Guyana Where And What 2016 by Guyana where and what

Gem Madhoo-Nascimento

Publisher & Editor:

Gem Madhoo-Nascimento

Cover Design & Layout:

Grafix House; Tele: [592] 227-8512

Cover Description:

The cover consists of the Independence Arch, presented to Guyana, by the Demerara Bauxite Company(DEMBA) as an Independence gift in May 1966. It is located at the Eastern end of Brickdam in Georgetown. The logo in the centre was designed for our 50th Independence Anniversary.

Contributors to photographs:

Conservation International, Colin Edwards, Ray de Wandel, Guyana Tourism Authority, National Trust of Guyana, Annette & Dave Martins â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Is we ownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FB, Gem Madhoo-Nascimento

Contributing Writers

Ameena Gafoor, David Singh, Nasim Hussain, Dave Martins, Ray de Wandel, Sean Bhola, Seeta Shah Roath Print run: 20,000 copies Printed by: The Office Authority

Produced by:

General Executive Management Services Inc (G.E.M.S. Inc.) 168 Century Palm Gardens Durban Backlands, Greater Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 592-226-0240; 225-3557; 624-8694 Email:gemmadhoo@gmail.com

PREVIOUS EDITIONS

Conteúdo:

Where and What.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .4 - Getting Here.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .28 - Getting Around.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .32 Art- Galleries & Museums .. .. .. .. .. 40 Birding.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .43 Building Guyana’s Green Economy .. ..45 Calender of Events.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .47 Dining Out.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 51 Dutch heritage-Forts & Museum.. .. . 57 Eco Wonders.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 61 Entertainment .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 65 Festivals in Guyana .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 67 Fishing.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .74 Guyana Administrative Regions .. .. .. 76 Guyanese Literature .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .78 Guyana’s Minerals.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .81 Guyanese Proverbs .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 83 Guyana’s Towns & Counties .. .. .. .. .84 - Bartica .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 84 - Berbice.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 84 - Essequibo Coast.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .86 - Essequibo River.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .88 - Lethem.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 90 - Linden.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .91 - North West District- Mabaruma .. .. 92 - Orealla .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 93 -Rewa Village .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 95 Hotels & Guest Houses.. .. .. .. .. .. .96 Music.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 105 Recreational Spots.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 107 Resorts, Lodges & Tour Operators .. .111

Onde e que -getting aqui -getting ao redor Art- Galerias e Museus Birding Economia Verde Do Edifício Guiana Calendário de Eventos Jantando Fora Holandês Heritage- Forts & Museum Eco Maravilhas Entretenimento Festivais na Guiana Pesca Guiana Regiões Administrativas Literatura guianense Minerais da Guiana Provérbios Guianenses Da Guiana Cidades & Counties - Bartica - Berbice - Essequibo Coast - Rio de Essequibo - Lethem - Linden - North West District- Mabaruma - Orealla - Rewa Aldeia Hotéis & Guest Houses Música Spots de lazer Resorts , Lodges & Operadores de Turismo Rupununi do Sul Safari Compras Pontos Esportes Cidades / Vila Dias Trail para Lethem Yachting na Guiana

South Rupununi Safari.. .. .. .. .. .. 116 Shopping.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 117 Sightseeing.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 122 Sports.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 132 Towns/Village Days .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .136 Trail to Lethem .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 137 Yachting in Guyana .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .139

CONTENT

Contents

WELCOME TO GUYANA 4

Georgetown, Guyana

WELCOME TO GUYANA The Land Of Many Waters

Welcome to our 9th edition of ‘Guyana Where & What’ tour guide and hand book. It contains a wealth of information that the first time visitor to Guyana is sure to find useful for quick and easy reference to finding your way around our country and in discovering the wonders of Guyana’s pristine forests, magnificent rivers, spectacular waterfalls and vast savannah lands. In 2016 we celebrate our 50th year as an Independent Nation with a myriad of activities throughout the year. Be sure not to miss out on any once you are here. The Guide has been especially designed for your convenience as it fits conveniently into your hand bag, pocket book or pouch, so that you can easily take it everywhere with you for immediate reference. A map of Guyana along with a

road map of Georgetown and environs can be found on the inside back cover to assist you in navigating your way around our beautiful capital city of Georgetown. Included in this edition are brief descriptions of other towns and tours to interior locations and resorts, to assist you to see much of our country with names of hotels, restaurants and interesting places to ensure you have a wonderful experience. Please tell the advertisers that you saw them in ‘Guyana-Where & What handbook, to encourage them to continue to support this book. We, at GEMS Inc., invite you to enjoy our Guyanese hospitality and hope that your stay will be a memorable experience of many beautiful moments that charm you into returning again and again.

Visit the following websites for more information on Guyana www.guyana-tourism.com, www.guyanawhereandwhatonline.com www.exploreguyana.org

Nesta edição você também encontrará breves descrições de outras cidades e de passeios para localidades e resorts no interior, os quais lhe ajudarão a conhecer amplamente o nosso país juntamente com nomes de hotéis, restaurantes e lugares interessantes que lhe propiciarão uma experiência maravilhosa. Pedimos-lhe encarecidamente que diga aos nossos anunciantes que você viu seu anúncio no Guia “Guiana - O Quê e Onde”, para lhes incentivar a continuar patrocinando este guia. A GEMS Inc. lhe convida a desfrutar da nossa hospitalidade guianense e esperamos que sua visita seja uma experiência marcante com belos e encantadores momentos para que você sempre retorne aqui.

WELCOME TO GUYANA

Benvindo à 9ª edição do guia de turismo e consulta “Guiana - O Quê e Onde”. Nele você encontra informações úteis para quem visita a Guiana pela primeira vez com referências rápidas e fáceis para quem deseja percorrer o país e descobrir as maravilhosas florestas virgens, magníficos rios, cahoeiras espetaculares e o vasto território de savanas. Este Guia foi concebido especialmente para sua comodidade, pois cabe na bolsa, dentro do seu livro ou da pochete, permitindo-lhe uma consulta rápida em qualquer lugar. Os mapas da Guiana, das ruas de Georgetown e dos arredores estão disponíveis na contracapa e irão lhe ajudar a navegar pela bela capital Georgetown.

Acesse os seguintes sites para mais informações sobre a Guiana www.guyana-tourism.com www.exploreguyana.org e www.guyanawhereandwhatonline.com

Coastline, Georgetown.

WHERE & WHAT

Parliament Building

Guyana is the only English speaking ber of the Caribbean Community country in South America located of nations, its history and heritage on its Northeastern Coast with an are shared with the former British area of 214,969 square kilometres West Indies and English its lanor 83,000 square guage. miles and comGeorgetown, the prising four dischief port and capitinct geographital, is situated on cal areas: the the right bank of coastal belt, the the Demerara Rivforested region, er estuary, which the savannahs is the smallest of and the sandy our three main rivzone. ers, Essequibo beThe name Guying the largest and ana is an AmBerbice, the secerindian word ond largest. meaning â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Land Guyana achieved Of Many Wathe status of a Cotersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Guyana is operative Republic often referred on February 23rd, to as the bridge 1970, four years between South after gaining inof the Co-operative Republic of Guyana America and the President dependence from Brigadier (rtd) David Arthur Granger, MSS Caribbean, borGreat Britain on dering Brazil to its south, Venezuela May 26th, 1966. to its west, Suriname to its east, the Its citizens are known as Guyanese Atlantic Ocean to its north. A mem- and comprise a population of in ex-

A Guiana é o único país de língua inglesa na América do Sul, localizado no seu litoral norte. Com 214.969 Km² (83.000 Mi²), a Guiana é composta de quatro áreas geográficas distintas: faixa costeira, região de floresta, zona de savana e zona arenosa. O nome Guiana é uma palavra indígena que significa “Terra de muitas águas”. A Guiana é considerada como a ponte entre a América do Sul e o Caribe e faz fronteira ao sul com o Brasil, ao Oeste com a Venezuela, ao leste com o Suriname e ao norte com o oceano Atlântico. Como membro da Comunidade Caribenha de Nações, a Guiana compartilha da herança e da história das antigas Índias Ocidentais Britânicas, assim como do

idioma inglês. Georgetown, principal porto e capital, fica situada no lado direito do estuário do rio Demerara, o menor dos rios principais, depois dos rios Berbice e Essequibo. A Guiana alcançou o status de República Cooperativa, em 23 de fevereiro de 1970, quatro anos após ter conquistado sua independência da Grã-Bretanha em 26 de maio de 1966. O cidadãos guianeneses formam uma população de pouco mais de 700.000 habitantes. A Guiana é um país de múltiplas etnias originárias da Índia, África, China, Madeira, Europa e dos Índios nativos. A maior parte da população é descendente de indianos, seguida de afro-descendentes e de uma menor parcela composta pelas demais raças. As últimas eleições ocorreram de Maio de 2015 Cristianismo, Hinduísmo e Islamismo são as três principais religiões praticadas na Guiana. O sistema jurídico é baseado no sistema legal britânico e possui uma Corte Suprema de Judicatura, a qual compreende a Corte de Apelação, a Alta Corte e várias Cortes de Magistrados.

