mud flat of up to 20km.
The Demerara Harbour Bridge is also known as ”the floating bridge”, pictured here at sunset.
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A beautiful formation of more than 20 Scarlet Ibis flying over the Demerara Harbour Bridge at sunset.
“This provides a lot of mud with an abundance of food to entertain crustaceans” according to Carlos Jameer, a Guyanese Birding Tour Guide. The Scarlet Ibis feeds on the crustaceans and this is how they get their bright red color. Carlos says that “it is amazing when you see it in the sky in the sunlight. As they soar through the sky, they appear to magically make themselves brighter.” Due to its vibrant color, he believes the bird is “a gift from God.” According to Tropical Birding ( http://www.tropicalbirding. com ), seventy percent of the country is rainforest making it a truly untouched gem. The rainforest provides a vast array of flora and fauna species as well as being the home to the world’s longest single drop waterfall, Kaieteur Falls. Chief Financial Officer of Roraima Airways and now President of the local Hotel and Tourism Association Mitra Ramkumar says, “There are only a few undiscovered places left on this earth, and Guyana is one of them.” UK travel writer John Gimlette, named Guyana as “God’s Garden” with “everything seemingly abundant and even the birds seemed to jangle like freshminted money.”
It is easy for us to take it for granted. Guyana is remarkably diverse for birdwatching. The nesting season occurs throughout the year and abundant food supports an amazing diversity.” The rich natural resources of Guyana provide a hugely appreciated by those who visit. The returning Scarlet Ibis now one more attraction. Guyana is truly a rare, wild, one-of-a-kind country.
Scarlet Ibis feeding on the mud flats.
Scarlet Ibis Feeding on the Coastal Mud Flats
The majority of the 760,000 population live along the coast, with long stretches below sea level. Rising concerns of climate change and the risk of flooding has seen active measures to prioritize coastal protection including an expansive Mangroves Restoration Project. The Mangroves creates a unique experience for birdwatchers as they serve as habitats to shoreline birds including the Scarlet Ibis. The birds retreat to these impressive tropical shrubs after a long day feeding on the mud flats. In the past, the Scarlet Ibis suffered from threats such as poaching, pollution, and climate change. Locally the Scarlet Ibis is known as Curry Curry as a result of the Caribbean’s history of traditionally eating bush meat. However, with the introduction of new laws, in order to protect and preserve the environment, birding is now no longer a major threat in Guyana. Poaching and birding have dramatically fallen contributing to the rise in population of the Scarlet Ibis saving it from being endangered and now appreciated for its beauty and radiance. ‘God’s Country’ is a place to mingle with nature, a hidden gem with little tourism. There are over 700 recorded species of birds in Guyana making it a hotspot for birding tourism. When asked does the Ministry of Tourism promote bird watching as a key feature ofs Guyana, Waldyk Prince, a leading local Bird Specialist who guided Soffia and Frederikke on their expedition responded, “I just came back from the British Birdwatching Fair, this year being the 30th anniversary. The Guyanese environment and bird wildlife is very interesting for those outside our country.
Soffia Mangal is a Business student in Oxford and Frederikke Just is a journalist from Denmark. They both have travelled extensively throughout Europe, North & South America, and Asia and have a great appreciation for the conservation of nature and love experiencing different cultures. They view Guyana as a hidden treasure of natural beauty. In an 8 day period they visited Kaieteur Falls saw the “Golden Frog” and the “Cock of the Rock”, toured the Mahaica River and saw the Howler Monkeys and the Canje Pheasants, rode horses at a ranch on the Abary River and toured the mud flats around Georgetown to view sea birds. They were guided and supported on their expedition by Carlos Jameer and Waldyk Prince – both experienced Birding Specialists in Guyana. To them go our deepest thanks. This expedition and article were sponsored by TOTALTEC Oilfield Services Guyana Inc., supporting conservation in Guyana. EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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FEBRUARY 2019 FEBRUARY 2019
Mashramani A A Proud Tradition
s Guyanese and revellers anxiously prepare for Mashramani 2019 celebrations, ‘Mash’ Bands across the country are wooing visitors to experience one of the country’s foremost cultural events, celebrated annually under varying themes. For the upcoming celebrations the chosen theme is “Celebrate Mash 49 with Victory in Mind”’
King’s Hotel and Residences Offering a Choice of well appointed Rooms & Suites in the heart of Central Georgetown. We cater for both your long and short term stays, for work and play. Your comfort is our first priority. Wine & Dine and host your business associates, enjoy the company of family and friends, start or end your day at the Bistro. 176 Middle & Waterloo Streets, Georgetown Tel: (592) 226 1684-7 Website: www.kingshotel.gy
Amazonian Royal Flycatcher The Amazonian royal flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus) is a passerine bird of the tyrant flycatcher family. It is found in forest and woodland throughout most of the Amazon basin, the Guianas, northern and western Brazil.
Moraikobai Safari
Rupununi Music & Arts Festival
The Safari starts in Linden and goes through a white sand savannah to the Arawak village of Moraikabai in Region 5.
The Rupununi Music & Arts Festival world music camping festival in 2019 will take place at Manari Ranch, near Lethem in the Rupununi from 16th to 18th this year. Mark the dates in your diary.
Mashramani 2019 Events: Float Parade, Mash Weekend Endurance Ride 32
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Guyana’s “Mashramani”, with its name rooted in the culture of its indigenous Amerindians, means “the celebration of a job well done. It is popularly referred to as “Mash”, and is observed on the 23 February - Guyana’s Republic Day - to commemorate the “Birth of the Republic”. The festivities climax with Republic Anniversary celebrations on February 23rd and Mashramani, has since evolved into a genuine national cultural event. “Mash” is etched into the consciousness of all Guyanese over the last 49 years, where the creative imagination and skills of the people have combined to help in the popularity of Mashramani’s coming of age, as Guyana’s premier monthlong celebration of “unity in diversity”. Rousing steel pan contests, calypso and soca concerts, children’s competition, street parades, intellectual competitions, art exhibitions at Castellani House and an annual lecture series are among the myriad of activities
during this period. The ‘Mash’ bands will as usual take to the streets to showcase our Guyanese diversity in their costumes and flamboyant displays. This highly anticipated ‘Parade of the Bands’ is the highlight of the festivities and attracts thousands who gathered along the parade route to glimpse the revellers adorned in their exuberant costumes, all depicting aspects of our culture and heritage. The sights, sounds and energy lend to the lure of the celebrations. It is a festive time to be in Guyana, and for those visiting, the lure extends beyond the frolicking and festivities. Enjoy Guyana’s rich and unique cultural fusion which is celebrated through colourful festivals and events, like Mashramani. Travel to Guyana in February and experience this public holiday, celebrated by all Guyanese at home and abroad. EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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HOSTING AN EVENT OR CONFERENCE!
GUYANA IS THE PLACE
HOSTING AN EVENT OR CONFERENCE?
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uyana has been the recent host to an ever increasing number of international, regional and local business events, resulting in the major investments by both Government and the private sector catering to this growing conference and banqueting market.
GUYANA IS THE PLACE Cheddi Jagan International Airport
Government and the local private sector have since invested in arrange of conference and banqueting facilities rooms, and in 2006, the People’s Republic of China handed over to Guyana a gift of a large-scale conference facility located in the Liliendaal community adjacent to CARICOM’s Secretariat. It was named the Guyana International Conference Centre. Guyana has since welcomed international hotel brands such as Marriott and Ramada and, together with the long existing Guyana Pegasus Hotel, offer modern accommodation, large conference and banquet space with support services. These hospitality services providers have been the catalyst to attract these high value events and conferences, propelling Guyana onto the world stage as a choice business and events destination. Arthur Chung Conference Centre
In addition, Government has partnered with the Government of China and commissioned a US$7M project to refurbish and modernise the Guyana International Conference Centre which has since been renamed the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in honour of Guyana’s first President who had served from 1970 to 1980. It is ideally situated at Liliendaal in close proximity to a fast expanding community that includes the CARICOM Secretariat, the University of Guyana, high-end residential communities, the Aquatic Center and the ultra popular Giftland Mall. ACCC is easily a fifteen minute drive from the city’s center. From 2006 to today, the Centre incrementally acquired an excellent reputation for quality service. Bookings increased steadily from 13 events in the year 2007 to 114 in 2016. They ranged from high school Graduations to diplomatic receptions and national awards ceremonies. On the business front, ACCC has been host to summits of CARICOM’s Heads of Government and the Union of EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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number of additional small and medium sized conference and event facilities in operation. The Roraima Airways Group has constructed the ultra modern Symposium Conference Center at the Duke Lodge Hotel, Grand Coastal Hotel and Cara Lodge among others also offer modern conference facilities. In addition the soon to open Cheddi Jagan International Airport adds a new dimension with American Airlines and other carriers allowing for easy connections and travel to international destinations. So if you are planning to host an event in Guyana, we welcome you to explore our offerings, have great meetings and enjoy our beautiful culture and country.
South American Nations (UNASUR); to private sector companies and NGO’s Workshops; to Medical, Engineering and Mining conferences; Toshaos Council and other high-level conferences; expos and Guyana’s first ever Coconut Festival. The ACCC is now fully opened as a full-service facility operating at international standards with all supporting equipment and world class facilities. The local business community has also stepped up with a
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In pursuit of the pale-throated sloth!
Photo: Suzi Eszterhas
In Pursuit Of The Pale-Throated Sloth! Article by Dr. Rebecca Cliffe, Director of the Sloth Conservation Foundation Hiding deep within the remote jungles of South America, there is an elusive and commonly overlooked species of sloth clinging onto survival. The pale-throated sloths are perhaps the most striking of all the sloth species, with a large bright yellow face, white throat and mottled fur, and yet they also receive the least attention. While the maned sloths and pygmy sloths are famous for their critically endangered conservation status, and the brown-throated sloths are the most commonly seen species, the pale-throated sloths have slipped under the radar for decades. They have also bypassed the attention of the scientific community, with not a single scientist currently researching any aspect of their ecology or behaviour. With this in mind, SloCo Founder and Executive Director Dr Rebecca Cliffe and award-winning wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas embarked on a mission to locate and photograph the pale-throated sloths in order to shine a spotlight on the plight of this mysterious species. The first big challenge when planning this adventure was deciding where to go to find the sloths. This species can only be found on the east coast of South America, ranging from Venezuela through Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana and into Northern Brazil. These regions receive very little tourism, and so finding an area where the sloths can be found reliably in the wild in relatively high densities (and not just at the tops of the tallest rainforest trees where photographs become impossible) was certainly challenging.
Photo: Suzi Eszterhas - Sunset at Sloth Island
After doing a lot of research, everyone that we spoke to unanimously directed us to the same place; Sloth Island in Guyana. This appropriately named island is located in the vast Essequibo river (the 3rd largest river in South America) and was named by early Guyana settlers who discovered that it was home to a particularly impressive abundance of sloths. The island is now privately owned by a fascinating man called Raphael who has constructed an idyllic Eco-lodge and vowed to protect the pristine rainforest that covers the interior of the island. Before our arrival at the lodge we were told that we would be met by an Amerindian man from the ‘Macushi’ tribe called Claude, who is the caretaker of the island and apparently a master slothspotter. Claude did not disappoint. Within 30 seconds of landing on the island he had already pointed out our first sloth; a young male sleeping in a tree right outside the front door of the lodge. It was a good sign of things to come. The male sloth remained in the garden of the lodge for a full week, regularly coming down to within a few meters of the ground in the afternoons to seek out shade from the scorching sun – a perfect position for photographs! Because much of the island floods at high tide, much of our sloth searching in the dense forest was restricted to a wooden canopy walkway, raised about 6 feet off the ground. This didn’t hamper our sloth spotting opportunities however, as Claude proceeded to point out 13 different sloths over the course of 5 days, including two females carrying tiny babies. One of these females blessed us with her presence every single day, hanging out peacefully right above the walkway and descending to just above head height to feed on vines in the afternoons. This unfortunately always coincided with the aforementioned male sloth (who also descended from the canopy in the afternoons) and triggered a lot of chaotic sprinting back and forwards through the jungle carrying heavy camera equipment! We thought that our biggest challenge would be finding the sloths, but it actually turned out to be choosing which sloth to prioritise and getting the camera set up in the right place to catch
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Sloth Island Resort
the rapidly unfolding action (really quite ridiculous considering we were working with the worlds slowest mammal)!
Blue and Yellow Macaw
In one instance we were following a female sloth with a baby and didn’t realise that there was a second male sloth hanging out in the exact same tree until she quite literally climbed right up to him. Sloth Island really did live up to its name.
Photo: Suzi Eszterhas
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Green Iguana Exactly why there are so many sloths on the island compared to the mainland remains a bit of a mystery, although it is likely that the island represents a sort of safe haven due to a lack of land predators (although the breath-taking Harpy Eagle – one of the largest species of eagle in the world and the sloths main predator – can regularly be seen scouring the skies around the island)! Though the island is famous for its sloths, we were regularly surrounded by all sorts of wildlife – from waking up to the sounds of Howler Monkeys and dodging Piranhas in the river to watching Spider Monkeys leap through the canopy and ending the day with thousands of Amazonian Parrots filling the sky. Guyana represents one of the few remaining areas of the world where nature dominates over human disturbance. With a human population of only 750,000 (virtually all of which live on a narrow strip of land by the ocean) and very little tourism, this means that over 80% of the country is still covered in undisturbed rainforest. Guyana really is an undiscovered and unparalleled paradise for nature lovers.
To top it all off, a historic agreement made between Norway and Guyana represents a perfect example of how developed and developing countries can work in partnership to save the worlds tropical forests. Norway pledged to provide financial support of US $250 million in exchange for Guyana halting deforestation over a 5-year period. While tourists flock in their thousands to countries like Costa Rica (which has a primary forest cover of only 3.5%) to see sloths and other tropical wildlife, the truly wild countries like Guyana remain well off the beaten track. If you are planning a vacation and want to see sloths in the wild, or just want to embrace your wild side and experience the jungle exactly how nature intended it, there is no better place than Sloth Island in Guyana!
Dagron Tours
DAGRON TOURS
“We offer Adventure of a Lifetime!”
We offer Fishing, Hiking, Wildlife River & Jeep Safaris, Birdwatching, Nature, Cultural and Beach Holidays in Guyana, South America & the Caribbean
Guyana
Brazil
Suriname
Essequibo/Mazaruni River New Amsterdam Tour
Georgetown City
River And Nature Safari Sloth Island Tour
French Guiana
Tobago
Kaieteur And Orinduik Falls Santa Mission
Paramaribo City Tour
San�gron & Saramaaca
91 Middle Street, Georgetown, Guyana, South America Tel: 592 223 7921 / 592 227 1166 Email: reservations@dagron-tours.com Website: www.dagron-tours.com 40
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Century Tamara Energy Services Inc. (CTES) is an oil & gas support abd services company registered in Guyana. Our vision is to become the leading energy company in Southern America, offering cost effective bespoke solutions; our technical partner is the Century Group, out of Lagos, Nigeria.