WHERE & WHAT

cess of 700,000 people. Guyana is multi-ethnic with its people originating from India, Africa, China, Madeira, Europe and the native Amerindian. The majority of the population is of Indian descent followed by those of African descent with a smaller percentage of the other races. Elections are held every five years with the most recent election taking place in May 2015. Christianity, Hinduism and Islam are the main religions practiced in Guyana which functions under a British influenced legal system that includes a Supreme Court of Judicature. This encompasses the Court of Appeal, the High Court and a series of Magistrates’ courts.

President David Arthur Granger Inauguration at the National Stadium

WHERE & WHAT 8

Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary May 26, 2016 will mark 50 years since this beautiful land of Guyana fought for and achieved its Independence. The country’s success in maintaining its status as “one nation” despite some of the challenges over the past 50 years is a remarkable achievement in itself. Guyana, then British Guiana became a Crown colony in 1928. It was home to sugar, coffee and cotton plantations and slaves and indentured immigrants from Africa, Europe and the Middle East. In 1953, however, it was granted home rule. In 1950, Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, created the colony’s first political party, the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), which was dedicated to gaining the colony’s Independence. In the 1953 elections, Cheddi Jagan was elected Chief Minister. The British, however, alarmed by what they had described as Jagan’s “Marxist views”, suspended the Constitution and then government within months and installed an interim government. In 1955, the

PPP split with Burnham who broke away to create the People’s National Congress (PNC). In 1961, Britain granted the colony autonomy, and Jagan became prime minister (1961–1964). Strikes and rioting weakened Jagan’s rule. In 1964, Burnham succeeded Jagan as Prime Minister, a position he retained after the country gained full I Independence on May 26, 1966. On the eve of May 25, 1966, a grand cultural performance took place at the Queen Elizabeth Park, now known as the National Park. Dignitaries in the audience of thousands included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, representing Queen Elizabeth, and representatives of foreign governments. As the clock struck midnight, the Union Jack, which was the symbol of the British Colonial rule for 163 years, was lowered and the new flag of Guyana, the Golden Arrowhead, was raised. The design and colours of the new flag, appropriately called “The Golden Arrowhead”, had already been chosen from entries submit-

identity, a nation-wide competition, sponsored by the National History and Arts Council, was launched to support the selection of the lyrics of the new National Anthem. The winning entry, “Green Land of Guyana”, was written by Reverend Archibald Luker, and the words were set to music by Cyril G. Potter, a prominent Guyanese educator and musician. Since attaining Independence in 1966 from the Colonial Masters, Great Britain, Guyana has undergone several challenges, including threats to the country’s territorial integrity and national patrimony as well as the unity of the six peoples who make up the country’s population. Though still young, Guyana continues to remain steadfast in its growth and developmental agenda. Over the fifty years, Guyanese have

WHERE & WHAT

ted through an international competition. The winning five-colour design was submitted by an American, Whitney Smith. The name chosen for the new independent nation - Guyana - was also selected in 1962 by a select committee appointed by the House of Assembly. Guyana gained its official name, The Cooperative Republic of Guyana, in 1970 when Guyana became a Republic. Just before the flag raising ceremony before a huge crowd, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Opposition Leader Cheddi Jagan publicly embraced each other, indicating their satisfaction that Guyana had finally won its political Independence. As the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted just after midnight in the wee hours of the morning to usher in the Nations Independence, fireworks decorated the sky over the country that is now Guyana. Midmorning of the same day, the State opening of the Parliament of Guyana took place. It was preceded by a military parade accompanied by much pomp and ceremony. The meeting of Parliament was chaired by the Speaker, Aubrey Alleyne. The Duke of Kent read a Throne Speech on behalf of the Queen, after which, on behalf of the Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, he handed over to Prime Minister Burnham the Constitutional Instruments designating Guyana an independent nation. Adding to the defining of Guyana’s

Flag Raising. In Photo left: Prime Minister of Guyana Hon. Moses Nagamotoo and President of Guyana - Hon Brigadier David Arthur Granger

WHERE & WHAT 10

been afforded the opportunity to make her own decisions, cast aside outside interference, and introduce access to affordable health, education and social services. Guyana can boast of an agriculture sector primarily in the areas of rice and sugar, which have stood the test of time that stands on the brink of seizing the opportunities offered by new technology and diversification of the sector so that can take its rightful place as ‘bread basket of the Caribbean. Further, a new focus infrastructural development that links the coastland to the Hinterland will open up trade and investment opportunities in the Caribbean and South America. To date, Guyana has never gone to war with any of its neighbours or any country in the world; a fact all Guyanese can proudly boast about, despite instances of aggression from Guyana’s neighbours who covet the resource rich territory of the country. Even as Guyana continues to exploit its mineral wealth, the focus on sustainability and the development of a green economy has meant that Guyana is shifting focus to ensure that the nation’s wealth is not exploited at the expense of the nation’s patrimony. Guyana is also in the process of solidifying itself as an international player in world politics and is raising its profile as a representative of the unique needs of small countries. On achieving Independence, Guy-

ana became the 23rd member of the British Commonwealth. The new state received instant recognition internationally and to date, Guyana is listed as a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and shares diplomatic relations with, among others, the United Nations, the Organisation of American States (OAS), the International Development Bank (IDB), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) among others. Since taking office in May, 2015, the new administration has promised a better future for all of Guyana, one which is much more significantly developed and managed, and which includes a green economy. It is anticipated that the vision touted by the current government will be able to take Guyana to greater heights. Despite fifty years of existence, Guyana has had only eight Executive Presidents; with the current one being Brigadier Ret’d David Arthur Granger, whose main goal is to ensure that national unity and togetherness is achieved, in keeping with the country’s motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” Guyanese everywhere- abroad and at home- are gearing up to celebrate Guyana’s Golden Jubilee, proud of their heritage and hopeful for the future. The Ministry of Education, Department of Culture is leading the organising of a grand celebration that is worthy of fifty years of nationhood.

26 de Maio de 2016 marca 50 anos desde que esta bela terra da Guiana lutou e conseguiu a sua independência. Êxito do país em manter seu status como “nação”, apesar de alguns dos desafios ao longo dos últimos 50 anos é um feito notável em si. Guiana, Guiana Britânica se tornou uma colônia da coroa em 1928. Ela foi a casa de açúcar, café e algodão as plantações e escravos e imigrantes escravizados da África, Europa e Oriente Médio. Em 1953, no entanto, foi-lhe concedido casa regra. Em 1950, Cheddi Jagan e Forbes Burnham, criou a colônia, primeiro partido político, o Partido Popular Progressista (PPP), que foi dedicado para ganhar a independência da colônia. Em 1953 eleições, Cheddi Jagan foi eleito primeiroministro. Os britânicos, no entanto, alarmado com o que tinham descrito como Jagan marxista da “vista”, suspendeu a Constituição e governo de então em poucos meses e instalou um governo provisório. Em 1955, o PPP split com Burnham que quebrou longe para criar o povo do Congresso Nacional (PNC). Em 1961, a Grã-Bretanha concedeu

a colônia, autonomia e Jagan se tornou o primeiro-ministro (1961- 1964). Greves e motins enfraquecida Jagan. Em 1964, Burnham foi bem-sucedida Jagan como primeiro-ministro, uma posição que ele manteve depois que o país ganhou sua independência completa I 26 de Maio de 1966. Na véspera de 25 de Maio de 1966, um grande desempenho cultural teve lugar no Queen Elizabeth Park, agora conhecido como o Parque Nacional. Personalidades na platéia de milhares incluído o Duque e Duquesa de Kent, representando Rainha Elizabeth, e representantes de governos estrangeiros. Como o relógio bater meia-noite, a Union Jack, que foi o símbolo da British Colonial de 163 anos, foi baixada e a nova bandeira da Guiana, o Golden Arrowhead, foi levantada. O design e as cores da nova bandeira, apropriadamente chamado de “Golden Arrowhead”, já haviam sido escolhidas de entre as participações apresentadas através de uma concorrência internacional. O premiado cinco-color design foi apresentado por um norte-americano, Whitney Smith. O nome escolhido para a nova nação inde-

WHERE & WHAT

Guiana 50.º Aniversário da Independência

WHERE & WHAT 12

pendente - a Guiana - também foi selecionado no ano 1962 por um comité de selecção nomeado pela assembleia. Guiana ganhou seu nome oficial, a República Cooperativa da Guiana, Guiana em 1970, quando tornou-se uma república. Pouco antes de o pavilhão cerimónia antes de uma enorme multidão, primeiro-ministro Forbes Burnham e o líder da oposição Cheddi Jagan publicamente abraçou o outro, indicando a sua satisfação que Guiana tinha finalmente conquistou a sua independência política. Como o Golden Arrowhead foi içada apenas depois da meia-noite, a altas horas da manhã para inaugurar as nações Independência, Fogode-artifício decorado o céu sobre o país que foi agora Guiana. Meio da manhã do mesmo dia, o Estado a abertura do Parlamento da Guiana teve lugar. Ela foi precedida por uma parada militar acompanhado de muita pompa e circunstância. A reunião do Parlamento, foi presidido pelo alto-falante, Aubrey Pe. Francis Alleyne. O Duque de Kent ler um trono fala em nome da Rainha, após o qual, em nome do soberano, a Rainha Elizabeth, ele entregou ao Primeiro-ministro Burnham instrumentos constitucionais que designa Guiana uma nação independente. Adicionar a definição de identidade da Guiana, uma nação de ampla concorrência, patrocinado

pela História Nacional e Conselho de artes, foi lançado para apoiar a selecção da letra do novo hino nacional. A vencedora, “terras verdes da Guiana”, foi escrito pelo Reverendo Archibald Luker, e as palavras foram de música por Cyril G. Potter, um proeminente o educador e músico. Uma vez que alcançar sua independência em 1966, a partir dos senhores coloniais, a Grã-Bretanha, a Guiana tem sofrido vários desafios, incluindo as ameaças à integridade territorial do país e patrimônio histórico nacional, bem como a unidade dos seis povos que compõem a população do país. Embora ainda jovem, Guiana continua firme no seu crescimento e desenvolvimento. Ao longo dos últimos cinquenta anos, o ter sido dada a oportunidade de fazer a sua própria decisão, repudiam interferências externas, e introduzir acesso à saúde a preços acessíveis, da educação e dos serviços sociais. Guiana pode gabar-se de um sector agrícola principalmente nas áreas de arroz e açúcar, que resistiram ao teste do tempo que está à beira de aproveitar as oportunidades oferecidas pelas novas tecnologias e diversificação do sector, para que possam assumir o seu lugar de direito como “celeiro do Caribe. Além disso, um novo.

Climate Guyana’s climate is equatorial; hot but pleasant for most of the year. The heat is tempered by the sea breezes on the coast. An umbrella is useful during the two wet seasons, extending roughly through May and June and from December to the end of January. Rainfall approximates at 2,300mm per year in Georgetown. The temperature on the coastland ranges from 20 degrees to 33.8 degrees centigrade with a mean temperature of 26.8 degrees centigrade. In the interior it is between 18.3 degrees centigrade and 39.4 degrees centigrade with a mean of 28.3 degrees centigrade. Clima A Guiana tem um clima equatorial, quente porém agradável durante a maior parte do ano, com o calor amenizado pela brisa do mar no litoral. O uso de guarda-chuva é importante durante as duas épocas de chuva que vão de maio a junho e de dezembro a janeiro. O nível de chuva por ano em Georgetown é de 2.300mm. A tempertatura na área litorânea vai de 22º a 33.8º célsius com temperatura média de 26.8º. A temperatura no interior vai de 18.3º a

39.4º e tem uma média de 28.3º. Clothing The tropical climate enjoyed by Guyana generally allows for apparel made of light, breathable fabric, whether you decide to dress up or go informal. Be warned if you need to visit Government offices , dress appropriately. No shorts, vests, three-quarter pants, armless blouses are allowed for males and females. The National Cultural Centre also has a dress code; please check before you attend.

WHERE & WHAT

Time Zone 4 Hours behind GMT. 1 hour ahead of EST. Fuso Horário 4 horas atrás de GMT e 1 hora na frente de EST

Roupas O clima tropical da Guiana permite o uso de roupas leves de tecido transpirável, quer formais ou casuais. Procure vestir-se adequadamente em repartições públicas, pois não é permitido usar shortes, camisetas, bermudas e nem blusas sem manga para homens e mulheres. O National Cultural Center também adota código de traje, por iso verifique-o antes de fazer sua visita. Government The National Assembly is one of the two components of the Parliament of Guyana. Under Article 51 of the Constitution of Guyana, the Parliament of Guyana consists of the President and the National Assembly. The National Assembly has 65 members elected using the system of proportional representation. Twenty five are elected from the ten geographical constituencies and forty are awarded at the

WHERE & WHAT 14

national level on the basis of block votes secured, using the LR-Hare Formula as prescribed by the elections Laws (Amendment) Act 15 of 2000 (Sections 11 and 12). On February 28, 2015 the Tenth Parliament was dissolved by Proclamation issued by the President. The Eleventh Parliament was officially summoned to meet on June 10, 2015 by Proclamation issued by President Brig. David A. Granger. The 33 elected members of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (Guyana), in addition to 3 technocrat (nonelected and non-voting) members took their oaths of office. At this, the First Sitting of the Eleventh Parliament, Civil Servant Dr. Barton Scotland was elected Speaker of the House. The government holds a majority of 1 seat in the National Assembly. The National Assembly is led by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo of the APNU/AFC alliance. The next election is schedule for 2020.

nacional, com base em votos de bloco protegido, usando a Fórmula LR-Hare como prescrito pelas leis eleições Lei (Emenda) 15 de 2000 (Secções 11 e 12) . 28 de fevereiro de 2015, o Décimo Parlamento foi dissolvido por Proclamação emitido pelo Presidente. O Parlamento Eleventh foi oficialmente convocado para atender em 10 de junho de 2015 por Proclamação emitido pelo presidente Brig. David A. Granger. Os 33 membros eleitos da Parceria para a Unidade Nacional + Aliança para a Mudança (Guiana), além de 3 tecnocrata membros (não-eleitos e sem direito a voto) tomou o juramento de posse. Com isso, a primeira sessão do Parlamento Décimo primeiro, Servo Civil Dr. Barton Escócia foi eleito presidente da Câmara. O governo detém uma maioria de um assento na Assembleia Nacional. A Assembleia Nacional é liderado pelo primeiro-ministro Moses Nagamootoo da aliança APNU / AFC. A próxima eleição está prevista para 2020.

Governo Assembleia Nacional é um dos dois componentes do Parlamento da Guiana. Nos termos do artigo 51 da Constituição da Guiana, o Parlamento da Guiana é composta pelo Presidente e pela Assembleia Nacional. A Assembleia Nacional tem 65 membros eleitos usando o sistema de representação proporcional. Vinte e cinco são eleitos a partir dos dez círculos eleitorais geográficos e quarenta são concedidos a nível

Economy There has been, in recent years, a thrust towards diversification of the Guyana economy but traditional sectors still dominate. Agriculture, forestry and fishing account for almost 20% of Gross Domestic Product while mining and quarrying have increased in importance with gold accounting for the largest share of export receipts. Manufacturing retains its importance to the economy, averaging almost 7% of

Guy $330 to $360.00 to £1.00 Guy $265 to $288.00 to € 1,00

* All our national banks are authorized to deal in foreign exchange. However, there may be a slight dollar difference in the exchange offered by the banks compared with what is offered by private cambio operators. The following is a list Economia of the Central Bank & some comNos últimos anos houve um avanço mercial banks. Persons with inrumo à diversificação na economia ternational debit and credit cards da Guiana, mas os setores tradicio- bearing the Visa, Maestro, Cirrus or nais ainda predominam. Agricultu- MasterCard signs can obtain cash ra, exploração florestal e pesca rep- advances at any Scotia bank ATM resentam quase 20% do Produto for a small fee. Doméstico Bruto, enquanto que a extração de ouro e de minérios Serviços Bancários, Câmtiveram um aumento significa- bio E Cartões De Crédito tivo quando o ouro gerou a maior A moeda local é o dólar guianense parcela das receitas de exportação. e os câmbios oscilam em torno de A manufatura mantém sua importância na economia, com mé- Guy $195,00 - $209,00 para $1.00 dia de 7% do PIB, mas os serviços, americano sobretudo no setor de TI, tiveram Guy $189,00 - $195,00 para $1.00 um importante aumento e con- canadense tribuíram para a criação de novos Guy $330,00 - $360,00 para £1.00 empregos. O país continua a bus- esterlina car investimento estrangeiro direto Guy $265,00 - $288,00 para € 1,00 e investidores estrangeiros desfru- euro tam do mesmo tratamento dado pela lei aos investidores locais. * Todos os nossos bancos são autorizados a trabalhar com moeda Banking, Cambios & estrangeira. Pode haver uma Credit Cards pequena diferença entre o câmThe currency is the Guyana Dollar bio oferecido pelos bancos e o with a fluctuating exchange rate câmbio oferecido por operadores depending on whether you are privados. A seguir estão listados buying or selling: o Banco Central e outros bancos Guy $195 to $209.00 to US $1.00 comerciais. Titulares de cartões de Guy $189 to $195.00 to Can $1.00 crédito e débito com as bandeiras

WHERE & WHAT

GDP, but services, especially in the Information and Technology sector, have grown in importance and contributes to job creation. The country continues to actively seek foreign direct investment and foreign investors are, by law, afforded equal treatment with local investors.

WHERE & WHAT 16

Visa, Maestro, Cirrus e MasterCard podem fazer saques em espécie em caixas eletrônicos Scotiabank por uma pequena tarifa. Bank Of Guyana (Central Bank) P.O. Box 1003 1 Church Street & Avenue of the Republic. Tel: 592- 226-3250-9 Citizens Bank Head Office - 201 Camp & Charlotte Sts., Lacytown, G/town. Tel: 592-226-1705-9 Fax: 592-226-1719 Bartica Branch 592-455-3012-15 Fax: 592-455-3016 Parika Branch East Bank Essequibo Tel: 592-260-4008 Fax: 592-260-4004

Thirst Park Branch Banks DIH Complex, Thirst Park, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown Tel: 592-223-7659 Fax: 592-223-7659 Linden Branch Lot 8 & 9, Crabwood Street & Republic Avenue Tel: 444-3821; 444-2938 Fax: 444-2972;444-2433 ATM Services OMGSheriff Street & Campbell Avenue Oik ServStabroek (opp. Stabroek Market) ArapaimaMain & Quamina Streets Footsteps BuildingCamp & Charlotte Streets & all branches of Citizens Bank Guyana Inc.