Settling-In Services Property Management Executive Transportation Catering and Food Supply Procurement Marine and logistics services Manpower Supply and Recruitment port management and development We also offer a range of services to the oil and gas industry in Guyana, through our technical partner, the Century Group, out of Nigeria, which includes:
- Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of offshore production and storage facilities including EPS, FPSO, MOPU, FSO and Drilling Rigs/Jack up - Operation / Maintenance of Flow Stations - Drilling / Drilling Support Services - Field Development Solutions - Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) of Oil and gas facilities - Mooring and Installation
MISSION: To be a reference point in excellent service delivery to our clients and stakeholders, and to continue to develop new businesses in oil and gas and across other industrial sectors, facilitating job creation, skills development and industrial growth in Guyana, South and Central America, and across the rest of the Caribbean.
OUR CORE VALUES: Integrity, Service Excellence, Local Capacity Development, Commercial Awareness, Productivity, Teamwork, and Commitment to Safety
vision: To become the leading energy company in Southern and Central America, offering cost effective bespoke solutions.
213 Camp Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana EXPLORE GUYANA 2019 41 Tel: (592) 226-1406 Email: info@ctes-inc.com Website: www.ctes-inc.com
MARCH 2019
MARCH 2019 Three High Commissioners And A Waterfall By Gregory Quinn British High Commissioner to Guyana
What better way to impress your colleagues and show them the beauty of Guyana than bring them to the majestic Kaieteur Falls. That is exactly what I did when my opposite numbers from Bridgetown and Port of Spain visited recently. Having been there six times myself I knew what to expect, but it is always gratifying to hear the ‘ohs and ahs’ of those on their first visit. There was much of that during this trip. From the first sighting as we circled before flying into the airstrip, to the trek to the first viewing point through a canyon of boulders and trees, the excitement was clear. The Falls are always a spectacular sight. The mist and circling birds simply add to the power and beauty of something which can be described, but never really understood until it is experienced.
There was much clicking of cameras and taking of pictures on mobile phones as the true size and power of Kaieteur became apparent as we moved ever closer – ending at the Rainbow Viewpoint. Frankie, our guide, provided an informative narrative not just on the Falls and the history of its naming and discovery, but also telling us about the flora and fauna of the park. Plus, to top it all off, we had a couple of fleeting glimpses of the elusive Cock of the Rock. Only the second time I have seen this bird. Happy colleagues, happy me, and a wonderful impression of Guyana imprinted on everyone’s minds.
Roraima Duke Lodge The Roraima Duke Lodge is an old fashioned Boutique colonial architecture building. This antique type property is strategically positioned opposite the US Embassy in Duke Street Kingston and is within walking distance of many touristic buildings.
White Chested Emerald The white-chested emerald (Amazilia brevirostris) is a hummingbird found in the Guianas, Trinidad and South America. It is a bird of cultivation, woodland and forest. White-chested emeralds feed on nectar, usually taken from the flowers of large trees, but sometimes from smaller plants such as Heliconia.
Phagwah
Wedding Expo
Phagwah or Holi as it is commonly called is an annual Hindu Festival of Colours celebrating the arrival of Spring. This Festival was brought to Guyana by our East Indian foreparents who first came to Guyana some 180 years ago. Phagwah is said to be the most joyous and colourful of festivals and today has become a part of our national psyche and is celebrated by all Guyanese.
Guyana with its rich natural attractions is the perfect wedding tourism destination. Guyanese of all walks of life are expected to flock to Duke Lodge in Kingston, Georgetown for the 2019 edition of Wedding Expo. Wedding Expo will have everything that is needed for your special event.
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94-95 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown Tel: (592) 231 7220, 227 2213 Website: www.roraimaairways.com
Guyana Timber Trade Expo, Savannah Drive Rupununi
Kaieteur Falls A Sight to Behold
By Kirstie Duke
Kaieteur Falls -
While working for Hero CPL it’s very difficult to find the time to get away and see some of the beautiful countries that we are lucky enough to call home while the tournament is running. I was hugely fortunate to get invited along as part of a press trip to the Kaieteur Falls, and despite having read a little background information nothing could have prepared me for the majesty that awaited! We had a wonderfully straightforward check in and a short wait before boarding the light aircraft that was to take us to Kaieteur. Having never had the privilege of seeing the rainforest up close, I was in compete awe of the vast and seemingly never-ending swathes of lush, dense rainforest as we flew towards the falls. After a captivating 45-minute flight, mountains were beginning to rise up from the rainforest floor and on circling around we were met with the mighty spectacle of the falls. The world’s biggest single drop waterfall was quite a sight to behold! We landed on the far side of the gully on a very neat landing strip flanked by rainforest and were ushered in to the visitor centre, where we were met with a guide.
A Sight to Behold
Our friendly and informative guide took us on a short walk to allow us to take in the falls from various different angles. He explained a little about the rainforest and how closely protected the area was by conservationists. Knowing a little already about the necessity of the rainforest and the way it feeds and nourishes our world, it was wonderful to hear how seriously the Government in Guyana take their role as custodian of this beautiful area of outstanding natural beauty. I was thoroughly overwhelmed by the sheer power and mass of water that the Kaieteur Falls ploughed over the edge and I felt incredibly small experiencing nature in such a great form. It was just breath-taking. Having spent two months in the Caribbean during the tournament, this is one incredibly special memory that will stay with me forever. There is so many beautiful sights across the Caribbean and I am hugely fortunate to have spent so much time in the region, but nothing comes close to the experience of flying over the rainforest to see one of the natural wonders of the world. I am so incredibly grateful to have been included in such a fascinating trip to the very heart of the beautiful country of Guyana. EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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Where the Harpy Eagle Roams
Prince Harry and Vice President Allicock at Kaieteur Falls
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NewlyNewly Discovered Discovered Blue Tarantula Blue Tarantula A Beacon for Invertebrate Conservation
A Beacon for Invertebrate Conservation Article by Dr. Andrew Snyder
Photo: Dr. Andrew Snyder ©
Walking through the jungle in the dark of the night, my visual stimuli were limited to the area illuminted by the small, bright beam of light from my flashlight. On nights like these, I am out scanning for nocturnal biodiversity. Specifically, as the herpetologist for the Biodiversity Assessment Team, a joint conservation research team through Global Wildlife Conservation and World Wildlife FundGuianas, I am tasked with surveying for amphibians and reptiles during our rapid inventories. Many years of nocturnal survey experience causes one to develop certain visual cues and search images to quickly process what falls within the confines of your light beam. For some organisms, like snakes, it is a certain body shape, and for others, it can be a glint of eye shine. Many jungle organisms give off eye shine, caused by the reflection of your beam of light off of a membrane in the eye, and typically with a characteristic color depending on the organism. Certain species of tree boa, for example, give off an orange reflection, which is purplish-orange in moths, and greenblue in spiders. During this particular night, my light beam reflected back with a small glint of brilliant, cobalt blue sticking out of a small hole in a rotting stump. At first I quickly dismissed it—surely it was just the eye shine coming from a spider. But something was different, and I must have been subconsciously aware. Something made me go back. And it is a good thing I did.
Photo: Dr. Andrew Snyder ©
excitement in his email response was beyond palpable, and I knew that this tarantula was something special. Initially, with only images, the safest ID was to the subfamily level Ischnocolinae. Within this subfamily, some species are in fact quite communal, but this is still to be determined with this species. Now with an acquired specimen, the species is awaiting formal description, though additional specimens will be essential in order to account for variability and gender-specific differences. However at minimum with what is known, this brilliant tarantula should stand as a beacon for invertebrate conservation in Guyana. Though often overlooked and not typically mentioned during conservation conversations, invertebrates are vital to the proper maintenance and function of ecosystems and are just as important as charismatic macrofauna. Hopefully a species like this can represent the flagship for invertebrate conservation and promote awareness for less appreciated taxa.
The blue that my light beam illuminated in fact was not the eye shine of a spider, but rather the forelimbs of a small tarantula. I have spent years conducting surveys in Guyana and have always paid close attention to the tarantula species. I immediately knew that this one was unlike any species I have encountered before. This individual was found within a tubular-shaped hole in a rotten stump, perhaps the remnant location where a former small branch emerged. Upon closer inspection of the stump, I noticed that there were other holes, and most if not all, also housed a tarantula. Prior to this, I had only ever encountered individual tarantulas, either outside of a burrow like with the Goliath Bird-eaters, walking through the leaf-litter, or clinging to the sides of trees.
This tarantula was just one of the many incredible finds during the Biodiversity Assessment Team expedition to the Potaro Plateau in Guyana. This upland region where the surveys took place represents a very important transition zone for species between the lowlands and the highlands and was characterized by high levels of endemism for many taxonomic groups. This rapid inventory was able to provide an important glimpse into this special area and habitats, though more work is necessary to shed light on all of the region’s secrets.
What did this mean for this species? Were the holes interconnected inside? Is this species communal, or did they just tolerate each other? So many questions, but unfortunately not enough time to try to figure it out.
Dr. Andrew Snyder is a biologist and photographer who specializes on reptiles and amphibians to examine phylogeographic patterns across the Guiana Shield. Since 2011, he has traveled extensively throughout Guyana for his own research and for rapid inventories with WWF-Guianas and Global Wildlife Conservation.
As soon as I was able, I sent the images on to a colleague who specializes in Neotropical tarantulas to get his thoughts. The
Article re-published from Global Wildlife Conservation’s blog and link back to our site at https://globalwildlife.org/blog.
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The Undiscovered Jewel - Guyana
The Undiscovered Jewel - Guyana By Renee Bish
I
have lived in Ecuador, South America for 32 years and have travelled the continent extensively. One destination that retains an inexplicable calling is Guyana.
Having published arguably the two most important coffee-table books on the country, I have been privileged to have travelled its length and breadth by road, boat and helicopter. The continent’s only English-speaking country, Guyana is virtually pristine and rich in biodiversity including a ‘full house’ of the South American giants. An undiscovered jewel it is, with good reason, a firm favourite in our suite of expeditions.
Kaieteur Falls
Pete Oxford Expeditions is proud to jointly lead many trips with the Oceanic Society, a USA based conservation NGO, the first in the states to be dedicated to ocean conservation. This was no exception and after assembling the group at Georgetown’s colonial Cara Lodge, we headed out the following morning in our privately charted Cessna caravan aircraft to land at Guyana’s most iconic destination – Kaieteur Falls. This stunning Waterfall, set in the wilds of a pristine forest is the world’s highest single-drop Waterfall, several times higher than Niagara at 741 feet. With a choice of spectacular lookout points and no barriers whatsoever the experience transports the visitor back to an ageless time when Nature was still in charge. As if that was not enough, in the Falls we absorbed ourselves in finding the endemic Golden Frogs at the base of the leaves of the humongous and omnipresent Giant Bromeliads. 46
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Kaieteur Falls
Sankar the Caiman
Before returning to the aircraft we ducked into the forest to the well-known lek of one of the country’s most flamboyant birds. We easily spotted the gaudy, bright orange male Guyana Cock-of-the-Rock on his favorite perch. Obligingly he let each of us photograph him in his element offering various poses as we did so.
Cock of the Rock Cock of the Rock
Taking off from the dirt strip at the Falls, the pilot offered us from both port and starboard sides an intimate aerial view of the Potaro River thundering over the escarpment as we turned north to Fairview and the Iwokrama forest. Checking in to the Iwokrama Lodge on the bank of the mighty Essequibo River our first call was to Sankar – a huge black caiman that has been hanging around the dock for many years. EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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Harpy Eagle
Portrait photography of this living dinosaur was spectacular as his prehistoric gaze stared down the barrel of the lens to be immortalized in an image. Iwokrama has been well studied scientifically and is well known for its huge biodiversity. Many species are endemic to the Guyana Shield on which the Lodge sits and are different from the main Amazon rainforest. This is of particular note to birdwatchers who ‘flock’ to the area for new ticks on their list. On our boat ride on the river, using a spotlight we found many more caimen, some roosting birds including the very attractive capped heron and two tree boas hunting for food. From Iwokrama we had elected to leave to our next destination – Atta Lodge and the Canopy walkway – via open truck at night along the ‘main road’. Although the dirt track is indeed the main artery connecting the coast to the interior and the Rupununi Savannas it travels in a virtual straight line through primary rain forest. It has become the best spot in Guyana to see Jaguars. We had a good spotlight, drove slowly and had our eyes peeled. Although I’ve seen quite a few on this road before, this time we were not so lucky and the Jaguars remained elusive. At first light, we hiked the 500 meters from our lodge to the canopy walkway – a series of 3 platforms some 30 meters in the canopy. We spent the morning looking at the birds that came through and listened to the unmistakable, megaphonic, sounds of howler monkeys. From Atta Lodge we were preparing to drive to a spot from where we could hike into the forest to hopefully find a Harpy Eagle – the most powerful eagle in the world. Camera packs were already loaded in the vehicle when, unbelievably, an adult Harpy Eagle flew right into camp! A Harpy in the hand, was definitely worth one in the bush so we stayed and marvelled at the one that had come to us. Our next stop was Rewa – an Amerindian owned and operated Eco-Lodge. Rewa is known for its healthy population of Arapaima, another South American giant and one of the largest fresh water fish in the world. It was not always so, but once the community 48
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Howler Monkey
realized that the population of Arapaima was dwindling they initiated a self-imposed moratorium on fishing these fish for 5 years until the population was seen to increase. Arapaima are territorial and obligate air-breathers, meaning that they periodically break the surface to gulp air. Individual fish can therefore be identified by size and sex to the trained eye. Hunting with bow and arrow the fishermen can then selectively take individual fish in a sustainable manner. Their entire project has been heralded as a conservation success and numbers are once again at a high level. We spent an afternoon at one of the well-known Arapaima Lakes, surrounded by Giant Water-Lilies and waiting for the huge fish to break the surface, gulp and roll. Boat trips on the river from Rewa also showed us several troops of monkeys, a plethora of herons, large-billed terns and black skimmers. Night walks produced many smaller animals and birds not least of which were a dozen or so pink-toed tarantulas! Jaguars
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Giant Anteater
Our last stop was to be the famed Karanambu Lodge – home of the ‘otter lady’ the late Diane McTurk. A legend in her own lifetime Diane had dedicated the latter part of her life to rehabilitating Giant Otter orphans back to the wild. Steeped in tradition and the true spirit of pioneers Karanambu is a delight and worthy finale. Through a combination of walks and boat rides, we could secure great views of many bird species and of course Giant Otters. These, the longest Otter species in the world, are highly endangered throughout most of their range with Guyana being one of the last strongholds of the species. Highly social animals they are very efficient predators and seem to be able to catch a good-sized fish any time they put their mind to it.
Giant River Otters
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Perhaps the highlight of Karanambu however was our early morning sojourns by 4×4 out into the Rupununi savannas. With a local vaquero (cowboy) on horseback to guide us we always managed to get excellent views of one of the animal kingdom’s most bizarre denizens – the Giant Anteater. A strange animal indeed, somewhat laterally flattened the shaggy beast walks awkwardly on large claws that it uses to break open hard termite mounds whereupon it squats on its haunches to lap up the teeming insect with its long sticky tongue. The camaraderie of a great group, lively meal time conversations and the wonder of new life-time experiences our 2018 Guyana trip lived up to expectations. I miss it already!