Banking Hours at most banks are: Mondays to Thursdays: 8:00am – 2:00pm Fridays: 8:00am – 2:30pm Parika Highway - Opening hours Mon, Tues, Thurs: 8:00am to 2.00pm, Fri: 8:00am to 2.30pm, Sun: 8:00am to 12.30pm, Closed- Wednesday & Saturday Bartica opening Hours: Mon – Fri - 8:00am – 12:00 noon / 1:00pm – 4:00pm Citizens Thirst Park Branch Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 8:00am – 1:30pm

Cambios Guyana has a floating foreign exchange policy hence the foreign exchange rate fluctuates depending on variations in supply and demand. General Cambio hours are: Mon to Fri - 8:00am – 5:00pm Saturdays: 8:00am – noon Câmbio Como a Guiana tem uma política variável para moeda estrangeira, as taxas de câmbio oscilam de acordo com variações de oferta e demanda. No geral, os horários para câmbio são: Segunda a sexta das 8:00am às 5:00pm Sábado das 8:00am ao meio-dia

WHERE & WHAT

Scotiabank Guyana 104 Carmichael Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown Tel: (592) 225-9222 Fax:(592) 227-4832 63 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown Tel:(592) 226-4031 Fax:(592) 225-7985 12 Strand, New Amsterdam, Berbice Tel: (592) 333-4154/5/7/8 Fax: (592) 333-4165 2nd Avenue, Bartica, Essequibo Tel: (592) 455-2603/2618 Fax: (592) 455-2716 Parika Highway, East Bank Essequibo Tel: (592) 260-4202-7 Fax: (592) 260-4208 bns.guyana@scotiabank.com www.guyana.scotiabank.com

Credit Cards Scotia Cards, Master Cards, Visa and American Express are accepted by major businesses. They can be used to obtain cash from the Bank of Nova Scotia 24 hours ATM machines in Georgetown, Bartica, Parika or the Pegasus Hotel ATM machine, located on the Southern side of the Building (right of the entrance to the hotel). The American Express can be used similarly at the Demerara Bank. Cartões De Crédito Cartões Scotia, Master, Visa e American Express são aceitos nos principais estabelecimentos. Estes cartões podem ser usados para re-

Tax Exit tax at Cheddi Jagan International Airport is US$21 or G$4,000 and Ogle International Airport is US$14 or G$2500. Value Added Tax (VAT) has been introduced since January 2007 at a rate of 16% on most items.

For further information please uplift copies of the information leaflet ‘vat refunds for non-resident visitors to Guyana’ and the vat refund application form (vat 31). These documents are available at the Airport or the vat and excise tax department of the Guyana Revenue Authority in Camp Street (between Middle & Quamina Streets) or from any of the GRA Branch Offices. Tel:227-7310

Aviso Aos Visitantes: Reembolso de VAT para nãoresidentes na Guiana A maioria dos produtos vendidos na Guiana está sujeita à taxa acrescida ao valor (VAT) de 16% Taxas sobre o preço de venda. Contudo, Imposto de saída no Aeroporto In- não-residentes podem ter direito ternacional Cheddi Jagan é US $ a reembolso da taxa paga pelos 21 ou G $ 4.000 e Aeroporto Inter- produtos que levam na bagagem nacional de Ogle é US $ 14 ou G $ ao saírem da Guiana, contanto 2.500. que o valor total pago em vat seja A Taxa Acrescida ao Valor (VAT) foi maior que G$20.000. introduzida em janeiro de 2007 a Para maiores informações, adquira 16% sobre a maioria dos items. cópias do folheto de informações “Reembolso de VAT para visitantes Notice To Visitors: não-residentes à Guiana” e o forVat refunds for non-resident mulário para requerimento de visitors to Guyana. reembolso de VAT (vat31). Most goods sold in Guyana are Estes documentos estão disponíveis subject to a value added tax (vat) of no aeroporto e no departamento 16% of their selling price. de VAT e impostos do órgão GuyHowever, as a non-resident visitor ana Revenue Authority na Camp you may qualify for a refund of the Street (entre Middle e Quamina) tax you have paid on goods which ou em qualquer filial da GRA. Tel: you export in your personal bag- 227-7310. gage when you leave Guyana, provided that the total amount of vat you have paid exceeds GY$20,000.

WHERE & WHAT

alizar saques em Caixas Eletrônicos 24 Horas do Banco Nova Scotia em Georgetown, Bartica ou no Caixa Eletrônico localizado no Hotel Pegasus, no lado sul do prédio (à direita da entrada do hotel). Cartões American Express dispõem da mesma facilidade junto ao Demerara Bank.

WHERE & WHAT 20

Media There are 4 daily newspapers, Stabroek News – www.stabroeknews. com, Kaieteur News -www.kaieteurnewsgy.com, The Guyana Times - www.guyanatimesgy.com and Guyana Chronicle – www. guyanachronicle.com , the latter is state-owned. There are a few weekly newspapers- The Mirror produced by the PPP political party, The Catholic Standard by the Catholic Church and the Palm Tree by the PNC Political Party. There are about a dozen radio stations, most of them operating on the FM transmission. NCN Radio, which is state-owned has 4 (four) channels and one state owned TV station NCN11 which transmits in Linden, Berbice and Region 9 . There are 18 other TV stations; most of them are located in Georgetown. The others are spread throughout the various regions. Mídia Há atualmente 4 jornais diários – Stabroek News – www.stabroeknews.com, Kaieteur News – www.kaieteurnewsgy.com, The Guyana Times – www.guyanatimesgy.com e Guyana Chronicle – www.guyanachronicle.com o qual pertence ao governo. Há também alguns jornais semanais: The Mirror, produzido pelo partido político PPP, The Catholic Standard, produzido pela igreja católica e o Palm Tree produzido pelo partido PNC. Há aproximadamente doze

emissoras de rádio, a maioria FM e uma AM. A Rádio NCN, a qual pertence ao governo, possui 4 (quatro) canais e uma emissora de TV, a NCN11, que transmite em Linden e Berbice. Há também outras 18 emissoras de TV, a maioria localizada em Georgetown e as demais estão espalhadas pelas outras regiões. Radio 89.1 FM 89.5 FM 90.01FM 93.1FM 94.1 Boom FM 98.1 Hot FM 100.1 Fresh FM 102.5 fm/560am (Voice of Guyana) 103.1FM Paiwomak- Region 9 Linden: 104.3POWER FM Tv Stations Georgetown*GEN2, CNS6, *WRHM 7 & 89 *HBTV9, *NCN11, RBS 13, HGTV-16, *TVG-28, MBC 42 *MTV 65, NTN69, HJTV72, Visions 102 Berbice*LRTV-10, *DTV -8, CH.19 Essequibo- *RCA-8 Linden- *LTV-6 Bartica- *TTS5 * denotes that these stations carry a local newscast

While there is some risk of contracting malaria in certain sections of Guyana’s interior, Georgetown and the Coast are generally free of malaria. As a precaution, consult your doctor before traveling to Guyana to ensure that you are adequately protected against malaria. Medical facilities include one public and a number of private hospitals in Georgetown. Further information can be obtained from the Vaccination Division of Ministry of Health on Telephone Numbers: (592) 226 7338 or (592) 226 1366.

Saúde E Segurança Apesar do risco de contrair malária em algumas localidades do interior, Georgetown e o litoral são áreas livres de malária. Como precaução, consulte seu médico antes de viajar para a Guiana para garantir que você está protegido contra malária. Entre os serviços médicos disponíveis estão o hospital público e os hospitais particulares de Georgetown. Maiores informações estão disponíveis no Departamento de Vacina do Ministério da Saúde nos números: (592) 226-7338 e 226-1366.

WHERE & WHAT

Health & Safety

HOSPITALS

In Georgetown Davis Memorial Hospital Tel: (592) 227-2041/3 Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital Tel: (592) 226-4279 or 227-1087 Georgetown Public Hospital Tel: (592)227-8204/7 or 227-8241/7 Medical Arts Tel: (592) 225-7402 or 226-2556 Georgetown Medical Centre (Formerly Prahad’s Hospital) Tel: (592) 226-7214/9 St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital Tel: (592) 227-2072/9 Woodlands Hospital Tel: (592) 226-2024, 225-4050

WHERE & WHAT 22

5 G Dialysis Centre www.5gdialysis.com Tel: (592) 231-2207

New Amsterdam Regional Hospital Tel: (592) 333-2381 or 333-2591

East Coast, Berbice

Hampshire, Corentyne Tel: (592) 333--6263 Port Mourant Opthamology Centre Tel: (592) 336-6095 / 6758 Port Mourant Hospital Tel: (592) 336-6376 Skeldon Hospital Tel: (592) 339-2211

& Corentyne CC Nicholson Hospital Nabaclis, E.C.D. Tel: (592) 229-2965 Doobay Medical Centre Annandale, E.C.D. Tel 220-9757 Fort Wellington Hospital Tel: (592) 232-0294 / 0304 Fort Canje Hospital Tel: (592) 333-2141/3 Mahaica Hospital Tel: (592) 259-3290/1 Mahaicony Hospital Tel: (592) 221-2209

Anamayah Memorial Hospital

Upper Demerara/Berbice

Linden Tel: (592) 444-6127 / 6137

Other areas

Port Kaituma District Hospital

Kwakwani Hospital Tel: (592) 440-2224 East Bank Demerara & West Coast Demerara Diamond Hospital Tel: (592) 265-4682 / 3 Leonora Cottage Hospital Tel: (592) 268-2204 West Demerara Hospital Tel: (592)-254-1256/9 or 254-0311 Essequibo River & Coast