Rooms can be configured to suit your needs Flexible space for conferences Food services and catering arrangements available Full range of standard audio/video equipment Great central location, easy access Convenient, spacious parking area Technical assistance on site & Affordable costs
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PEOPLE OF GUYANA
Winslow Craig GUYANA’S SCULPTOR EXPEOPLE OF GUYANA
TRAORDINAIRE
Receiving the Golden Arrow of Achievement in 2017 from President David Granger.
Winslow Craig GUYANA’S SCULPTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE
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by Lola Chan-a-Sue
inslow Craig is a Guyanese sculptor whose natural talent manifested at an early age and blossomed with formal training at the ER Burrowes School of Art in Georgetown. He works in many media, like metal, wood, and bronze, and is known for his invention of a new medium for sculpture: “sawdoue” an amalgam of sawdust and glue which is placed on steel. Today, Mr. Craig is a lecturer in art at the University of Guyana and his work can be found in private collections through the region, in Guyanese institutions and international collections from New Zealand (Retribution II), China (The Unseen Helper) and Belize (Cutting Edge and The Watcher). He was also commissioned by Cable and Wireless to create a trophy for its 2000 Cricket Series, which was titled Willow and Leather.
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‘The Athletic Track Monument’ at the Leonora Athletic Track
Born in the Kappawarri Creek of the Essequibo River in 1967, Mr Craig began sculpting from an early age. Of part indigenous heritage, he was influenced by his father, who was a woodsman and woodworker, to begin whittling. He sold his first piece at age seven for the sum of $20. Nonetheless, his plans for the future focused on his becoming a gold-miner until a teacher encouraged him to apply to the ER Burrowes School of Art in Georgetown. He was accepted and his graduation work, Discovery, was acquired by the Guyanese polymath, Denis Williams, for the Guyana national collection. Thereafter, Mr. Craig was awarded a 1997 Commonwealth Foundation Fellowship in Arts & Craft which took him to the Christchurch Polytechnic School of Art and Design, New Zealand, where he created Retribution II. After this fellowship in 1999, he
was chosen to participate in the Poustinia Land Art Project in Belize and was the first recipient of the Dennis Wiiliams Memorial Award, organised by a UK based group headed by Dr. Ann Walmsley. He was selected to attend the International Sculpture Symposium in China (2001), where he was the only artist representing the English-speaking Caribbean. Mr. Craig’s work explores the themes of spirituality, justice, gender issues, nature and the environment His work, Fighting for Global Peace, has been featured in a documentary aired on CNN World Report in the aftermath of the Gulf War. Apart from many exhibitions in Guyana, his work has been shown in Haiti, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, the US, Venezuela, and China. He is regarded as one of the leading sculptors in Guyana, according to former Minister of Culture, Dr. Frank Anthony. Ian McDonald described his work as being of “world-class genius”. He has been commissioned by various regional institutions, like the Bank of Guyana, and the Commonwealth Youth Programme. One of his pieces was also commissioned by the Government of Guyana and presented to the Walter Reed Memorial Hospital in the US, where the Late Guyanese President Dr. Cheddi Jagan was treated. In 2013 he jointly won the award for the design of the Indian Arrival Monument. Mr. Craig won the Guyana Visual Arts Competition (Sculpture) 2014 and was awarded a Guyana National Award, The Medal of Service (2000) and the Golden Arrow of Achievement in 2017.
Winslow Craig with fellow Awardees, at the 2017 Anthony N Sabga – Caribbean Awards for Excellence Presentation in Guyana
In 2015 he designed and executed in steel, ‘The Athletic Track Monument’ at the Leonora Athletic Track. In 2017 he was an Awardee in the Anthony N Sabga – Caribbean Awards for Excellence and in 2018 he was the recipient of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York Award. He continues to work and teach in Guyana.
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APRIL 2019
APRIL 2019
Rupununi Rodeo T Where Vaqueros Rule
he Rupununi Rodeo has its origins in the middle of the last century, when vaqueros competed against each other in various skills; it later grew from being a centralised event in the hinterland village of St. Ignatius before moving to Lethem in 1985.
Adventure Guianas Piraiba Lodge
Savanna Hawk The Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis) is a large raptor found in open savanna and swamp edges. It feeds on small mammals, lizards, snakes, crabs and large insects. It usually sits on an open high perch from which it swoops on its prey, but will also hunt on foot.
Piraiba (Lau Lau) Lodge, is situated on the Eastern Bank of the Essequibo River, approximately 20 miles (32 kms), south of Iwokrama River Lodge, deep into the Jungles of Guyana. Named after the largest freshwater cat fish specie of South America, the Goliath catfish, Piraiba or Lau Lau, the Lodge is constructed primarily from one of our finest and most durable of wood specie-the Green Heart and is powered by a photovoltaic system (solar system). Mikel Plaza, 53 Pere Street, Kitty Georgetown, Guyana Tel: 592 227 4713 Mobile: 592 626 9033 / 673 0039/ 621 7766 Website: www.adventureguianas.com
Easter Monday There are many Easter traditions here in Guyana. Recently, we have begun the egg decorating and hunting for the colourful eggs, this is done mainly by the children. We bake cross buns on Holy Thursday, go to church for the entire Easter weekend. Easter Monday is our traditional kite flying day with hundreds of kites dotting the sky.
Bartica Easter Regatta The Bartica Easter Regatta has been around for more than 60 years. It initially begun as a wager between two captains of what was then ‘grant boats’- to see whose engine was the fastest. It has grown over the years from boat racing to include the Miss Regatta Pageant, the oldest pageant in Guyana. Sports such as cricket, football, and do minos, not to mention swimming and regular run Bartica races have also been added.
Other Activities: Car & Bike Show - Lake Mainstay Resort 54
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Easter weekend annually in Guyana since then sees the hosting of the Rupununi Rodeo at Lethem, the Guyana-Brazil border town in vacquero country where competition for vaquero supremacy runs high among the various ranches of the Rupununi region. Now a popular national event, the rodeo brings thousands by bus, SUVs, and even motorbikes thronging through the road corridor leading from Linden to Lethem, or by plane from Georgetown. From savannah country to jungle, the trip to the border community also promises to be a scenic and exhilarating experience. The Rupununi Rodeo continues to generate regional and international acclaim, and is the most popular inland sporting festival in the country attracting overseas visitors as well as a large community from neighbouring Brazil. The fun kicks off on the Saturday before Easter and continues until Easter Monday, with daytime activities like wild bull riding, horse racing, wild cow milking, wild horse riding, a female barrel race, and steer roping, among other events. In recent times a Miss Rupununi Rodeo Beauty Pageant has been added featuring beauties from the Region and neighbouring Brazil. In an effort to harness the potential of this event, the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority have collaborated with several tour operators who offer tour packages for the Rupununi Rodeo and other events that fall within the Easter period. Check with the list of Tour Operators in this Magazine to discover Guyana’s tourism offerings and confirm your package. Georgetown’s premiere boutique hotel awarded Certificate of Excellence 3 years in a row.
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Iwokrama the Green Heart
of Guyana Where Images and Stories are Waiting to be Told
Iwokrama the Green Heart of Guyana Where Images and Stories are Waiting to be Told Article and Photos By: Meshach Pierre
T
he old adage, a picture is worth a thousand words, holds true – the best photographs are often the ones that tell a story. With so many famous places featured quite often, it can feel like there’s nowhere new to discover, and no new stories to be told. That’s one reason Guyana is special. There are few places that have the combination of so much understated beauty as Guyana, and few as captivating and beautiful as Iwokrama. Indeed, Iwokrama is much more than just a rain forest. It is a sustainably utilised forest poised in the centre of the country, earning it the title: “The Green Heart of Guyana.” The rain forest has many ‘moods’ that can be observed throughout the day. Personally I have always found dawn to be the most pleasant time. In the early morning, the soft, yellow light plays with the greens of the trees, while the air is cool and crisp. As the sun rises, the diverse and intricate melodies of birdsongs blend with the eerie calls of Howler Monkeys and soft rustling as the forest life stirs.
The Iwokrama Forest from Above
usually advised against, but it is possible within the shady interior. I find this a good time for more close-up, sometimes abstract images, like ants on twig, a tree bark, and the lines of a liana. For a wider view, getting above the tree line is worth it. An early morning climb up Turtle Mountain can be exhausting, and it might feel like it’s all for nought when you reach viewing point to find only a wall of clouds at the clearing. But wait, the sun’s rays will pierce the cloudy blanket over the canopy to reveal the vastness and breath-taking beauty of the entire forest as the morning light touches the tree tops. A view like this is rare, worth the climb and the silent meditation that overcomes you.
Planning to take photos in the forest? The forest is always quite a lot darker than the open, so don’t forget to take a flashlight even if you can see ahead of you in a clearing. Shooting at midday is Trees Lit by Sunset on the Bank of the Essequibo River
Mist Rising from the Trees in the Morning
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Large mammals can also be equally rare to see. Large mammals are naturally not very abundant, and in an old healthy rainforest, like Iwokrama, there are many places they can be. This can be very frustrating at times, but the rarity of sightings of charismatic species makes it all the more rewarding when it actually happens.
Water Rushes Over Rapids in the Essequibo River
A Puma Keeping a Watchful Eye on the Author (Photo Taken in Another Location in Guyana)
It took me a few years to see a Jaguar but when I did, my heart pounded with excitement. The best approach may be to just take an optimistic outlook - going in without expectations, but open to pleasant surprises. It often feels like there’s more chance of seeing wildlife when you’re not expecting to – and especially when you don’t have your camera ready. If you do see a large mammal, you should definitely appreciate the value of what you’ve seen, even if you can’t capture the moment. There are other treasures hidden in the forest, too. Guyana is the land of many waters and Iwokrama is no different - small streams and waterfalls are found throughout the forest. One at the Canopy Walkway serves as a perfect subject for long exposures that blend the water’s motion. The Essequibo River is a powerful and captivating subject, it rises and falls dramatically with the seasons. In the wet season, it breaches its borders and floods the forest. Yet in the dry season, the river drops to show its roaring rapids pelting over the rocks, and whole trees and islands surface. The dry season also reveals Petroglyphs marked in the rocks. Signs like these serve as a reminder that this forest has been home for people far longer than is immediately evident.
A Long Exposure of a Small Waterfall Near the Canopy Walkway, Iwokrama Forest
Indigenous people continue to live there, sustainably utilising the forest. They are incredibly knowledgeable about the forest, and its animals, so don’t be afraid to ask Iwokrama’s rangers and guides for help. The Iwokrama forest has so many images and stories still waiting to be told. Treat it with respect, be patient, and it may truly reveal itself to you. A Rock Near Rapids in the Essequibo. Ancient Petroglyphs are Etched in the Stone.
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Yachting on the Essequibo River Yachting on the Essequibo River
Article and Photos by: Kit Nascimento
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uyana’s Essequibo River is the third largest in South America next to Brazil’s Amazon and Venezuela’s Orinoco. Its expansive waters provide a truly magnificent cruising destination and Guyana, located outside of the hurricane belt, is proving to be a safe haven for Cruisers to hang out during the hurricane season. The waters surrounding the small mining town of Bartica, Baganara Island Resort and Hurakabra River Resort provide some of the most exciting, virtually untouched, and beautiful river anchorages anywhere in the world. The Town of Bartica is now an Official Port-of-Entry and cruisers making the Essequibo River their destination can sail the 30 miles upriver from the ocean to Bartica to clear customs and Immigration with a simplified 2-page form. Clearance takes less than an hour. Guyana was first featured in the Doyle Cruising Guide for the Caribbean, (the Bible for yachts cruising the Caribbean) published the 3rd Edition (2006) as a potential destination for cruising yachts. In 2011, an Italian sailor, David Matelicani, retired from business in Australia who had established a small marina in Saint Laurent du Maroni, French Guiana, sailed to the Essequibo and decided that there was huge potential for developing the yachting industry in Guyana in the Essequibo River. He has since presented an Investment Proposal for a Boatyard to the Minister of Tourism and which is under consideration.
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In the meantime, David Matelicani organised, with the full support of the Ministry of Tourism in Guyana and the Mayor of Saint Laurent du Maroni, and with the blessing of the Yachting Services of Trinidad & Tobago (YSOPT), launched the first Nereid’s Rally in September 2013, sailing from Chaguaramas in Trinidad and from Tobago to Hurakabra River Resort in the Essequibo and onwards to Saint Laurent in French Guiana. These rallies have successively grown and the 5th Rally was, again, hosted in September by Guyana’s Minister of Tourism at Hurakabra River Resort.
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MAY 2019
MAY 2019
Guyana Carnival 2019 Come for the Party & Enjoy the Country!
Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown Toco Toucan The toco toucan (Ramphastos toco), also known as the common toucan, giant toucan or simply toucan, is the largest and probably the best known species in the toucan family. It is found in semi-open habitats throughout a large part of central and eastern South America.
Whether traveling for work or leisure, Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown makes your stay comfortable and convenient. Offering an unbeatable location near the nation’s capital, our hotel makes it easy to visit St George’s Cathedral, Lacytown and the Promenade Gardens. The Canada and United States embassies are less than a mile away. Block Alpha, Battery Road, Kingston, Georgetown Tel: 592 231 2480 Website: www.marriott.com
Portuguese Arrival Day
Indian Arrival Day
Independence Day
Guyana celebrates ‘Portuguese Arrival Day’ on 3rd May to acknowledge the achievements of the descendants of immigrants of Portuguese origin and their contribution to nation-building.
In Guyana, the holiday is celebrated commemorating the first arrival of indentured labourers from India, on May 5th 1838. On this day, the workers arrived in Guyana to work in sugar plantations. Their descendants today comprise 44 percent of Guyana’s population of over 750,000.
The Cooperative Republic of Guyana annually observes Independence Day on May 26. This holiday celebrates the anniversary of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1966.
Other Activities: Independence Celebrations, Labour Day, Mother & Daughter Pageant 60
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uyana Carnival is a privately organised festival which was hosted for the first time during the period 18 – 27 May 2018 under the theme “Genesis.” It’s an amalgamation of influential entertainment bodies, the Government of Guyana and other key stakeholders which delivered a new and exciting product to boost tourism, entertainment, and nightlife in our capital city and showcase Guyana’s beauty, uniqueness, and unity through this private international event. The idea was birthed out of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations when the country recorded thousands of arrivals of visitors to Guyana.
world class events such as all-inclusive parties, celebrity concerts, boat rides, day tours and culminating with a grand costume “mas” parade through the beautiful streets of Georgetown. Patrons can purchase All-inclusive Packages which include accommodation, admission tickets, costume, food, drinks and day tours to some of the country’s most fascinating tourist sites. For more information on Carnival 2019 visit the website http://www.guyanacarnival592.com or contact the organisers by email at guyanacarnival@gmail.com for further information.