Fort Island Medex Tel: (592) 681-6536 Bartica Hospital Tel: (592) 455-2339 Charity Hospital Tel: (592) 771-4243 Leguan Hospital Tel: (592) 772-2206/2006 Suddie Hospital Tel: (592) 774-4227/774-4627/8 Wakenaam Medex Tel: (592)-774-5009 Wakenaam Cottage Hopsital Tel: (592) 774-5019

Tel: (592) 777-4047 Mabaruma Hospital Tel: (592)-777-5057 Kato Hospital Frequency 5300 by radio Lethem Hospital Tel: (592) 772-2206

Ministry of Health Upper Brickdam & Vlissengen Rd. Tel:(592) 225-2420 (RHS)

WHERE & WHAT

Wismar Hospital Tel: (592) 442-0811 / 2

PHARMACIES & LABORATORY

Medicare Pharmacy 16 Hinck St., Robbstown. G/town. Tel:(592)225-9369; 227-0362 or 267 ‘B’ New Market St. Tel:(592)225-9349 Or 26 Sandy Babb St., Kitty Tel:(592) 223-7188 Woodlands Hospital Pharmacy 110-111 Carmichael St. G/town. Tel: 592-226-2024, 223-7023

ECHILLIBAR FALLS, REGION 8 POTARO SIPARUNI

WHERE & WHAT 24

Water Visitors to Guyana are advised to use bottled water or water available from any of the certified water stores using the reverse osmosis system. There are several brands available at affordable prices. Our tap water is safe for washing and bathing. There is no shortage of water stores in Georgetown and countrywide. Most of them apply the reverse osmosis process to purify their water. Água Os visitantes na Guiana devem beber água engarrafada ou água procedente de estabelecimentos certificados que utilizam o sistema de osmose inversa para purificação da água. Há várias marcas com preços acessíveis disponíveis no mercado. A água encanada é segura para lavar e para tomar banho. Não faltam estabelecimentos que vendem água em Georgetown ou pelo país. A maioria deles utiliza o processo de osmose inversa para purificação da água.

can be observed cruising through the city’s streets. Nonetheless, visitors should apply all safety precautions that are normally advisable when visiting an unfamiliar city and avoid walking the streets in down town areas after dark. Check with your hotel for current advice. It is also advisable to avoid wearing conspicuous jewelry and displaying large amounts of cash in public places. Emergency Numbers Police: 911, 564 Quick response hotline: 225-6411 Impact: 225-2317; 227-4064/5 CID Headquarters: 225-3650/225-8196 Police Headquarters: 226-2487 Traffic Headquarters: 227-2272 Traffic, Brickdam: 225-3794/225-6940 Ambulance Service: 913 Fire: 912

Segurança Os serviços de segurança são comSecurity postos por dois pequenos grupos, a The Security Services consists of a Guyana Defense Force e a Guyana small standing army, The Guyana Police Force. A Polícia possui quiDefence Force and The Guyana osques em vários locais da cidade Police Force. The Police Force has com pelo menos dois policiais arseveral Police Stations and Secu- mados fixos ou em patrulha a pé. rity Booths at various locations Além disso, há também patrulthroughout the capital city where hamento móvel pelas ruas da ciat least two armed police officers dade. Não obstante, os visitantes can be seen stationed or on foot devem tomar as cautelas básicas patrol. Additionally, throughout the com sua segurança assim como day and night, mobile police patrols em qualquer cidade estranha e evitar caminhar pelas ruas do centro

Números De Emergência Polícia: 911, 564 Hotline para Resposta Rápida: 225-6411 Impacto: 225-2317; 227-4064/5 Investigação Criminal: 225-3650/225-8196 Quartel da Polícia: 226-2487 Departamento de Trânsito: 227-2272 Trânsito, Brickdam: 225-3794/225-6940 Serviço de Ambulância: 913 Incêndio: 912 Driving Drivers Permits are issued at the Customs Division at CJIA. Passengers desirous of having this permit are required to produce a valid driving license from their country of origin or an international driver’s license. A Customs Officer from the Customs Department will issue the relevant permit for one month. In Georgetown, it can be done at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Office in Camp Street, Georgetown (between Middle and Quamina Streets). Driving is on the left. Seat belts are compulsory and driving under the influence of alcohol and using cell phones while driving are all offences punishable by the law.

Direção A Licença para Dirigir é emitida pelo Departamento de Alfândega no Aeroporto CJIA. Os passageiros que desejam a licença para dirigir devem apresentar a carteira de habilitação do país de origem ou carteira de habilitação internacional. Um oficial do Departamento de Alfândega emitirá uma licença válida por um mês. Em Georgetown, você deve procurar o Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Office in Camp Street, Georgetown (between Middle and Quamina Sts.). A direção na Guiana é do lado esquerdo. O uso de cinto de segurança é obrigatório e dirigir alcolizado ou usar celular ao dirigir são infrações passíveis de penas da lei.

WHERE & WHAT

ao escurecer. Verifique as dicas de segurança atualizadas com o seu hotel. Deve-se evitar o uso de jóias chamativas e grandes quantias de dinheiro à mostra em público.

Voltage Throughout the country with some rural communities electrical appliances with 110v connections are operable with some rural communities using 220 v connections. Voltagem Em Georgetown, a voltagem para aparelhos elétricos é de 110v enquanto que os arredores e a maioria das áreas rurais utilizam 220v 50/60 ciclos. Telecommunications & Internet Service Guyana’s country code is 592, followed by a seven digit number for all areas (see the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph [GT&T] directory for local area codes and other related

WHERE & WHAT 26

information including instructions on Direct Dialing overseas). Free ‘Wifi’ services’ are available to guests at most hotels, restaurants, cafes’ bars, fast food outlets.

diretório Guyana Telephone & Telegraph [GT&T] para códigos de áreas locais e outras informações como Discagem Direta Internacional).

Telephone Service: The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company is the largest provider of telecommunication services in Guyana with a subscriber base exceeding three hundred thousand in a country with an average population of seven hundred thousand. GT&T provides wireless GSM services; a prepaid service with cards is also available. 79 Brickdam, Georgetown, Guyana, S.A. 592-225-1315 website: gtt.co.gy

O acesso à redes WiFi é gratuito na maioria dos hotéis, restaurantes, cafés e pontos de fast food.

Serviços telefônicos: A Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company é o principal provedor de serviços de telecomunicações da Guiana, com uma base de mais de trezentos mil assinantes em um país com uma população média de setecentos mil. A GT&T fornece serviços de telefonia celular GSM e também oferece serviços pré-pagos com cartão. 79 Brickdam, Digicel has become well estab- Georgetown, lished within a short time in Guyana Guyana, S.A. and the Caribbean with it’s mobile 592-225-1315 telecommunications operations It website: gtt.co.gy currently has in excess of three million subscribers and operations in A Digicel se estabeleu em um curto 22 markets. espaço de tempo na Guiana e no Digicel Guyana Caribe com suas operações de telBarrack Street, Kingston, ecomunicações móveis. A empresa Georgetown, Guyana, S.A atualmente possui mais de três milCustomer Care: hões de assinantes e operações em 592-669-DIGI (3444) 22 mercados. E-mail:guyanacustomercare@ Digicel Guyana digicelgroup.com Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana, S.A TELECOMUNICAÇÕES E Atendimento ao Cliente SERVIÇOS DE INTERNET 592-669-DIGI (3444) O código DDI da Guiana é 592, e Email:guyanacustomercare@ é seguido de outros sete dígitos digicelgroup.com em cada localidade (consulte o

GETTING HERE 28

GETTING HERE

Visitors to Guyana mainly travel by air, but travel to Guyana is also accessible by a Ferry Crossing via Suriname/Guyana border and the Takutu Bridge in the Rupununi area. All visitors require a valid passport. Guyana’s international airport (Cheddi Jagan International Airport - CJIA) is located 25 miles/40 km south of Georgetown. Flights from Europe are routed through Antigua, Barbados or Trinidad & Tobago. There are direct flights from New York, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Brazil. Flights from Miami and Canada are either direct or through Trinidad & Tobago, Panama or Curacao. Outward flights should be reconfirmed prior to departure. The suburban Ogle International Airport provides direct flights to Barbados, Suriname and the Hinterland. A listing of the various airlines, access points, and necessary documents are provided below according to the mode of transportation. Official Language is English, often spoken with a creole flavour. Guyana is also the only English speaking country in South America.