Carnival is a well-known cultural phenomenon celebrated annually in several Caribbean and Latin American countries and is known for elaborate costumes, festivities, entertainment, and frolic. A series of events are hosted leading up to a day of “mas” or masquerade in the streets where revellers can frolic in an allinclusive experience. Guyana Carnival is intended to be a destination event targeting those in the diaspora and others from around the world with
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A Rich Dutch Heritage and the Essequibo River
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A Rich Dutch Heritage and the Essequibo River
Photos by Fiaz Yamin
he Essequibo River region is a treasure trove of Guyana’s Dutch heritage. This area was a major trading region over two hundred years ago when Guyana was a Dutch colony. With the unyielding search for the lost city of El Dorado with all its promise of gold and riches, the Dutch were heavily challenged by the other colonial powers in their fight to conquer and claim Guyana. The heritage of this colourful past is very evident today and there are many citadels of the Dutch legacy still very evident and woven into the fabric of today’s Guyana. All across the coastline, the mighty Sea Wall stands tall as a bastion of our security as it struggles after decades to keep out the raging Atlantic Ocean and its ferocious waves especially at high tide from flooding our coastal zones. There are a number of Dutch Forts and Chimneys which are very evident as you move around the country. In addition, there are hundreds of Dutch names among our populace over generations through their descendants and attached to iconic structures such as Stabroek Market and names of villages such as Schoonord, Uitvlugt, Vergenoegen and Beterverwagting and streets like Vlissengen Road which perpetuate our Dutch legacy. The Bottle Restaurant at the Cara Lodge in Georgetown features an impressive array of Dutch Bottles. Dutch Bottles
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Fort Kyk-over-al
With the advent of preserving our heritage, a number of historic Dutch Forts originally built in the 1700s have been restored and maintained with Fort Zeelandia and the Dutch Museum on Fort Island and Fort Kyk-over-al on a little island where the Essequibo, Mazaruni and Cuyuni rivers meet evolving as primary tourist attractions. Cannon on Fort Island
Court of Policy, Fort Island
Local Tour Operators have packaged visits to these Essequibo Forts and have added a number of other locations making for an affordable and attractive Day Tour which is today very popular with both locals and visitors. Participating in these Essequibo River Tours will allow you to enjoy views of and visits to places such as: Fort Island Historical Site, Saxacalli Beach, the Town of Bartica, Baracara Falls where you are allowed to bathe, BK Quarry. Fort Kyk-over-al, Mazaruni Prison, Mazaruni & Cuyuni river mouths, the Island Home of Eddie Grant - Guyana’s world famous musician and other wonders of the Essequibo River. These Tours also are inclusive of lunch which can be served at various locations and may include Sloth Island Nature Resort, the Aruwai Island Resort, Baganara Island Resort and Hurakabra Nature Resort. See our List of Tourism Service Providers to identify local Tour Operators who can be contacted to discuss and confirm available tour packages.
Kayaking at Baganara Island Resort on the Essequibo
Visitors Travelling up the Essequibo
Baracara Falls
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JUNE 2019
JUNE 2019
The Guyana Cup Horse Racing’s Holy Grail
By Avenash Ramzan
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hen ‘The Guyana Cup’ Horse Race Meet was originally conceived in 2007, the idea was clear. Nasrudeen Mohamed Snr., the popular owner of Jumbo Jet Stables and a seasoned
Cara Lodge Imagine a Caribbean hotel deliberately designed to meet your needs in business and pleasure. Welcome to Cara Hotels where it is our pleasure to provide you with comfort and tranquility. Cara Lodge is conveniently located in the heart of Georgetown on a quiet residential street.
Turquoise Tanager The turquoise tanager (Tangara Mexicana) is a medium-sized passerine bird. This tanager is a resident bird from much of Brazil and South America. Despite its scientific name, it is not found in Mexico.
294, Quamina St, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: 592 225 5301-5 Website: www.caralodge.com
Restaurant Week Guyana Restaurant Week is a culinary celebration of special menu offerings from some of the best restaurants in Guyana. During this ten-day promotion participating restaurants offer an exclusive menu at significantly reduced prices! Lunch at $2,000 and Dinner at either $4,000 or $5,000 per person.
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Linden River Front Festival Linden River-Front Festival, will meet everyone’s expectations, given the plethora of exciting, entertaining, informal, upbeat and family-oriented activities they have planned for the various venues along the Demerara river-front.
Aliann Pompey Invitational Track Meet
Photo by Hotspotgy
Photo by Hotspotgy
entrepreneur, wanted to see more happening for the ‘Sport of Kings’ in Guyana. Given that he had the resources - financial and otherwise, implementing that vision was almost like the twitch of the thumb. Or, maybe not that easy, but you get the point. There were regular Horse Racing events hosted by various Turf Clubs across the country, no doubt, but Mohamed Snr., commonly known as ‘Jumbo Jet’, knew something was missing to move the sport to the next level. There was nothing for horse owners to aim for really - the big incentive was lacking and hence ‘The Guyana Cup’ was conceptualized. Figuratively speaking, Horse Racing was basically assembling at the starting paddock; Mohamed Snr. preferred to see this budding sport of thoroughbreds sprinting down the homestretch with the finish line in sight and turfites bursting the bleachers at the seam and rooting for their favourite horses to win.
Since 2013, Mohamed Snr. has handed over the baton to Nasrudeen Mohamed Jnr., whose passion for the sport was nurtured from an early age. Apart from inevitably maintaining the high on-track standards, the younger Mohamed has prided himself on significantly enhancing the spectators’ experience through the improvement of facilities, seating accommodation, erection of viewing screens, and of course constantly increasing the prize money. That has led to bigger investments by horse owners, thereby increasing the level of competitiveness among the Stables. As a consequence, more turfites are passing through the gates, and the sport that was once waiting on the starters’ order is now fully in stride, blazing the dusty trail.
presents
Jumbo Jet Truck and Auto Sales initially partnered with the various Turf Clubs to pull off ‘The Guyana Cup’, after which the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Horse Racing Committee was formed through which the event is now coordinated.
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Through ‘The Guyana Cup’, Mohamed Snr. wanted to create a whole new environment for the sport, first by significantly lifting the cash payouts and then fusing that with the introduction of regional and international horses and jockeys to challenge the locals. More than a decade later, that and more has been achieved, as a simple idea has grown into a magnanimous national event, featuring prominently on the bucket list if you’re passionate about Horse Racing and heading to Guyana in the summer. The Guyana Cup Horse Race Meet is now a major tourist attraction, with the influx of competitors from the United States of America, Canada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname bringing its own following of supporters over the past 12 years. Today, it is the single most lucrative home-grown sports event in Guyana, doling out tens of millions of dollars as reward to horse owners, jockeys and turfites. No other sport can lay claim to splurging such huge amounts of cash on its participants in the Guyana landscape.
Y ANA’S HISTOR music
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JULY 2019
JULY 2019
Indeed
‘The Biggest Party in Sport’ By: Avenash Ramzan
Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel Orange-backed Troupial The orange-backed troupial (Icterus croconotus) is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is found in Guyana, Brazil, Paraguay, and eastern Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru. The orange-backed troupial often forages in pairs, feeding on fruits, insects and other arthropods found at all levels in the canopy.
Ramada is the ideal choice for the business or leisure traveler or event organizer with fully refurbished guest rooms and event spaces, perfect for hosting spectacular social events and productive meetings. Experience live culinary cuisine in Guyana’s first ever Teppanyaki Restaurant. Our Poolside Restaurant and Bar is open 24hrs service. Additionally, the on-site Casino, Movie Theatre, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Games Arcade and Fun Park will add to the guest’s leisure. Track BS Block ‘Z’ Plantation, Providence, EBD, Guyana Tel: 592 265 7009 Website: www.ramadageorgetown.com
CARICOM DAY
Savannah Drive
CARICOM stands for the “Caribbean Community,” an organization established on July 4, 1973, for the purpose of supporting a common market, coordinating foreign policy, and promoting cooperation among the member states of the Caribbean.
The Savannah Drive is truly an amazing adventure and it promotes adventure tourism in Guyana. It is about linking communities through sports and heritage celebrations. It opens up the Savannah to locals and tourists, creating lasting relationships with Savannah communities.
Local Circuit Motor Racing Top local drivers and riders will converge at the South Dakota Circuit in July when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club presents its National Race of Champions meet for 2019. The activity is set to once again pit all the leading daredevils on one track, gunning for the top podium spot in their respective category.
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all across Guyana and Overseas with their amazing Costumes, Conch Shells, Vuvuzelas, Plastic Bottles, Picnic Baskets …you name it, Providence had it!
“CPL T20 Cricket has been exceptionally well received in Guyana with fantastic crowd support where the local fans demonstrate their passion for cricket and show their national colours and unending vocal support for the local home based franchise - the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The CPL T20 League has been promoted across the Caribbean as the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ with fierce competition between the various Teams to win the coveted Finals and put their hands on the CPL Trophy and Prize Money. For the 2018 CPL Tournament, Guyana – on the cusp of major oil wealth, was chosen as the destination for the Playoff Games to the Finals for the first time in the six-year history of the CPL. Guyana is a Cricket mad country and this was just reward for its people, who from time immemorial, have embraced the game of Cricket like no other. Cricket is fully imbedded in their psyche as the national sport, a favourite pastime and most important a unifying force. The utterances of Chief Operations Officer of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Pete Russell, could not have been more apt, precise and truthful. “We are delighted to be able to bring such significant matches to Guyana for the first time and are sure the fans will turn out in large numbers,” Russell added.
Add a Hero Maximum off the willow off a Guyana Amazon Warriors player, a wicket or a spectacular catch and the decibel level rises instantaneously; the sea of yellow goes swaying in the Stands. Be it the distribution of the Guyana Amazon Warriors paraphernalia, the sale of plantain chips, nuts, flags or the beautiful, rhythmic sound of Tassa and African Drumming, the Guyanese identity is on full display during the CPL games. The outrageous costumes, all designed to ultimately capture the Fan of the Match prize; the free distribution of merchandise by sponsors and creative face-paintings by some of the Guyana’s finest add to the splendour of the atmosphere at the Providence Stadium. The breath-taking cheerleaders, moving in unison with the pulsating music blaring through the sound system emanating from the Grass Mound, excites the local fans to express themselves and show their national colours providing a great spectacle between intervals. Their well-choreographed dance moves - riveting as they are are not recommended for those who opt to overly indulge in any of the fine concoctions of Guyana’s finest El Dorado Rum, or they can simply do so at their own peril…after all, it is the Biggest Party in Sport.
And turn out in droves they did as history repeated itself with all CPL matches featuring the Guyana Amazon Warriors saw a soldout Providence Stadium.
The only blip, if ever there was one, is the Warriors’ empty cupboard after four trips to the final. Be assured though, that would in no way diminish the enthusiasm of Kirk Jardine or ‘Chow Pow’, as he is more familiarly known, from blurting his signature line on the PA System, ‘Let’s go Warriors, let’s go!!!’
This popular Cricket venue sprang into life, as the turnstiles opened and the lighting towers were switched on. The fans came from
Make sure you plan your trip in 2019 to be in Guyana for CPL Cricket and be a part of ‘the Biggest Party in Sport in Guyana.’
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PEOPLE OF GUYANA
PEOPLE OF GUYANA
Dr
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Dr Shivnarine Chanderpaul Guyana and West Indies Cricket Icon
A Man of Outstanding Numbers
By Avenash Ramzan
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f numbers had an owner it would be Shivnarine Chanderpaul. This Guyanese batting legend, born and raised in the rustic countryside village of Unity on the East Coast Demerara, has fashioned a cricketing career that is a statistician’s delight. When he started his international cricketing career as a frail 19-year-old in March 1994 against England at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground at Bourda, there was optimism that this humble son of a fisherman, who had dominated Guyana’s Youth Cricket and had captured the attention of an entire nation, was destined for greatness. He cracked a classy 62 runs from number six making his debut for the West Indies in front of his home crowd, batting in an almost inverted right-angle position to announce his arrival on the global cricketing stage. There would be a major transformation in his batting stance over the ensuing two decades. It became ridiculously side-on, but what remained constant was an insatiable appetite for batting, a deep desire to always score runs and a proclivity for thriving under pressure making him a linchpin in the West Indies middle order. Such admirable traits, typified by great commitment and
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As they say, numbers don’t lie. 164 268 11,867 8,778 30 11 66 59 454 166 510 40,150 51.37 7
Most Test Matches by a Guyanese Most ODI Matches by a Guyanese Most Test Runs by a Guyanese Most ODI Runs by a Guyanese Most Test Hundreds by a Guyanese Most ODI Hundreds by a Guyanese Most Test Fifties by a Guyanese Most ODI Fifties by a Guyanese Most International Matches Played by a Guyanese Most Scores Over Fifty by a Guyanese in International Cricket Most Balls Faced by a Guyanese in Single Test Innings Most Balls Faced by a Guyanese in International Cricket Highest Test Average by a Guyanese The Most Number of 50+ Scores in Consecutive Test Innings by a Guyanese
Congratulated by fellow Guyanese Carl Hooper on making another century
dedication to mastering a craft he developed a passion for from a tender age playing his cricket on the beachfront at Unity, morphed into a twenty year plus international career along the way establishing himself as a West Indian Captain and one of the greatest West Indian batsmen with some staggering numbers that easily earn him the tag of statistically “the Greatest Batsman of Guyanese Origin”.
a student of the game and what better way to be involved than to be an Ambassador for this prestigious event.
Though his career came to an abrupt and unceremonial end in 2015, Chanderpaul continues to be recognised for his remarkable contribution to Guyana and West Indies Cricket.
If you are lucky, during your visit to Guyana you may have the privilege of watching Shiv Chanderpaul playing a game of cricket or meet him casually as he moves around the city and country.
“I am also a huge fan of Women’s Cricket and I jumped at the opportunity. I have played cricket all over the world and I enjoyed every moment, especially meeting fans and entertaining the crowds.”
In August 2018, the University of the West Indies announced that the former West Indies Captain would be conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Laws during the University’s three-day graduation exercise in October. He joins an illustrious list of West Indian icons that includes Paula Lucie-Smith, The Right Honourable Hubert Ingraham, Winston A, Bailey, OBE (Mighty Shadow), Professor Dermott Kelleher, Michael Holding, Kenneth S. Benjamin, Donette St. M. Chin-Loy Chang, H. Carl McCall, Professor Shirley J. Thompson, Karl E. Wellington, Lloyd A. Williams, Montgomery Bernard Alexander and Grace B. Jones. And in September 2018, Cricket West Indies drafted Chanderpaul in its Windies Ambassador Programme for the 2018 Women’s World T20 to be hosted in the Caribbean in November. Chanderpaul, commenting on his role, said: “I want to thank Cricket West Indies for inviting me to participate in this fantastic tournament. It is another great opportunity to serve my country, the region and the sport that I love so much. Everyone knows I am
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AUGUST 2019
AUGUST 2019
Emancipation Day Celebrate Our African Heritage
Windjammer International Cuisine & Comfort Inn. A home away from home, Windjammer Hotel has been providing Guyanese hospitality since 2002.
Yellow-Hooded Blackbird The yellow-hooded blackbird (Chrysomus icterocephalus) is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is found in grassy and brush areas near water in northern South America, and is generally fairly common.
Windjammer Hotel is a family owned business, providing great customer service, comfortable rooms and delicious cuisine for over 10 years with staff that remember your name and your favourite order! 27 Queen Street, Kitty, Georgetown Tel: 592 227 7478, 226 3407 Website: www.windjammer-gy.com/
Jamzone Week of Activities
Naya Zamana
Bartica Safari Off Road
The event will take the form of a May fair and will include the popular Maypole plaiting by members of the Gold Rush Dance Troupe out of the East Coast of Demerara.
Naya Zamana is the annual dance production of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. It is an opportunity for students of the Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra, who are taught free of charge in Kathak and other dance styles, to showcase what they have learnt.
The Bartica 4 x 4 Safari, is an expedition that allows tourists to view some of the country’s beautiful scenery, as the new route will pass through Regions Four, Five Seven and Ten.
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roll on, hear traditional music played, and see various exhibits of African cultural customs. There are folk games to take part in, crafts for sale, artwork put on display, singing, dancing, and drumming, and delicious African-style food and drink to enjoy.
Guyana shares Emancipation Day with other Caribbean nations that were formerly British colonies and celebrate 1st August annually as Emancipation Day.
Peruse the numerous public exhibits on Emancipation Day. You can also expect to see people dressed up in traditional African attire including highly ornate female head wraps that are sure to catch your eye.
hen slavery was abolished within the British Empire in 1834 – a Public Holiday was granted to celebrate the freedom of enslaved Africans. Originally, the name of this holiday was “Freedom Day,” but today, the name “Emancipation Day” is usually preferred.
Much of Guyana’s colonial population was made up of African slaves brought over to work on coastal sugar plantations across some 250 years. There were several major slave revolts in Guyana, but none of them ultimately succeeded.
There will be an emphasis on African roots and on the history of the emancipation event, but the whole community will be involved in celebrating a turning point in the nation’s history.
While those of African descent were immediately and most directly impacted by the abolition of slavery, in reality, it touched everyone. If you choose to travel or will be in Guyana for Emancipation Day on 1st August will be exposed to a rich African history which is celebrated across the country by Guyanese of African descent and supported by the wider community. Activities are hosted across all of Guyana’s Regions with Guyana’s largest Emancipation Day festivities being held at the National Park in Georgetown, the capital. All day long, you will see the party
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Let’s Go Fishing for Fun and Adventure!!
Let’s Go Fishing for Fun and Adventure!! “Every year a group of us including my friends and my father’s friends head out for a week or two on an adventure and fishing trip to different parts of Guyana where we go fishing and camping and we try to turn it into a holiday. It takes a lot more trappings [things to carry] than normal on these trips because we carry along a cook with us because it’s usually a large group.” Says Paul Fraser who coordinates the annual expeditions. In 2018, the group agreed to head to the Amerindian village of Rewa in the Rupununi as it has gained a reputation as one of the best areas for fishing and Paul agreed to share their experience. “It is a beautiful camp with a pristine environment” were the exact words from Paul Fraser when asked about the one week trip with a diverse group of friends from overseas and Guyana which featured lengthy drives and interesting boat rides.
back and got a spare engine from Rewa just to get everyone in. We should have gotten into camp earlier that day but we got in closer to seven at night.” “A trip like Rewa is challenging because of its distance. You don’t have infrastructure to rely on. You have to put everything in place; the boats, the fuel; you’ve got to get it into spot. You are six or seven hours away from any help.” But it was worth it. Rewa village sits at the junction of the Rupununi and the Rewa
“We would have left Georgetown at about 8-9 o clock in the night going overland and arrived at the Kurupukari Crossing at dawn. We then travelled to the village of Annai arriving at about 10 o clock that morning before we moved down to Patoman Landing at Oasis Lodge,” Paul recounted with a grin. “We launched about eight boats as we had a lot of kit and supplies, probably six vehicles of it. We had sent an advance party to build the camp,” Fraser said. It was then that the trip got more eventful. “The water in the river was lower than average due to a short rainy season and it took about three hours to travel from Patoman Landing to the Rewa River Lodge. Another four hours later we arrived at our campsite, at an area known as Anteater Pool.” “Because of the low water, there was a lot of wood in the river. We lost two engines to hitting wood and we eventually turned 72
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Rivers - a piece of untouched Guyanese paradise, nestled on the upper-most part of Region 8. The Rewa area is a sport fisherman’s dream or so says Paul Fraser. With a population of some 300 people it has earned a solid reputation as a people who have identified the benefits of community tourism through sharing of
their culture, lifestyle and community with visitors. This Village has been extremely successful in developing their tourism product which has generated valuable and growing revenues through tour packages built around their lifestyle and including accommodation at their Rewa Eco Lodge. “Fishing transports me out of my work environment into a setting which is generally a quiet wilderness setting with a lot of wildlife around and I am able to unwind. Fishing for me and my friends in the group represents a challenge between man and nature in the purest form possible, something that the Rewa trip highlighted, Fraser admitted. “I have a challenge with the fish, using a light rod and a reel and trying to make them think that whatever my lure has, is something that they want to eat. So it’s a game between them and I and sometimes you win, sometimes they win. Every day is a fishing day; not every day is a catching day,” he said. “Being out there and using as light tackle as possible to land the biggest possible fish is a challenge that sport fishermen
throughout the world can understand and relate to and all of us try to beat each other’s record. We caught lots of fish and had lots of fun enjoying the outdoors and adventures with nature.” He admitted, “At the end of any fishing trip, what I am able to take back more than anything else is the peace of mind and beautiful scenery, beautiful time with friends and I come back completely relaxed.” “When you get out there, it’s so much fun that you won’t be able to not go again. Once you get bitten it’s hard to come out of it.” Rewa, he says, was, “a fun way to unwind and enjoy nature at its best. The most beautiful part of Guyana is inland.”
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AUGUST 2019 Explore Guyana Article 2018 By Kevin Hand
Exploring Guyana
- Where Nature and Wildlife Thrive By Kevin Hand I confess I knew nothing about Guyana until my friend PJ asked me what wildlife he might encounter on a visit. I looked into this and realised there was a lot to see, and that the percentage of rainforest here was larger than any other country I knew of. As I run wildlife holidays, for educational charity the ACE Foundation, I thought it could be a great destination - so I offered to join him! As it seemed difficult for us to book directly with the lodges and co-ordinate transport, I arranged to meet Tony Thorne from Wilderness Explorers at the British Bird Fair, along with Claire Antell and Wally Prince. They were very helpful, and together we came up with a plan. As we were spending quite some money on getting to Guyana, we decided to spend as long as possible, adding a few days in Georgetown at the start, to get acclimatised and to learn more about the country. This was great, there was so much to see and do. The Walter Roth Museum proved a great introduction to Amerindian culture, and outdoors there was a lot more ‘nature’ than I had expected. There were huge flocks of scarlet ibis and other waterbirds on the Demerara river (famous for its’ sugar!), and the mangroves and mudflats on the Atlantic coast were fascinating. On a rising tide, fiddler crabs guard the creeks and magnificent frigate birds prowl overhead. The Botanic Gardens were a highlight; helpful gardeners advised us on our safety, while regaling us with stories about the wildlife - did you know that the greater ani is known as the black witch bird, and was once used as a cure for breathing problems? Everyone we met all over the country was extemely friendly and helpful, one of the main reasons for wanting to return. Closer inspection of the beautiful white herons nesting by the lake owed they were not great egrets, as they first appeared, but the white form of great blue heron! Another unexpected wildlife highlight were the manatees in National Park and the Botanic Gardens. Salvador de Caires showed us how to feed them grass, and we were able to observe these rare and gentle creatures at close range. An old sign asked us not to ‘hit, kick, punch, pinch or slap’ the manatees - who could possibly want to do that? 74
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Manatee After a few days in the city we set off for the interior, taking just the essentials to try to get our bags to weigh somewhere near 20lbs. It is amazing how little you need really, although I would have liked to add more wildlife field guides, even though most lodges have their own, and my telescope. Atta had one, which we used a lot! I am not a fan of small planes, as the act of flying seems too real, but I did love the amazing views and the sense of hundreds of miles of untouched rainforest. The view of Kaieteur Falls as we flew past it was even more stunning than seeing it from ground level. And I will never forget how the Lethem flight dropped us off at Surama, and just the 3 of us got off, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Then our friendly driver, the first of many, waved and loaded our bags into his dusty 4x4 and we were off into the forest. The greatest thing I found about ecotourism in Guyana, even better than the huge unspoilt forests, was working every day with and within Amerindian communities. What a privilege! Our guides knew the land intimately, and explained plant uses, told us stories of ancestors, and many other unique things. Most lodges
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White-faced Saki Limpkin are owned and managed by communities, food is produced by local cooks and gardeners, and the rooms are built in traditional ways. These rooms were always wonderful, very different in each place, although I suppose not ideal for those expecting a fancy hotel. All were very clean with good insect nets, plus added wildlife to observe; geckos to help eat the insects, bats scurrying through the thatched roofs, frogs leaping out of toilets as they were flushed, quite a surprise! So much could be seen from your hammock or bench in the lodge grounds; for example, my first sloth was seen within minutes of arriving at Atta, followed later by the rare and elusive crimson fruit crow, which flew into a tree above the buildings. We knew it was special - all the staff left the kitchens and rooms to see it! Almost everywhere the benefits of ecotourism could be seen, with hardly any of its’ possible negative effects, and staff training and involvement was excellent.. Caiman House is a great example; its main room was a meeting place for all sorts of interesting people, travellers, guides, researchers and locals. Tourist income supports a large library next door, with good internet access and lots of books, many of which are loaned to more remote village schools. Villagers themselves run exciting conservation projects, for river turtles and caiman, and going out at night with them to watch their work is not just educational, its great fun AND it helps to fund the work. Other benefits from the income we visitors bring include a training school for young wood workers, locally nicknamed ‘the Termites’ because of the sawdust they produce! From Caiman House we briefly witnessed a unique scene that has played a large part in Guyana’s history, for better or for worse. As the sun sets the distant savannah seems to glow with a golden light, perhaps giving rise to the El Dorado myth of a golden lake and city of gold. By the time I pointed my camera, this trick of the light had disappeared, just as it did for the first settlers passing through. Another highlight was the interesting people who pass through the lodges. A Swedish birding expedition team became good friends over evening rum; they were delighted by what they found. The bird life is amazing, but it is worth remembering that there is so much more to Guyana that can be enjoyed and valued by a wide range of visitors. 76
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One man we recognised from the pages of this magazine; Duncan Graham, who wrote about wild fishing in the 2017 edition. He must be one of the first modern tourists to visit Guyana; he first came to Surama long before the lodge was built. Whenever he can he sets off into the wilderness, with one or two local helpers, a hammock, a mosquito net and a fishing rod. He sleeps where he wishes, and sees so much wildlife and wild places. If you are tempted to do something similar, it seemed easy to arrange. Most of Guyana’s interior is wonderful, pristine, some of the best natural areas left on the planet. There were a few issues which need addressing to keep things this way. The extent of savannah burning seems to be having a negative effect - it is illegal but that seems rarely enforced? New mega rice farms and dams planned near the Brazil border will effect hydrology and biodiversity, as well as the traditional way of life. And one of the great advantages of the Guyana’s forests is that the main Georgetown-Lethem road still allows wildlife to cross unhindered (and is a great way to see many species, like jaguars) BUT if it becomes improved and gets busier this could have a major impact, effectively dividing the forests in two. These issues aside, the Guyana government does seem to be doing an amazing job of protecting the forests. To compare, although Costa Rica also has good wildlife they have 2•5 million tourists, Guyana has 200,000. With the Costa Rica tours I would imagine when viewing different species they will be shared with other groups, I only saw one other tour group all the time I was here already mentioned. In Guyana it is so easy to spend a day seeing lots of wild life without the intrusion of time and other people. The cost of travel is to a degree more expensive than say Costa Rica than in Guyana. Here it is still easy to spend a day seeing no other tourists. Similarly transport, whether 4x4 or boat was just for me and my friends and as the aeroplanes are quite small the same feeling was there. I hope to be back as soon as I can, next time running a wildlife tour and adding another 10 or so tourists from Britain to the totals! Many thanks to all who helped and made us so welcome, including our guides Tichie, John, Davon, Milner, Delene, Rambo, Howard, Salvador, Wally, Delice and all at Wilderness Explorers, Kate and PJ, and Gillian, our ‘Auntie’ at Rima!
&
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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SEPTEMBER 2019
SEPTEMBER 2019
Indigenous Heritage Month Celebrate with Our Indigenous People
Waikin Ranch
Our Waikin Ranch Farm Stay Program is a great way to escape your everyday life and experience an off-the-grid Guyana. The Waikin Farm Stay Program offer activities which take place on a livestock ranch that also farms various tree and other crops and is dedicated to agrotourism. Our Farm is located off the main Rupununi trail road, is in a beautiful breezy savannah area of Rupununi allowing the participants to explore the scenic nature of rural Guyana. Upper Takatu & Ireng River, Rupununi, Lethem Tel: 592 699 1266 Email: waikin.ranch.bullseye@gmail.com
White-bellied Piculet The white-bellied piculet (Picumnus spilogaster) is a species of bird in the family Picidae. It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and heavily degraded former forest.
THAG Essay Competition Since 2014, THAG has been hosting the tourism essay competition for primary and secondary school-aged children. The competition aims to build awareness and encourage public conversation on tourism development. The essay winners are awarded prizes that allow them to experience local attractions. Winning Essays are published in the Explore Guyana Magazine.
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Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GUYTIE)
GUYTIE, first hosted in 2018, aims to create the enabling environment to foster business growth and development in Guyana. GUYTIE, through partnerships with local Public and Private Sector Bodies, provides access to markets, creates incentives for businesses to develop their export capability and avails opportunities for joint venture collaborations.
Nereid’s Yacht Rally, Eid-Ul-Adha
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eptember is labelled and celebrated annually in Guyana as “Indigenous Heritage Month” as a tribute to our indigenous population. The month long celebrations are coordinated by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and a schedule of activities and events are planned and hosted across the country and in several Indigenous Communities. The Month of Celebrations is officially launched annually at a special event hosted in the capital city of Georgetown by the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and attended by Indigenous People from all Regions of Guyana and the wider Guyanese community. The activities during the Month long celebration commence with a Religious Service, the Ceremonial Launch, the opening of the Indigenous Village at the National Exhibition Centre at Sophia where you can visit and experience a week of Indigenous Cultural Events and display and sale of Indigenous Food & Craft Exhibitions. Many of the traditional Indigenous foods are readily available including the world famous Pepperpot – a staple and creation of the Indigenous Community made with Cassava Cassareep. Be sure to sample a drink or two of Piwari, Cassiri and other traditional concoctions and purchase some of the amazing craft creations such as Hammocks, Paintings and Craft Souvenirs. It all culminates with a series of Indigenous Village Days hosted at specially chosen communities across the country. This has become very popular as it allows for a great opportunity to visit and enjoy the communities and their lifestyle.