COMO CHEGAR Os visitantes chegam na Guiana principalmente por via aérea, mas também é possível chegar pela Travessia da Balsa na fronteira Suriname/Guiana e pela Ponte Takutu, no Rupununi. Todos os visitantes devem apresentar passaporte válido. Vôos da Europa seguem rota por Antígua, Barbados ou Trinidade. Há vôos diretos de Nova Iorque, Suriname, Trinidade e Tobago, Barbados e do Brasil. Vôos de Miami e do Canadá vêm por Trinidade e vôos de Londres passam por Barbados e Trinidade. Há vôos diretos de Miami e do Canadá ou com escala em Trinidade e Tobago, Panamá ou Curaçao. É preciso reconfirmar vôos antes da viagem. Vôos saindo da Guiana devem ser reconfirmados antes da partida. A Guiana possui mais de 600 milhas de rios navegáveis acessíveis por balsas ou voadeiras. Para informações sobre os horários da balsa, consulte o Transport Harbour’s Department. Abaixo está uma lista de várias linhas aéreas, pontos de acesso e documentos necessários de acordo

Requisitos De Entrada Todos os visitantes devem ter passaporte válido por pelo menos 6 meses. Passageiros que chegam de avião devem ter bilhete de volta. O visto é exigido de todos os Entry Requirements visitantes, exceto de cidadãos dos All visitors require a passport which seguintes países: is valid for at least 6 months. Those Antígua e Barbuda, Argentina, Áusarriving by plane are required to tria, Austrália, Barbados, Bélgica, have an onward plane ticket. Visas Belize, Brasil, Canadá, Dinamarca, are necessary for all visitors except Domínica, Finlândia, França, Alenationals of the following coun- manha, Grécia, Granada, Irlanda, tries: Itália, Jamaica, Japão, LuxemAntigua and Barbuda, Argentina, burgo, Montserrat, Nova Zelândia, Austria, Australia, Barbados, Bel- Coréia do Norte, Noruega, Portugium, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Den- gal, Federação Russa, África do mark, Dominica, Finland, France, Sul, Coréia do Sul, Espanha, São Germany, Greece, Grenada, Ire- Cristóvão e Neves, Santa Lúcia, São land, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Luxem- Vicente e Granadinas, Suriname, bourg, Montserrat, New Zealand, Suécia, Suíça, Bahamas, Holanda, North Korea, Norway, Portugal, Trinidade e Tobago, Reino Unido da Russian Federation, South Africa, Grã-Bretanha e Irlanda do Norte e South Korea, Spain, St. Christopher Estados Unidos da América. and Nevis (St. Kitts), St. Lucia, St. Somente aos portadores de PassaVincent & the Grenadines, Suri- portes Diplomáticos, Especiais ou name, Sweden, Switzerland, The Oficiais dos seguintes países é perBahamas, The Netherlands, Trini- mitida a entrada sem visto: Bolívia, dad and Tobago, United Kingdom Chile, China, Colômbia, Cuba, of Great Britain and Northern Ire- Chipre, Haiti, Índia, Irã, México, land and United States of America. Peru, Uruguai e Venezuela. Only the holders of Diplomatic, Os visitantes devem se informar na Special and Official Passports of embaixada ou consulado da Guithe following countries – Bolivia, ana mais próximo, com seu agente Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Cy- de viagens ou no site www.minfor. prus, Haiti, India, Iran, Mexico, gov.gy Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela are allowed without visas. Departure Visitors are advised to check with The exit tax at Cheddi Jagan Interthe nearest Guyana Embassy, Con- national Airport (CJIA) of US$21 or sulate, their travel agent or visit G$4,000 and Ogle International Airwww.minfor.gov.gy port is US$14 or G$2500.

GETTING HERE

com o tipo de transporte. A língua oficial é o inglês, com um toque de crioulo. A Guiana é também o único país de língua inglesa da América do Sul.

GETTING HERE

The tax at CJIA can be purchased at the airport, on the right of the entrance to Immigration. You should confirm your ticket at least 48 hours before departure. Partida Há um imposto de saída no Aeroporto Internacional Cheddi Jagan ( CJIA ) de US $ 21 ou G $ 4.000 e Aeroporto Internacional de Ogle é US $ 14 ou G $ 2.500.. O imposto em CJIA pode ser comprado no aeroporto, à direita da entrada para a Imigração . Você deve confirmar seu bilhete de pelo menos 48 horas antes da partida

AIRLINES International

Caribbean Airlines Robb St. Tel: 1-800-538-2942 Copa Airlines Camp & New Market Streets Tel: (592) 231-2491/2 Dynamic Air C/o Duke Lodge Duke Street Kingston Tel:(592)231-7220 Fly Jamaica Wings Aviation Ogle Airport East Coast Demerara Tel:592-222-0227 1-855-953-5952

Gum Air Ogle Airport Tel: (592) 222-2525

Liat Ogle Airport Tel: (592) 222-1726/7 Insel Air c/o Duke Lodge Duke Street Kingston Tel (592)231-7220 Surinam Airways Barrack Street Kingston Tel:(592)225-4249

TRAVEL AGENCIES

Angellina’s Travel Service 91 Middle Street, South C/Burg Tel: (592) 225-1035 Fax: (592) 225-1037 1995 Parika Highway, EBE Tel: (592) 260-4536 Fax: (592) 260-4537 angellinastravel@hotmail.com www.angcamgy.com Survival Travel Agency 16 Vlissengen Road & Duncan Street Newtown Tel: (592) 225-1658/9 survivaltravelagency@networksgy. com Worldwide Travel Services 64 D Middle Street, Georgetown Tel: (592) 226-6007/226-3032/2264099 / Fax: 592-226-4866 world@networksgy.com

GETTING AROUND 32

GETTING AROUND

Guyana’s capital city, Georgetown was renamed after the British conquered the Dutch in 1812. The name originates from Fort St. George which was established at the mouth of the Demerara River as a signal station for the purpose of observing and controlling incoming and outgoing traffic. Like all capitals, the city is the centre of government administration and a wide range of economic activity. Most of the streets of Georgetown are laid out in almost perfect rectangles, a legacy of our Dutch heritage. This design therefore makes it relatively easy for the stranger to wend his/her way around town. The larger concentration of commercial houses is found ‘downtown’. This area is bounded by Vlissengen Road in the east , Water Street in the west with Lamaha Street and Brickdam being the northern and southern extremities respectively.

Locomoção A capital da Guiana, Georgetown, recebeu seu nome após a conquista britânica sobre os holandeses em 1812. O nome vem do Forte Saint George, o qual foi construído na foz do rio Demerara como estação de controle de tráfego fluvial. Como todas as capitais, a cidade é a sede administrativa do gov-

erno e de uma gama de atividades comerciais. As ruas de Georgetown foram, em sua maioria, cuidadosamente projetadas em retângulos - um legado da nossa herança dos holandeses. Este planejamento permite ao visitante um fácil deslocamento por toda a cidade. A maior concentração de prédios comerciais está no centro da cidade. O centro situa-se entre as ruas Vlissingen, ao leste, Water, ao oeste, Lamaha, ao norte e Brickdam ao sul.

By Road

Transportation around the city is provided by privately owned mini buses. These operate in allocated zones for which there is a well-regulated fare structure. This arrangement extends to all mini bus routes throughout the country. Taxis move freely around the city. One can easily locate a yellow cab almost anywhere in the city; however, some hotels offer a private taxi service and would arrange one for you at your request. A trip anywhere within the city will cost approximately G$400 (US$2.00), to travel by minibus within the city, would cost G$80. The minibus fares for traveling outside of Georgetown vary from G$100 to about $500 depending on how far outside the city you are going. In other parts of Guyana, taxis are

Transporte Rodoviário O transporte pela cidade é feito em microônibus particulares. Estes ônibus operam em zonas distribuídas com estrutura de tarifa regulada. Este sistema é aplicado a todas as rotas de ônibus do país. Táxis também circulam livremente pela cidade. Os principais meios de transporte em Georgetown e nos arredores são ônibus e táxis. Os táxis amarelos podem ser encontrados facilmente por toda a cidade. Alguns hotéis possuem serviço de táxi e podem lhe disponibilizar um táxi quando solicitado. Uma corrida para qualquer lugar da cidade custa em torno de G$400 (US$2,00). Andar de ônibus pela cidade custa em torno de G$80,00. As tarifas ônibus para fora de Georgetown variam entre G$100 e G$500, dependendo do destino. Os táxis também estão disponíveis nas demais partes da Guiana também. Em Corriverton, o “Tapir” é um transporte popular pelas ruas. Locadoras de carro geralmente cobram US$35-US$50 por dia e exigem uma caução de US$200US$250. Algumas empresas oferecem veícu-

GETTING AROUND

easily available. In Corriverton the popular ‘tapir’ ply the roads regularly. los 4X4 para locação. Car rentals usually range US$35$50 per day with a security deposit of US$200-$250. A few Companies offer 4x4 vehicles for rental.