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COMMUNITY TOURISM
Karasabai in focus Across Guyana, there exists a number of sparsely populated settlements and Amerindian Communities over a massive area of land that encompasses rainforests, wetlands and savannahs in some of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. The Indigenous Communities are small villages of 250 to 1,500 people who rely mainly on subsistence farming and the overwhelming concern is unemployment. Many men migrate to earn an income in extractive industries like gold mining and timber harvesting. In some Communities, the migration rate is as high as 80%, and there is a desperate need for alternative income. Tourism has become the largest and fastest growing industry, in terms of the number of people it employs. Eco-tourism is also more importantly a sustainable and green industry, that helps to preserve not only the eco-systems, but also the indigenous culture as well. Community Tourism provides the unique opportunity for Indigenous Communities to own and operate their own business as a Community. Each Indigenous Community owns their own lands which they manage and administer through their elected Village Councils. The income made from Tourism goes directly into the Communities to assist with development and conservation. Community Based Tourism (CBT) is described as visitors to a local Community in a rural or indigenous area to experience, nature, culture and experiences. In Guyana, the Community Based Tourism Initiatives are owned and managed by the Community or in partnership with a private enterprise operator or NGO Group. They are intended to deliver wider Community benefits. The experience of visiting and enjoying the hospitality of the Amerindians living in the Hinterland is something very special. Wildlife, rainforests, open savannahs, big rivers, and a rich and thriving culture offer guests an opportunity to have an experience of a lifetime in a region that has largely been untouched. And more importantly by spending their tourism dollars at the Lodge, visitors are helping to preserve the Land and the Culture. The Community implies individuals with some kind of collective responsibility, and the ability to make decisions through their 80
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Toshao and Council. At the Community level, a sub-committee is developed comprising those decision makers managing and overseeing the development of the Community initiative. Over the years, Guyana has encouraged and promoted Community Based Tourism as a way for the local Indigenous Peoples to share their culture, promote sustainable livelihoods and generate revenue to support Community projects. Adventure and nature based visitors are helping to preserve the way of life and the culture of the Community members. CBT initiatives have been in operation for a number of years hosting guests, creating awareness and serving as pilots for developing CBTs. Among these are a few well known locations, recognised by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation for offering an outstanding tourism product - Surama, Rewa and Caiman House, Yupukari serving as pilots and stewards to the new and developing Community Based Initiatives, they also serve to build capacity within their own communities to expand the pool of capable workers. Other Communities offering tourism products though require additional support to be fully ready for the market namely Aranaputa, Annai, Wowetta and Fair View. Kumu, Karasabai, Warapoka and Maraikobai are among the most recent locations being considered for nature based/ birding adventures for overseas groups. These additions will complement and expand the product offerings introducing visitors to new and diverse attractions across Guyana.
KARASABAI Karasabai is ideally located south of the magnificent Pakaraima Mountain Range which provides it with a spread of breathtaking landscapes, immensely rich biodiversity, and rich indigenous culture. Its population is mainly Makushi - one of Guyana’s nine indigenous peoples. Striking in its diverse landscape is the difference, not only between regions, but within the regions; in particular, there is a unique terrain aspect to Guyana’s interior, evident in Indigenous
Sun Parakeets - “The Flying Jewels”
Tiger Pond
Communities such as Karasabai, in the Rupununi. Karasabai derived its name from the Makushi word “ krasa” which means “old canister” which was found in the water bay. Part of the wider North Rupununi Tourism Circuit, Karasabai holds promise as an exciting emerging destination for Community Based Tourism with its combination of nature, culture, heritage and adventure. Apart from being well known by serious birders for being one of the few locations globally, and the only location in Guyana, where the Sun Parakeet (Aratinga Solstitialis) also known locally as a Flying Jewel, can be found, there are many other unique natural attractions.
Amerindian Children in Traditional Wear These include an extremely rare wood known locally as “Letterwood” for its distinctive patterns, in the making of several sizes of jewellery boxes adorned with the Giant River Otter and Sun Parakeet forms. Detailed and time-consuming needlework designs of landscapes and wildlife are featured on panels which are perfect for framing or dinner napkins which would enrich any dinner table. Rainforest seeds are strung into necklaces adorned with the inevitable Sun Parakeet design as the pendant. Karasabai is easily reached by one of four daily scheduled flights from Georgetown to Lethem, followed by a daily scheduled threehour bus ride or special 4x4 charter from Lethem to the village.
Away from the river, the more adventurous of visitors can hike up several of the surrounding mountains or enjoy a savannah excursion by cycle or all-terrain vehicle in search of Anteaters. Culture and heritage enthusiasts are taken on tours through lush Cassava Farms and can witness Farine production in several of the Farine processing palm-thatch operations that are found throughout the area. Visitors can watch the process of villagers making Cassava Bread and the local alcoholic beverage known as Piwari. Village elders are a treasure trove of stories from ancient times such as that of the mysterious Tiger Pond which only a few months before our visit was indicating its displeasure according to the Toshao who is the village leader. Saddleback Mountain with its archaeological treasures, the “granite” door through which only special persons are allowed access at certain times of the year and Makonaima Posts which were found in the village certainly stirs the mind. Some of the most unusual and beautiful handicraft items are available for sale, including the several intricately carved woodwork pieces depicting the various wildlife that visitors would have encountered on their visit. EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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OCTOBER 2019
OCTOBER 2019
Skipping Restaurant Week is a Huge Mis-steak! by Kevin Daby
Do you consider yourself a foodie? If so, can you define what it really means in Guyana? For some, it’s ensuring your cheeks are packed with enough cook-up from Stabroek Market at 2 a.m. for that after-party selfie. For others, it’s about an experience with their food: the sights, the smells, and the “je ne sais quinoa.” But regardless of your enthusiasm, most of you who know have already marked your calendars for Guyana Restaurant Week (GRW) from June 21 to July 1, 2019, and if possible again from November 22 to December 1, 2019.
Roraima Residence Inn Offers you an atmosphere of elegant ambience, where cleanliness and friendliness exceed your expectations. The Hotel is located in a gated Compound within the Residential Community of Bel Air Park, within walking walking distance from Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Pizza Hut, KFC and Popeyes Chicken and Seafood Restaurant, the Guyana Zoological Park, the Botanical Gardens and Georgetown Seawall. R8 Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown Tel: 592 225 9648 Fax: 592 225 9646 Website: www.roraimaairways.com
Orange-breasted Falcon
Lethem Town Week
Berbice Expo & Trade Fair
The orange-breasted falcon (Falco deiroleucus) is a bird of the falcon family. It is probably closely related to and looks like a larger version of the bat falcon. These two, in turn, are probably closest to the aplomado falcon and constitute a rather old American lineage of Falcons.
Lethem Town Week is an event which aims to showcase the unique offerings of Lethem and the overall diversity of the Rupununi. The week long celebration will include various events including an exhibition of local businesses And organisations, concerts, fashion shows, among others.
The Berbice Expo and Trade Fair over the years assisted to promote small agencies and moreover highlight local products.
Other Activities: GTM Health & Fitness Expo, GT Motorsports Grand Prix 82
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For those that didn’t (tsk, tsk), here is why you should: GRW is an event occurring twice a year where locals and travelers can look forward some 15 plus restaurants offering new, off-the menu dishes at wildly discounted prices for either lunch and/or dinner. Two-course lunches are price-fixed at G$2,000 (~$10US), while three-course dinners are offered at G$5,000(~$25US). Ready for the kicker? VAT included. The idea came about in 1982 when New York City decided to treat the attendees to a Democratic National Convention. 29 restaurants offered their best selection at fixed prices to manage the high volumes of people (it didn’t hurt that a good chunk were journalists). The idea then quickly spread across other cities in the US, and in 2014, it inspired THAG to start its first, “Guyana Restaurant Week.” Now that you’re caught up, GRW is in its 7th season. The stakes are higher, the restaurants are practiced, and the diners have multiplied. The June season was impressive in numbers, but November is expected to be even better. So how can you ensure you get the best out of it? Here are some tips: • Ensure you’re hungry. We mean it, no one wants to company
For those considering participation, you can find out all relevant details, including registration on our GRW web site. One thing to keep in mind, the earlier you register and confirm your menus, the more marketing goes into ensuring your place gets maximum exposure. And of course, most of that exposure comes from our social media pages that blow up with those great pictures of your dishes, dining partners, and selfie challenges (oh yeah, we have selfie challenges). So keep them coming and expect to see your handpicked photo on our website. • www.GuyanaRestaurantWeek.com • www.facebook.com/GuyanaRestaurantWeek • www.instagram.com/officialGRW We can’t wait to see you exploring, eating and repeating. This is indeed one of those events you can’t miss. With that, we leave with you with a profound quote said over (and over) again by that one uncle that thinks he’s hilarious, “I am on a seafood diet. When I see food, I eat it.”
with a salad eating foodie. • Visit GuyanaRestaurantWeek.com and thoroughly comb through all the offerings. Step out of your comfort zone, you’d be surprised where you’d find gems. • Call and make reservations. We can’t stress enough how vexing it is to wait for seating in a packed restaurant. • If you’re dining in a group, ensure to order a variety to sample everything. Unless you’re that person that doesn’t like sharing. • Try pairing your meal with wine, especially the promotional ones. G$1,000 ($5US) per glass is a no-brainer. • Explore different restaurants. Seriously, one restaurant only? EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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An Overland Journey Through Guyana
An Overland Journey Through Guyana By Eleanor Hughes
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ragoman, a U.K. based overlanding company, brings me to Guyana on a tour which wend its way through Brazil, starting in Rio de Janeiro, French Guiana and Suriname.
Disembarking the ferry from Suriname at Moleson Creek I’m soon enjoying views of wooden homes on stilts interspersed with bright concrete plastered homes – lilac, orange, watermelon pink, chartreuse. Straight canals head into the distance. Blue signs welcome, seemingly every hundred metres, to towns named after sugar plantations that once occupied this road to Georgetown; Lovely Lass, Belle Vue, Manchester, Number 40, Zealand, Glaziers Lust, amongst them. Red and yellow flags wave in yard corners,
wind blows palm tree fronds like long hair. Horns alert us cars are overtaking, we overtake cows, goats and chickens wandering the road. On a city tour I learn of Georgetown’s sugar history, visit wooden churches and discover picturesque buildings with Demerara shutters. Stabroek Market is chaotic, outside bright umbrellas shade equally colourful fruit for sale. In National Park a Manatee is enticed with grass to the lake edge. 84
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the Iwokrama Forest. It takes 14 hours. Driving resembles riding a cantering horse or more often, a bucking bronco. Fifty-eight miles village is a welcome food break and pretty much the only civilisation on the journey. The truck becomes bogged in a red mud/white sand mixture, we dig it out. The wind blows, leaves fall like confetti, trees topple blocking the road. Thankfully, we carry saws and an axe.
Georgetown is a patchwork of colour below on the flight to Kaieteur Falls. Then the world turns green, broken by snaking, brown rivers. Scarred red earth appears stain-like on a flecked green carpet. The falls, a mixture of white, orange and brown water, thunder, throwing up mist on a 251 metre journey down. We travel 335 kilometres, 120 kilometres tarsealed, then a dirt red road dotted with deep orange puddles and thick mud through
Kurupukari Ferry Crossing, next morning, is a short ride over Essequibo River. Onwards through the rainforest. Thick vine vegetation forms walls, wooden bridges driven over creak, occasional red, purple or yellow flowers are ant-sized spots of colour in the green immensity. Atta Lodge appears - an oasis. Late afternoon, amongst motionless trees, on the Iwokrama Canopy Walk, Red Macaws and Toucans squawk, cicadas sound like highpitched circular saws. A fierce roar around 5a.m wakes me. The elusive jaguar? Distant trees crack and crash. The roar ends with a shriek. Red howler monkeys.
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MINISTRY OF PUBLIC TELCO
Staffing solutions for all Enterprises
SERVICES
• Temporary, contract and interim recruitment services • Permanent and fixed term selection recruitment services • Retained & executive recruitment services • Salary surveys, background checks and market information • Career & employee management services • Payroll services
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Contact Information 23 Coralita Avenue Bel Air Park, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: +592 500-4755 Web Site: www.srsgy.com
On a short trek off the dirt, rust-coloured road, Surama bound, an orange Cock of the Rock is spotted high in a tree. Guides at Surama Eco Lodge paddle us along the brown, silent Burro Burro River searching for otters. It’s fruitless. A white heron watches. Rainforest turns to savannah, our destination Rock View Lodge. Wowetta, a nearby Amerindian village, has a gathering; part of the month-long Heritage Celebrations held annually in September. In front of the unpainted wooden community house women, wearing headdresses of red, blue and orange feathers, shoot arrows from green bows at a wooden agouti, pulled across the dusty field on a string. Stallholders sell crabwood oil, farine, fermented cassava juice, people’s faces are painted with spots and stripes. We depart Guyana, caked in red dust, via the dry, bone-shaking road to Lethem. Jabiru take flight as we pass. I take memories of a colonial town, vast rainforest, colourful birds and elusive animals.
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NOVEMBER 2019
NOVEMBER 2019
Motor Racing at South Dakota
It’s impossible to come to Guyana in November and not see the ‘Races’. It really is. The South Dakota Raceway is a stone’s throw away from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Aracari Hotel Barred Antshrike The barred antshrike (Thamnophilus doliatus) is a passerine bird in the antbird family. It is found in the Neotropics from Mexico, through Central America, and a large part of South America including Guyana. It is typically found as territorial pairs. The barred antshrike is an insectivore which feeds on ants and other arthropods at or near the ground.
Tourism Awareness Month The month of November will be filled with countless activities that will draw awareness to tourism in Guyana. Restaurant Week Launch of Explore Guyana Essay Contest Winners Awarded
Aracari Hotel in Guyana’s facilities offer not only comfortable accommodation to meet the different needs of travelers, but includes amenities such as swimming pool, gym, bar and restaurants, Salon and Spa and various games and activities to entertain you during your stay. Lot 160 Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara Tel: 592 264 2946-8 or Fax Number: 592 264 2949 Website: www.aracariresort.com
Restaurant Week
Guyana Restaurant Week is a culinary celebration of special menu offerings from some of the best restaurants in Guyana. During this ten-day promotion participating restaurants offer an exclusive menu at significantly reduced prices! Lunch at $2,000 and Dinner at either $4,000 or $5,000 per person.
Diwali Motorcade
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Countrywide Motorcades are synonymous with the celebration of Diwali. Thousands of Guyanese of every stratum of society and cultural belief throng the roads to witness the processions of beautifully decorated and illuminated vehicles depicting the theme of Diwali.
Other Activities Include: Rupununi Expo, Kala Utsav, Festival of Arts 88
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For more than six decades, Motor Racing in Guyana is at its height during this time with competitors from Europe and the Caribbean coming to prove a point and thousands of Motor Racing fans converge at the circuit. The bright livery of sponsorship decals and engine music draws you in and the sheer entertainment keeps you. There is no place like the Motor Races in November. Its loud, but rhythmic. The proverbial rush on the day is often thwarted by camping overnight at the venue which is a whole other experience as come rain or shine, this show goes on with the battle for honours in the final Round of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships. The first order of business is usually the parade of the race cars and bikes which gives spectators a chance to ‘see’ the cars and bikes with their favourite drivers and riders moving at a moderate pace. After that, everything is high intensity. The thundering engines usually signify the start of the race as they rush down to the first corner is never short of close calls and action. Aside from that, the wide open spectator areas make it great to set up for a day in the sun for fun and picnics with family and friends. Feeling for some Barbeque? Then bring out the grill! You’ve got an ice box? Fill it up too! The possibilities are almost limitless when it comes to a day at the races.
And the end of the day, competitors become friends over a sip of locally blended drinks and fans get a chance to see the cars and drivers up close. On the way home make a stop at the many creeks for a swim and a soak after a long day in the sun or stop for a wash down at one of the many liming spots to relive the days events. A trip to Guyana and the South Dakota Circuit is worth making for the perfect mixture of Guyanese sport-tourism.
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The South Rupununi Safari the outdoors, adventure AND fun
The South Rupununi Safari
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he South Rupununi Safari now in its 6th year is an annual 4 x 4 convoy of vehicles which takes place annually in November. The convoy takes off from Guyana’s capital city of Georgetown through the mining town of Linden and ends at Achiwuib Village in Region Nine.
Dadanawa, with its long and rich history, held the claim of being the world’s largest cattle ranch and was used as the home base for the filming of several episodes of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, one of first television wildlife shows. This ranch is also known for over 400 bird species.
Organised by Rainforest Tours, the Safari is normally a six-day trip, moving through Regions Four, Nine and Ten and in the process touching 10 Amerindian Villages where you get to spend some time and experience their way of life and culture. Safari participants will usually make donations to each of the villages that they pass through.
Apart from the rugged looking ranch at Dadanawa and the dry Savannahs, this frontier is blessed with wildlife including Jaguars, Pumas, Anacondas, Black Caimans and Piranhas.
The South Rupununi Safari offers an ideal opportunity for persons to experience the outdoors, have fun and adventure, while crossing rugged mountainous terrain, rivers and waterfalls and discover the picturesque beauty of miles of savannahs and explore little known places south of Guyana’s interior.
This is also an opportunity for tough drivers to test their skills and enjoy the “Vaqueros territory.” Plan your trip and participate in any of four Safaris to be hosted in 2019 across the various Regions of Guyana: Moraikobai Safari: 22 - 24 February North Pakaraima Mountain Safari: 14 – 21 April Bartica Safari: 16 - 18 August South Rupununi Safari: 26 Nov - 01 December
Venturing into Guyana’s most remote terrain is not an easy task, whether you are crossing the Rupununi River, camping in the open or driving for miles in the flat savannah lands that is teeming with flora and fauna. The South Rupununi Region has some of the most beautiful sceneries that travellers will come across; it takes the adventurous through many indigenous villages including the Wapishana village of Shea where travellers will get a glimpse of the Shea Rock which towers over the flat savannahs. From Shea, the sightseers will get a stunning view of the famed Bottle Mountain, the Shiriri Mountain and the Kanuku Mountain range. At the Indigenous community of Aishalton, Safarians will get a glimpse of the Petroglyphs (Rock Art) that are a part of Guyana’s ancient history. EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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Welcome to Banks Country
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ince 1956, Banks Breweries Limited, in what was then known as British Guiana, has been producing a unique brew...Banks Beer.
Created from malted barley, pure artesian well water, hops, rice and yeast under the most stringent quality control processes, this beverage produced locally remains “Brewery Fresh” and its quality is second to none. A 2018 Monde Selection Gold Medal Winner for Quality, Banks Beer is today a symbol of pride in Guyana and continues to captivate the taste of beer lovers at home and abroad. The recent modernization of the Brewery and Beer Bottling Plant has placed Banks DIH Limited among the best and most modern breweries in the Caribbean in terms of technological development. And when it comes to quality…Banks Beer
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continues to be rated internationally as one of the best in the world! Over the years Banks DIH Limited experienced a continuous increase in demand for its malted products and committed an investment of $4.5 Billion Guyana Dollars towards a new and expanded state of the art Brewery and Beer Bottling Plant. KRONES AG, a German company, was chosen as the main equipment supplier given their superb record for reliability, durability and technological innovations. The expanded Brewery and Bottling Plant has increased production output from eight brews within a twenty-four-
ON-TIME. RELIABLE. EXPERIENCED. SHIP TROPICAL.
The most dependable cargo transportation to Guyana. • 7-day transit from Florida to Guyana • Weekly FCL and LCL sailings from Canada, Florida and Trinidad • Refrigeration expertise • 30-day free warehousing in Florida Brew House Vessels
hour period, to ten brews and eliminated difficulties previously experienced at the fermenters.
Georgetown Seaport Tropical Shipping 72 High & Barrack Streets Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana P: (011) 592.227.7205 F: (011) 592.227.7202 guyana@tropical.com www.tropical.com
• Consolidation tropical.com
This brewing and production process is carefully monitored in a fully computerised control room, that guarantees a quality output at every stage producing brews with the greatest consistency in quality, and utilizing best manufacturing practices. These are the most important aspects of the business. The quality control laboratory supports the system of stringent checks and balances guaranteeing that a superior product is always produced. Banks is marketed and distributed across Guyana, the Caribbean and internationally growing in popularity through its rigid quality control processes and always being “Brewery Fresh”. It continues to win an ever increasing number of International Awards. In Guyana, Banks Beer is the popular choice among Beer consumers with an expanded range of products available for all sectors of society. Guyana today, is truly ‘Banks Country’ and you will be guaranteed to find a cold Banks Beer at every bar, restaurant, hotel, national events and social gatherings across the country. When in Guyana, share the pride of our people and ask for a Banks Beer! Ensure You Consume Responsibly! Footnote: Banks DIH Limited is the sole owner of the Banks Trademark. This is evidenced by the terms and conditions expressed in International Property Rights Agreements which dates as far back as 1959. Today, Banks DIH Limited remains the sole owner of the Banks Trademark and this is non-negotiable. EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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DECEMBER 2019
DECEMBER 2019
A Guyanese Christmas
Christmas is a special time for homecoming and many overseas based Guyanese make it an annual pilgrimage as they come in their numbers at this time of year to visit with family and friends.
Demico Hotel Spotted Puffbird The spotted puffbird (Bucco tamatia) is a species of puffbird in the family Bucconidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical and tropical swamps and heavily degraded former forest.
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Demico Hotel located in central Georgetown. This downtown hotel offers a captivating view of the famous Stabroek Market square and the bustling downtown area. It is conveniently located within the hub of the local transportation system and well-known business entities. We offer free WI-FI, adequate parking facility, daily continental breakfast and excellent customer service. The hotel boasts a contemporary sports bar and restaurant that is home to the country’s premier fast food outlet and creole cuisine. Croal Street, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: 592 226 1684-7
If you wish to experience the best home hospitality and lots of food, fun and festivities, this is a perfect time to get to know Guyana and enjoy the warmth of its people! The streets are filled with shoppers looking for gifts and the vehicle horns blaring in slow traffic are challenged by the sound of the Masquerade Bands and their music. Hotels are busy and rollicking with special Christmas Parties and home limes are in abundance. Invitations to parties and to visit homes is spontaneous and numerous. Every home is overstocked with the traditional Guyanese food and drink specialties. The pungent smells of the baking and cooking, the sight of a large pot continuously bubbling on the stove if you ever enter a kitchen, its Pepperpot on the boil. While some prefer it with chicken only, the truth is that any meat can wind up in there. The stocks of world famous Guyana Rum, Ginger Beer and Sorrel are on offer and the festive music of the season and the happy friendly spirit of the people envelopes you. After a great meal expect the offer of Black Cake (laced with Rum and Fruit) is a must; “try a lil piece�. The secret lies in the slight of hand that comes when applying the main ingredient; world famous Guyana Rum. Too little is none at all, just the right amount is too little and too much is just enough.
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About Guyana
About Guyana
TIME ZONE GMT - 04:00: One hour ahead of EST. LOCATION Guyana is located on the North East Coast of South America and is the only English speaking country. Between 1 ˚ & 9 ˚ North Latitude and 57˚ & 61 ˚ West Longitude, bordering Venezuela to the West, Brazil to the South, Suriname to the East.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS Police: 911,564, 225-6411 Police: Emergency Response Unit: 225-6411(24hrs), 226-4585 Impact: 225-2317, 227-4064-5 CID 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 GEOGRAPHY Guyana’s the fourth-smallest country on mainland of South America after Uruguay, Suriname and French Guiana (an overseas region of France). Guyana is divided into four distinct geographical areas: The Low Coastal Plain; the Hilly Sand and Clay Belt; the Highland Region and the Interior Savannah. The area in square kilometers is 214,970 sq.km. Approximately 75% of the land area 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, and diamonds. The main rivers are the Demerara, Berbice, Corentyne and Essequibo. 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 can 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.
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LANGUAGE Guyana is the only South American nation in which English is the official language however the majority of the population, speak Guyanese Creole, an English-based creole language, as a first language. HEALTH There is a risk of malaria in certain parts of the interior. Consult your doctor for the required precautions if you intend to travel there. Georgetown and coastal areas are Malaria-Free. Municipal Hospitals and Health Care Centres exist within rural and outer lying communities with medivac services available in cases of emergency. Further information can be obtained from 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. Some hotels and restaurants provide WI-FI at no charge to patrons using their laptops. There are four daily newspapers; Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, Guyana Times Newspaper and the national paper; The Guyana Chronicle Newspaper. There are seventeen (17) Television Stations and sixteen (16) 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.
Travel ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All visitors to Guyana are required to have a valid passport to enter and depart Guyana. All visitors to Guyana should ensure that their passports have at least six months of remaining validity. Those arriving by air require an onward plane ticket.
Visa Exempt Nationals Visas are necessary for all visitors except nationals of the following countries: Commonwealth Countries, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and United States of America. The maximum duration of stay any visitor will be granted by Guyana Immigration, will not exceed thirty days. Please see link for complete listing: http://www.minfor.gov.gy/index.php/consularservices/travel/countries-whose-nationals-do-not-require-visasto-enter-guyana NON EXEMPT NATIONALS All visitors to Guyana who require a visa for travel to Guyana should the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.minfor. gov.gy/ prior to making their travel arrangements. 1. All details regarding the Visa Application Process might be found on the Homepage of the Website under the subheading Consular Services; sub-heading Travel. 2. Applicants are encouraged to apply three (3) weeks to one (1) month in advance of travel. 3. The process period is one (1) week however this varies depending upon the nature of the case. 4. A letter notifying the applicant of the visa being granted will be sent to their address provided in the application. 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. 5. Payment for the visa could be made to the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services or upon arrival at Cheddi Jagan International Airport – Timehri. Visitors who wish to extend their stay must contact the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services in advance of the date he/she is expected to depart Guyana. The Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services is at Bedford House, Shiv. Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana or via mailto:ministryofcitizenship. gy@gmail.com . The Central Office of Immigration, where the extension is granted, located on Camp Street, Georgetown, must also note the extension in the visitor’s passport. For further information and guidance, visitors are encouraged to contact the Head of Immigration Support Service, Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Guyana on Tel: (592) 226-2221, 223-7867 or contact the Guyana Foreign Office nearest to you.
TRANSPORTATION DRIVING IN GUYANA Traffic drives on the left. Seat belts are necessary by Law. If travelling to Guyana and wish to rent a vehicle during your stay, please enquire with the Customs Officer at the Airport, upon arrival into Guyana. The permit will immediately be issued provided the visitor has his/her international driver’s licence on their person. So be sure to remember to walk with it. 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). If a decision is made to use one of the other taxis, please agree upon the fare for the trip into Georgetown before entering the vehicle. Fares charged from Airport to Georgetown range between US$25.00 and US$30.00. TAXI AND BUSES Georgetown is well served with taxis, operating throughout the city and to and from other urban centres. Before embarking, do enquire of the rates for travel to destination of interest. Use only recognized 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$120.00 and longer stops G$160.00. Travelling by taxi for short distances: approximately GY$300$GY400.00, longer drops of GY$500.00 and more as these prices will vary from location to location. Taxis afford freer movement around the city. Rented cars are also available.
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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. 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. TRAVEL TO GUYANA’S INTERIOR Travel arrangements may be made with local busing service, jeeps, chartered planes and speedboats. A guide is advisable for longer distance travel to interior locations. 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 for the Berbice Bridge based on vehicle capacity. The fee per passenger crossing with the Canawaima Ferry at Moleson Creek travelling to Nickerie, Suriname is US$11.00 one way and US$15.00 return. Commuters to West Demerara have a choice of road transport via the Demerara Harbour Bridge or by water taxis from the Seabrook Stelling to Vreed-en-Hoop, which is obliquely opposite each other. Commuters to West Demerara will use the road transport via the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Be sure to check the bridge opening schedule (http://www.harbourbridge.gov.gy/schedule.html) one day prior to travel.
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RIVER BOATS & FERRIES With the opening of the 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 Molson 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 passenger (3 years to adult) one way. Return fare for passengers (12yrs – Adult) will be US$20.00. Children (3ys - 12yrs) will be US$15:00 return. TRAVEL TO GUYANA’S INTERIOR Travel arrangements may be made with local busing service, jeeps, chartered planes and speedboats. A guide is advisable for longer distance travel to the interior locations.
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 Ogle International Airport on the East Coast of Demerara and from Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. Information on their availability and movement is easily obtainable from their office and from tour operators. Private charter companies operate flight into the interior from soon to be completed Ogle International Airport. (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.) INTERNATIONAL & REGIONAL CARRIERS Guyana now has two international (2) airports, The Cheddi Jagan International- Timehri and The Eugene F. Correia International Airport, receiving flights from 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 and Suriname. 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. Effective September 2009, Ogle Airport Inc., 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 Ogle Airport International facilitates regional transfers between Guyana and Suriname via Trans Guyana Airways and Air Services Ltd. Transfers are provided by LIAT between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana and Barbados respectively. The Ogle Airport 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.
CAMBIOS These are licensed currency exchange houses. Most cambios are open from 08:00hrs to 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 utilize the ATMs at Scotia Bank for cash advances when in Guyana. BANKING HOURS Banks are open between 08:00hrs and 14: 00 hrs. from Monday to Thursday and 08:00hrs and 14: 30hrs on Friday. 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. 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 As of February 1, 2017, the Departure Tax is no longer collected at the airports but is included into the cost of your ticket. 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 The agricultural sector accounts for half the national GDP, producing sugar and rice for export, with 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..