GETTING AROUND

City Taxi Vlissengen Road Tel:(562)225-6222 Eddiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s Taxi Vlissengen Road Tel: (592) 226-0606 Caribbean Temptation Taxi & Car Rental Anna Catherina, WCD Tel: (592) 276-1409; 690-1808 Vicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Taxi Service 11th Street Foulis, Enmore Tel: (592) 256-3333 Diplomatic Cabs Queenstown, Georgetown Tel. 231-5999, 231-7277 AUTO RENTALS Comfort Suites Car Rental 108 Barima Ave. Bel-Air-Park Tel: (592) 225-0595/225-0585 225-4816 www.comfortsuitesgy.com Movement Auto Rental & Bus Services 104 Amla Ave. Prashad Nagar Tel: (592) 623-2755/621-2755 Email:movementautorentalbusser vices@yahoo.com

By River With 600 miles of navigable river which includes the Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara Rivers, one has the option of using ferries or the 12 to 17 seater passenger speedboats. Life jackets are compulsory. It is also possible to charter private speed boats or jet boats. Plan to use the Ferry Service, and then call the relevant numbers below for schedule. Up until December 2008, the only way to get to East Berbice was by ferry, between Rosignol and New Amsterdam, now commuters can drive across the newly built Berbice River Bridge. Large cargo trucks, pedal cyclists and pedestrians must use the Ferry Service. Commuters to West Demerara, also have the choice of road transport via the Demerara Harbour Bridge or by speed boats from the Stabroek Stelling to Vreed-en-Hoop, obliquely opposite each other. The highway which begins on the West Coast of Demerara is heavily used since it provides a link to Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo River which has become an important centre of economic activity in the Essequibo region. River taxis provide a faster and more expensive mode of transportation to take passengers as far as Bartica, Supenaam on the Essequibo Coast or other hinterland resorts

Transporte Fluvial Com 600 milhas de rios navegáveis, entre eles o Essequibo, o Berbice e o Demerara, as opções de transportes são balsas ou voadeiras de 12 a 17 assentos. O uso de colete salva-vidas é obrigatório. Também é possível alugar voadeiras e lanchas particulares. Ao planejar usar o serviço de balsas, consulte os horários no número indicado abaixo. Até dezembro de 2008, a única maneira de chegar no leste de Berbice era de balsa. Agora, os viajantes podem atravessar de carro pela ponte recém-construída sobre o rio Berbice, entre Rosignol e New Amsterdam. Não há limites para carretas com carga, ciclistas ou pedestres. Os viajantes com destino a West Demerara, além da opção de atravessar de carro pela ponte Demerara Harbour Bridge, podem também atravessar o rio de voadeira entre Stabroek Stelling e Vreeden-Hoop.

A estrada que se inicia em West Coast Demerara é uma rota de fluxo intensivo que leva até Parika, na margem leste do rio Essequibo, a qual se tornou um importante centro de atividade econômica na região do Essequibo. Os táxis fluviais são um modo de transporte mais rápido e mais caro para passageiros que vão à Bartica e Supenaam na costa do Essequibo, ou resorts no interior e voltam no mesmo dia. Um modo de transporte mais barato para Bartica é o serviço de balsa, porém é bem mais lento e leva horas para chegar. As balsas chinesas que operam com sistema roll on/roll off fazem transporte entre Parika e Supenaam e levam a metade do tempo das balsas maiores. Há balsas disponíveis para as ilhas de Wakenaam e Leguan (no rio Essequibo) saindo de Parika e para o distrito de NorthWest saindo de Georgetown. O serviço de balsa Canawaima Ferry opera no rio Correntyne em Molesome Creek, com saídas diárias às 9:00am e 1:00pm para Nickere, no Suriname.

GETTING AROUND

and back in a single day. A cheaper transportation mode to Bartica is the larger Ferry service and takes approximately 4 hours. The ‘Roll-on roll-off’ ferries are operating from Parika to Supenaam. Ferries are available to Leguan and Wakenaam Islands from Parika and to North West District from Georgetown. The Canawaima Ferry services the Corentyne River from Moleson Creek, departing at 9.00a.m and 1.00p.m daily to Nickere, Suriname.

FERRY SERVICES

Adventure Stelling (Essequibo Coast/Parika) (592) 774-4272 Bartica Stelling (Bartica/Parika) - 455-2273 Georgetown Stelling (Georgetown/Vreed-en-Hoop) (592) 225-6471

GETTING AROUND

Parika Stelling

Leguan (Leguan/Parika) (592) 260-0726 Moleson Creek Canawaima Ferry Service (Guyana/Suriname) (592) 339-2744/2787 Departs from Moleson Creek:

Demerara Harbour Bridge (592) 226-8027 Berbice River Bridge (592) 327-5466/5676/5677 Takutu Bridge Gateway to South America (linking Guyana to Brazil)

-1.00pm (check in 10.30am - noon) Departs Suriname: 9.00am & 1.00pm (check in 8.00am - noon - Guyana time)

FOR PRIVATE HIRE

-9.00am

(check in 6.30am - 8.00am)

New Amsterdam Stelling (New Amsterdam/Rosignal) (592) 333-2512/333-4660 Orealla, Corentyne River Departs Orealla every Thursday Departs Corriverton every Friday Tel: (592) 338-9280-1 (Village office) Parika Stelling (Parika/Essequibo/Leguan/ Bartica) (592) 260-4498 Rosignal Stelling (Rosignal/New Amsterdam)(592) 330-2208/2269 Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling (Vreed-en-Hoop/Georgetown) (592) 264-2336

Berbice Bridge

Parika/Bartica... Old Fort Tours 91 Middle Street, South C/Burg Tel: (592) 225-1035 Fax: (592) 225-1037 1995 Parika Highway, EBE Tel: (592) 260-4536 Fax: (592) 450-4537 angellinastravel@hotmail.com www.angcamgy.com Hurakabra River Resort (592) 225-3557/226-0240 Berbiceâ&#x20AC;Ś Corriverton to Nickere: Ravi Ramdass Speedboat Service Lot 44 #78 Coriverton Tel: 592-335-3279, 639-7278

Corriverton to Orealla: For further information, contact the Washer - Tel: (592) 622-3350 Transport and Harbours Department at Water Street, Georgetown. Shell Beachâ&#x20AC;Ś Romeo DeFreitas Tel: 686-8951 Tel: (592) 226-2944, 225-9350, 226-9742

BY AIR Air transportation is readily available for travelling to several parts of the hinterland, whether for business or 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. For more information click on the airline of choice: The newly expanded airport at Ogle can accommodate Dash 8, ATR 42s and ATR 82s, from the Caribbean Region and neighbouring countries. Liat now flies into Ogle International Airport from Barbados. Among the private charter Companies operating flights from Ogle International Airport to the interior are:

Transporte Aéreo Há transporte aéreo disponível para viagens a várias localidades do interior, seja a lazer ou a negócios. Várias linhas aéreas locais têm vôos saindo do Aeroporto Internacional de Ogle, localizado em East Coast Demerara e do Cheddi Jagan International Airport, em Timehri. Informações sobre horários e disponibilidade estão disponíveis nos escritórios das linhas aéreas e junto aos operadores de turismo. Para maiores informações, clique na linha aérea de sua escolha: O recém-ampliado aeroporto de Ogle agora recebe várias aeronaves, inclusive o Dash 8, da região do Caribe e de países vizinhos. A Liat também tem vôos chegando no Aeroporto Internacional de Ogle. As seguintes empresas de frete aéreo operam vôos do Aeroporto Internacional de Ogle para o interior:

GETTING AROUND

Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timari

GETTING AROUND

Ogle Airport

East Coast Demerara.

DOMESTIC AIRLINES -operating out of Ogle International Airport Air Guyana Tel: (592) 222-6513 Ext. 116 Email: wingjet2@networksgy.com Air Services Ltd Tel: (592) 222-1234/4357 Ext.4 E:reservations@aslgy.com www.aslgy.com Jags Aviation Inc. Tel:(592) 222-2460/1 Jags.aviation@yahoo.com

Trans Guyana Airways Tel: (592) 222-2525 Fax: (592) 222-5462 www.transguyana.com Airports Cheddi Jagan International Airport Timehri Tel: (592) 261-2300 Flight Information: Tel: (592) 261-2245 Ogle International Airport Ogle, East Coast Demerara Tel: (592) 222-4132

Art

Art Galleries & Museums Our ethnic diversity, Amerindian heritage, and the country’s exceptional physical beauty have influenced many great painters of Guyanese descent. Ron Savory, Philip Moore, Stanley Greaves, ER Burrowes, Aubrey Williams and Hubert Moshett are among them. Merlene Ellis, George Simon, Wilson, Philip Gajadar, Bernadette Persaud are among some of our present day artists. The Castellani House always has an exhibition on and sometimes two running concurrently. It is a well recommended visit for art lovers. It houses the national collection. Don’t miss the third floor exhibit for complete portrayal of Amerindian life done in balata.

The National Museum of Guyana - Museum of natural history Company Path, Georgetown Tel: (592) 225-7191 *oldest Museum in Guyana, dates back to1844 when the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society was formally established. The pre-

sent building was erected between 1867-8. Among it’s exhibits are the stamp press that manufactured the world’s most valuable stamp- the black magenta and several interesting Dutch and Scottish bottles, water prints of Lt. Thomas St. Clair’s visit to Guyana The second floor exhibits natural history of Guyana with an exquisite collection of mounted specimens of reptiles, birds and mammals, together with specimens of the country’s geomorphology. The Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology - Main Street, Georgetown Tel: (592) 225-8486 This building houses an Ethnographic collection of Guyana’s indigenous peoples and excavated artifacts from all ten administrative regions. The National Art Gallery, Castellani House - Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

The Linden Industrial Heritage Museum Mackenzie Recreation Hall Linden Tel: (592) 652-6012/662-3576/ 444-6374 * displays a chronological history of Mackenzie, Wismar and Christianburg, a carved wooden depiction of the bauxite mining process from pit to port, paintings and a large mural of Linden.