INFORMATIVE WEBSITES ON GUYANA TRAVEL AND TOURISM: Guyana Tourism Authority- http://www.guyana-tourism.com Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana- http://thag.gy 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 Guyana Lands & Survey Private Sector Commission Georgetown Chambers of Commerce- Guyana Manufacturer’s and Services Association of Guyana- NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (Conservation): Conservation International Guyana – World Wildlife Fund (Guyana) - Iwokrama International Centre National Trust of Guyana
http://goinvest.gov.gy/ http://www.lands.gov.gy/ http://psc.org.gy/ http://gcci.gy/ http://gmsagy.org/
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BUSINESS CONTACTS & ORGANISATIONS Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development 12 Chapel Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice • Tel: 333 3324 Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry 157 Waterloo St, Georgetown • Tel: 225 7170, 226, 4603, Fax: (592) 227 0725 • P.O. Box # 10730 Email: goolsarrancagi@gol.net.gy, ramchancagi@gol.net.gy 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: 225 5846 Email:gccicommerce2009@gmail.com Website: http://gcci.gy/ GO-INVEST (Guyana Office for Investment) 190 Camp & Church Streets, Georgetown Tel: 225 0658 • 227 0653 • Fax: 225 0655 E-mail: goinvest@goinvest.gov.gy Website: http://goinvest.gov.gy/ Guyana Manufacturers & Services Association 157 Waterloo Street, Georgetown • Tel: 223 7405/6 Email: gmsaguyanaltd@gmail.com • http://gmsagy.org/ Guyana Rice Millers’ and Exporters’ Development Association • Tel: 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: 219 0094-6 • Fax: 219 0093 Email: info@guyana-tourism.com Website: www.guyana-tourism.com Institute of Private Enterprise Development 253 South Road, Bourda, Georgetown • Tel: 225 8949 • Email:iped@ipedgy.com •Website: http://www.ipedgy.com/
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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. International VISA, Master Card, Maestro and Cirrus credit and debit cards can be used to obtain cash from Scotiabank Branches during banking hours or at ABMs. A similar service is also available at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) at their branches and at select ATM locations. Linden Chamber of Industry and Commerce 84 Riverside Drive, Watooka, Linden • Tel: 444 2901 Ministry of Business (with responsibility for Tourism) Address: 229 South Road, Lacytown, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: +592 226 2505, Fax: +592 225 4310 Hotlines: Small Business & Consumer Affairs: 225 0665, Commerce: 225-2280; 225-6011, Licensing: 227-2718, GO-INVEST: 225 0651/ 227 0653 Email: info@minbusiness.gov.gy Ministry of Public Communications 205 Camp Street (Colgrain House), North Cummingsburg, Georgetown Tel: 225-0666 • 226-0079 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 Umbrella organization for more private sector business and employer’s organizations. More major companies are also members. 157 Waterloo St, Georgetown Tel: 225 0977 • Fax: 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: 225 0807 • Fax: 225 0817 E-mail: info@exploreguyana.org / thag.secretariat@gmail.com Website: http://www.thag.gy
ACCOMMODATIONS Georgetown & Environs
ACCOMMODATIONS 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: info@exploreguyana.org, thag.secretariat@gmail.com Website: www.exploreguyana.org Facebook: Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana
AMENITIES ICONS KEY Wifi Zone Email Access Wheel Chair Access
Hair Dryer
No Smoking
Dining
Money Exchange
Credit Cards
Television
Air Conditioning
Gym
Coffee Maker
Fishing
Laundromat
Bar
Swimming Pool
Cafe
Iron
Airport Shuttles
24 Hr. Security
Room Service
Secure Storage
Casino
Bird Watching
Cycling
Transportation Hiking Smoking
Sauna Masseuse
Water Slide
1. Aracari Hotel
2. Cara Lodge
160 Versailles West Bank Demerara (1 Mile North of the Harbour Bridge, WBD) Tel: (592) 264 2946-8, 264 2949 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
Croal Street, Georgetown Tel: (592) 225 3297 / 592 225 6322 Fax: (592) 226 7851 Website: http://www.banksdih.com/
5. Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown
Block Alpha, Battery Road, Kingston Tel: (592) 231 2480, 231 1870 Fax: (592) 231 2481 Email: mhrs.geomc.reservations@marriotthotels.com Website: www.guyanamarriott.com Facebook: guyanamarriotthotelgeorgetown Instagram: guyanamarriott
7. Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel
Track ‘BS’ Block ‘Z’ Plantation, Providence, East Bank Demerara, Guyana, South America. Tel: (592) 265 7001, 3 & 4 , 265 7006-10, 265 7013, 265 7021-22 Email: Sales@ramadageorgetown.com Website: www.ramadageorgetown.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ramada.georgetown
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4. Grand Coastal Hotel
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
6. KING’s Hotel & Residences
176 Middle & Waterloo Streets Georgetown, Guyana Tel: (592) 226 1684-7 Emails: admin@kingsjewelleryworld.com. Website: www.kingshotel.gy
8. Roraima Duke Lodge
94-95 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown Tel: (592) 231 7220, 227 2213 Fax: (592) 227 3816 Email: roraimadukelodge@hotmail.com Website: www.roraimaairways.com
9. Roraima Residence Inn
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
10. Windjammer International Cuisine & Comfort Inn.
27 Queen Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Guyana Contact: Carey Griffith Tel: (592) 227 7478, 226 3407, 231 7044 Email windjammergy@gmail.com Website: www.windjammer-gy.com Facebook: WindjammerGy Instagram: windjammer_gy
Eco-Resorts, Interior Lodges & Attractions Adventure Guianas Hotel Toucanna
3 Tabatinga Drive, Lethem, Rupununi, Guyana, S A. Tel (592) 227 4713, 673 0039, 621 7766 Email: adventureguianas@gmail.com Website: www.adventureguianas.com
Arrowpoint Nature Resort
Kamuni Creek Office: 94-95 Duke Street, Kingston, G/town Guyana 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
Atta Rainforest Lodge (CATS)
Baganara Island Resort
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
Essequibo River, Guyana, South America 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
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Caiman House Field Station and Lodge
Field Station and Lodge Yupukari Village Tel: (592) 772 9291 Email: Delene Lawrence - rli.delenelawrence19@gmail. com Ashley Holland ashleypholland@gmail.com Website: www.rupununilearners.com
Hurakabra River Resort
Essequibo River Georgetown Office: 168 Century Palm Gardens, Durban Backlands, Lodge 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
Office: 77 High Street, Kingston, G/town, Guyana, S. A. Facility Location: Kurupukari, Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo, Region 9 Tel: (592) 225 1504, 225 1181 Fax: (592) 225 9199 Email: tourism@iwokrama.org Website: www.iwokramariverlodge.org, www.iwokrama.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/iwokramatourism1, www.facebook.com/iwokramainternationalcentre Instagram: Iwokrama
Dakara Creek, Timehri Office: 106 –107 Lamaha & Carmichael Street, G/town Tel: (592) 225 8915, 623 7313 Fax: 592 226 5340 Email: jubileeresortinc@gmail.com
Karanambu Lodge Inc.
Karanambu, North Rupununi, Guyana Lodge Cell Phone: (592) 624 2111 Email: karanambulodgegy@gmail.com Website: www.karanambutrustandlodge.org
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Piraiba Lodge
Upper Essequibo River, Guyana, South America, Tel: (592) 227 4713 673-0039, 621 7766 Email: adventureguianas@gmail.com Website: www.adventureguianas.com
Rewa Eco Lodge, Rewa
Contact information for reservation Levi Edwards, Lorindo Honorio , Dicky Alvin, Ceona Mack Email: ecolodgerewa@gmail.com Website: www.rewaguyana.com
Surama Eco-Lodge, Surama
Surama Village North Rupununi, Region #9, Guyana Email: info@suramaecolodge.com Website: www.suramaecolodge.com Phone #: (592) 653 7160
Sloth Island Nature Resort
Georgetown Address: 91 Middle Street , Georgetown Tel: (592) 223 7921, 678 4969, 610 7597, 610 2408,612 5493 Island address: Essequibo River Email: slothisland@yahoo.com Website: slothisland.com Facebook: Sloth Island Nature Resort
Rock View Lodge
Annai, North Rupununi, Region 9 Tel: (592) 645 9675(Colin), (592) 614 1060 Email: info@rockviewlodge.com, colin@rockviewlodge.com Website: www.rockviewlodge.com
Timberhead Eco Resort
Office Address: 10 Providence – East Bank Demerara (GEB Building) Tel: (592) 233 5108, 233 5023 Fax: (592) 233 6608 Email: timberhead@solutions2000.net Website: www.timberheadguyana.com
Waikin Ranch
Upper Takatu & Ireng Rivers, Pirara West, Rupununi Georgetown Guyana At Waikin Ranch : Contact Don- (592) 680 8491, Dante - (592) 600 2888 Email: waikan.ranch.bullseye@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/bullseye.2011/
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TOURISM SERVICE PROVIDERS
TOURISM SERVICE PROVIDERS INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
CARIBBEAN AIRLINES LIMITED 91-92 Avenue of the Republic & Regent Street, Georgetown Tel: 592-227-4271, 227-1661 Fax: 592-225-7437 Call Centre: 1-800-744- 2225 Email: mail@caribbean-airlines.com Website: www.caribbean-airlines.com
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
AIR SERVICES, DOMESTIC CHARTERS AND CARGO
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
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 Address: GUYSUCO Hanger, Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara, Guyana, South America 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
CASINOS Princess Casino Guyana Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel Tract ‘BS’ Block ‘Z’ Plantation, Providence East Bank Demerara, Guyana, South America. Tel: 265-7033 Email: casinoexesec@gmail.com Website: www.ramadageorgetown.com & http://www.worldofprincess.com/casinos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Princess-Casino-Guyana
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/ 106
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OMG! Restaurant and Bar Sheriff Street & Campbell Avenue, Georgetown Tel: 592-227-8839/227-8840 Email: omg@banksdih.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMGRestaurant Royal Teppanyaki & Sushi Restaurant Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel Tract ‘BS’ Block ‘Z’ Plantation, Providence, East Bank Demerara, Guyana, South America. Tel: (592) 265-7001, 3 & 4, 265-7006-10, 265-7013, 265-7021-22 Email: info@ramadageorgetown.com Website: www.ramadageorgetown.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalRestuarantInternationalTeppanyakiGuyana 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 & BAR 94-95 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown Tel: (592) 231 7220, 227 2213 Fax: (592) 227 3816 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 WINEDAYSGY 159 Arapaima Street, Guyhoc Park Georgetowm Tel: 641-3633 or 697-5254 WhatsApp (592) 641-3633 Email: cheers@winedaysgy.com Website:www.winedaysgy.com
ADVERTISING AND PUBLISHING COMPANIES ADVERTISING MARKETING SERVICES 213 B, Camp Street Georgetown, Guyana, South America Tel: 592- 225-5384, Fax: 592-225-5383 Email: lokesh@amscaribbean.com Website: www.amsstlucia.com
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
COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS
OLD FORT TOURS 122 Parade Street. Georgetown IWOKRAMA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR RAINFOREST Tel: 592- 225 -1035 Fax: 592 -225 -1037 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT Email: oldforttours@gmail.com 7 High Street, Kingston, Georgetown Website: www.oldforttours.com Tel: 592-225-1504, 225-1186 Fax: 592-225-9199 RORAIMA TOURS Email: tourism@iwokrama.org R8 Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown Website: www.iwokrama.org Tel: 592 -225- 9647-8 Fax: 592 -225 -9646 Email: ral@roraimaairways.com Banks DIH Ltd Website: www.roraimaairways.com Thirst Park, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-0910 WILDERNESS EXPLORERS Fax: 592-226-6523 141 Fourth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Email: banks@banksdih.com , marketing@banksdih.com Tel: 592 -227- 7698 Fax: 592 - 226- 2085 Website: http://www.banksdih.com/ Email: info@wilderness-explorers.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BanksDIHLtd/ Website: www.wilderness-explorers.com Skype: wildernessguyana or tonywildex DRY CLEANERS Krystal Dry Cleaners Demico House, Brickdam, Stabroek. Tel: 592-227-7067 Fax: 592-226-7851 Website: http://www.banksdih.com/
TOURISM CONSULTANTS PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANTS LIMITED 168 Century Palm Gardens, Durban Backlands, Lodge, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-3557, 226-0240
TOUR OPERATORS BUSHMASTERS LTD 569 New Culvert City Lethem, Guyana, South America Email: amazon@bushmasters.co.uk Website: www.bushmasters.co.uk ADVENTURE GUIANAS Mikel Plaza, 53 Pere Street, Kitty, Georgetown & Adventure Guianas Hotel Toucanna & Courtyard 3 Tabatinga Drive, Lethem, Rupununi, Guyana, South America. Tel: 592-227- 4713, 673- 0039, 621-7766 Email: adventureguianas@gmail.com DAGRON TOURS 91 Middle Street, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: 592-223-7921, 227-1174 Fax: 592-227-1166 Email: dagrontours@yahoo.com, reservations@dagron-tours.com Website: www.dagron-tours.com 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
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 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
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS COMFORT SLEEP 49 Eccles Industrial Estate, East Bank Demerara, Guyana, South America. Tel: 592- 233 -3013, 233- 2657 Email: comfortsleep49@gmail,com, info@comfortsleep.gy Website: www.comfortsleep.gy GAFSONS INDUSTRIES LIMITED Lot 1 & 2 Area X Plantation Houston East Bank Demerara. Guyana. Tel: 227-1503, 227-1207, 225-6007 E-mail: salesmanager@gafsons.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/
EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
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ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Aagman Indian Restaurant Advertising & Marketing Services Air Services Ltd Ansa Mcal Trading Ltd - ARIEL Antonio's Grille Arthur Chung Conference Center ATTA Rainforest Lodge Banks DIH Ltd - Banks Beer Banks DIH Ltd - XM Rum Banks DIH Ltd - OMG / Arawak Steak House Brandsville Hotel CAMEX - Church’s Chicken / Pollo Tropical Cara Lodge Caribbean Airlines Ltd Century Tamara Energy Services Inc. Comfort Sleep Crown Cabs Dagron Tours Demerara Distillers Ltd - El Dorado Rum Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Ltd. (ExxonMobil) Grand Coastal Hotel Guyana Beverages Inc - VIVA Water Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Iwokrama River Lodge & Tours John Fernandes Ltd John Fernandes Ltd Jumbo Jet King's Jewellery World Ministry of Public Telecommunications National Milling Company Old Fort Tours & Resort Pegasus Hotel Guyana Regal Banquet Hall & Bistro Repubilc Bank Ltd Rojan Auto (EuropCar) Roraima Airways Inc Royal Castle Guyana Inc. Somwaru Travel Service Strategic Recruitment Solutions Inc TOPAZ TotalTec Oilfield Services Guyana Inc Trans Guyana Airways / Baganara Island Resort Tropical Shipping U Mobile Cellular Inc. (Digicel) United Nations Environment Programme Waikin Ranch Wilderness Explorers
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EXPLORE GUYANA 2019
19 44 IFC 90 93 51 79 2 49 77 53 59 75 10 41 90 51 40 OBC IFC 55 98 8 IBC 86 44 75 65 37 86 77 61 14 5 6 100 34 51 98 86 4 IFC 1 93 12 3 36 59