ART

Tel: (592)225-0579, 225-6638 Fax: (592)225-5078 *official residence of former President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, it was converted to an art gallery in 1993 and renamed ‘Castellani House’ after it’s Maltesian architect. Castellani House exhibits the National Collection of over 700 works of art, acquired since the 1940’s. Guyana’s best artists have established a strong painting and sculpting tradition that gives this collection a distinctiveness that sets it apart from others in the Caribbean, reflecting the country’s unique culture, history and geography. The third floor displays an Amerindian Village made from Balata gum. Works range from realism to abstract art and variations of these elements. Paintings explore themes of ethnic and folk, cultural and religious practices, of African village life, Hindu or Muslim beliefs or Amerindian myths, or depict city and rural scenes, and landscapes of Guyana’s spectacular interior. Recent sculpture has been impressive, producing memorable and unique forms. The Collection’s works, as well as those from contemporary artists, are promoted in an annual exhibition programme, along with an arts programme of book launches, literary evenings, lectures, occasional music and dance performances, and a monthly film programme. Entrance to all gallery events is free.

Guyana Post Office Robb & Savage Streets Georgetown Tel: (592) 225-9002 *Philatelic collection Bank of Guyana Church and Avenue of the Republic Georgetown Tel: (592)226-3261 *history of currency The Guyana Heritage Museum -Kastev, Meten-meer-zorg West Coast Demerara Tel: (592) 275-0331 This building houses exhibits representative of Guyana’s history e.g. Irons, ice shavers, enamel lunch carriers, 3-legged iron pots, 18th/19th century maps, coins, stamps etc The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Red House 65 High Street, Kingston Georgetown Tel: (592) 223-7523 to 4

ART

*Former residence of Dr. & Mrs. Jagan from 1961-64 (during his time as Premier of Guyana), the Centre houses documents and photographs illustrating Dr. Jagan’s political career, memorabilia and gifts and other interesting items presented to him as President. Roy Geddes Steelpan Museum - 190 Roxanne Burnham Gardens Greater Georgetown Tel: (592) 226-9844 *experience the history of the steel pans, dating back to the 1940’s, from a legend, Roy Geddes, through photographs, recorded and written music. You may order lunch and enjoy it while on your visit. The Museum of African Heritage - Barima Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Tel: (592)226-5519 *collection includes African Art, mostly West Indian, from wooden mask to the carved door of secret societies, brass weights used for measuring gold dust, drums, musical instruments, games and clothing.

The John Campbell Police Museum - Guyana Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown. Tel: (592) 225-3017 *displays the history of the Guyana Police Force in 5 sections- History, Uniform, Musical Instruments, Photographs and Miscellaneous. The National Military Museum - Camp Ayangana Thomas Rd., Thomaslands G/Town Tel: (592) 226-9246-9 Exhibits a fascinating array of materials linked with Guyana’s military heritage including governor’s portraits, armaments, inclusive of rifles, pistols, bayonets, revolvers, swords, cannons, medals and additional paraphernalia The Dutch Heritage Museum Fort Island, Essequibo River Tel: (592) 656-2496 *housed in the oldest non-military structure erected in Guyana, the Court of Policy, are a variety of items inclusive of Delftware, crockery, bottles, maps and jars.

BIRDING

A paradise for birding enthusiasts Guyana is truly a birders and nature loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Paradise

Guyana is a natural museum for the eco-tourist, containing 275 waterfalls, four mountain ranges, eighteen lakes (some more easily accessible than others) and vast areas of untouched tropical rainforest. The Guiana Shield and the adjacent Amazon Basin form the largest equatorial forest in the world having a wide range of ecosystems. With this rich and unique flora and fauna, abundant wildlife and spectacular vegetation, and is one of the richest biodiversity locations in South America. 1. Over 858 species of birds belonging to 79 families inhabit Guyana and over 70% of the species are endemic to the Guianan Shield. A total of 144 waterbird species and 99 migrant species also inhabit this land, where 75% of the land mass is desolate. Guyana occupies a significant percentage of the Guiana shield, which accounts, not only for its rich biodiversity and captivating sceneries,

but also the abundance and diversity in its beautiful bird species. The capital city, Georgetown, is a small area of approximately 6sq. miles. The habitat is structured by public places, parks, cultivated lands and coast lands. In and around the environment of Georgetown, flycatchers, raptors, herons, plovers, terns, skimmers, and sand pipers, are abundant. The blood colored woodpecker (an endemic specie to the East Coast of the Guianas), along with many migrant species, such as the Osprey, Peregrine and Aplomado Falcon, can all be seen here. Migrating warblers can be observed with no difficulty. CITES species, such as the White-neck Jacobin is also present. 263 species are recorded that inhabit Georgetown, and in one session over 50 species can be spotted from one location. Due to the remoteness of many locations, there are many species yet to be identified and recorded!!!

BIRDING 44

The Blood-coloured Woodpecker (Veniliornis sanguineas) is endemic to the Guianas’ and can be found along the coast of the Essequibo River all the way to French Guiana. This is just one of the ten woodpeckers in the city out of a total of twenty-five recorded in Guyana. The Festive Parrot (Amazona festiva bodini) is one of five Amazonas species in Guyana and can only be found in the City. The capital city has 282 species of birds recorded. Four of the amazonas species along with four out of the six species of macaw can be seen in the Botanic Gardens. Over 50 species can be spotted during a 3- day birdwatching session. Rufous-crab Hawk, Gulls, Terns and Yellow-crowned Night Herons can also be seen at the mouth of the Demerara River and the Kingston Seawall. Hoatzin- Guyana’s National Bird site in the Mahaica River. Green-throated Mangos, Green-tail Goldenthroat, Purple and Azure Gallinule and White-bellied Piculet can be sited at Garden of Eden and along the Lamaha Conservancy Dam. Scarlet Ibis, Frigatebird, Sandpi-

pers, Plovers, Rufous-crab Hawk are found amidst the magnificent scenery of the powerful Demerara river. The Scarlet Ibis transform the early morning sky at the mouth of the Waini River, North West, into crimson. Exclusive species can be observed in resorts and lodges, which provide comfortable and suitable birding trails with guides. Essequibo River- Baganara Resort; Hurakabra River Resort & Sloth Island. Georgetown - Capital City Kaieteur National Park Kamuni Creek- Arrowpoint Resort North West District & Shell Beach Rupununi- Dadanawa Ranch; Karanambu Ranch; Rockview Lodge; Surama Village; Rewa Village; Wowetta Village; Yupukari Village; Iwokrama Field Station – Canopy Walkway. Information provided by: Guyana Feather Friends: 77c1 Light Street,Georgetown, Guyana Tel:(592) 231-5684 or 6820739 or 697-9766 gff_birdingtours@yahoo.com / www.birdingguyana.gy email: gatbs@yahoo.com/www. guyanabirdssociety.com

In 2009, Guyana launched its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which was widely perceived as a progressive and potentially transformative approach by a small developing country to promote economic development whilst contributing to the global effort to address climate change through the conservation of its carbon-storing forests. Some six years after, Guyana has recommitted itself to developing a Green Economy, in which “there is improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Features include a resilient, lowcarbon, socially inclusivity, and commitment to respecting the ecological limits of our planet. The LCDS and the Green Economy show the country’s long term commitment to green development. One of the basic elements of this development path is the sustainable management and conservation of forests. It also includes prioritiz-

ing conservation in areas important for their biodiversity values and the operation of a national system of protected areas. Over the period, the country has received some US$195M in revenue from the Kingdom of Norway in exchange for maintenance of its forests and improvements in the management of its natural resources. These revenues, much of which still remains available, will go towards Guyana’s efforts to combat climate change through investment in high-potential, low-carbon sectors. Areas of investment include building human capital to fuel a low-carbon economy, support for the health sector, drainage and irrigation services, ICT, and climate resilient agriculture. The nature tourism industry is an important element of Guyana’s Green Economy. It is a “low-carbon” economic activity with several additional benefits along its value chain, creating economic spin-offs and added value in other

BUILDING GUYANA’S GREEN ECONOMY

BUILDING GUYANA’S GREEN ECONOMY 46

sectors. One unique features of Guyana’s tourism, is that visitors are attracted to one of the first countries in the world to embrace a conservation economy that is taking early action to fight the effects of climate change in a way that both enhances economic development and promotes the preservation of its ecosystems. Guyana is known as a “high forest, low deforestation” (HFLD) country. In 2014, forests covered of 88% of its landscape, and the annual deforestation rate was 0.062%, one of the lowest in the world. Guyana has adopted a national framework that mainstreams forests into the global climate efforts, called REDD+ (which means for Reducing Emis-

sions from Deforestation and forest Degradation, + conservation). It is a system by which forested countries that maintain their forests can benefit from climate funding. Guyana and other concerned actors continue to appeal for access to carbon credits for forest conservation efforts. At the same time, Guyana’s efforts to implement REDD+ helps to illustrate how forests can play an important part in the global climate solution. Along with forests, nature-based solutions represent the least cost and most significant solution to the global climate crisis. As much as 30% of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions can come from nature-based solution.

JANUARY Friday 1st - New Year’s Day – National Holiday -Reggae on the Beach (Hits & Jams Entertainment/HJ Water World)

Kennard Memorial Turf Club Cecil Kennard - 226-1399 Annual Rainforest Tours ‘Pakaraima Safari’ Frank Singh 231-5661

FEBRUARY 14th - ‘Love thou art’ Wedding Expo Theatre Guild Playhouse- 225-4033 - Duke Lodge -231-7220 Tuesday 23rd - Mashramani Celebrations / Republic Day - National Holiday Lennox Canterbury - 226-4764 MARCH International Race MeetingTel: 231-5457 / 225-7492 *Wednesday 23rd – Holi (Phagwah Celebrations) - National Holiday Bartica Easter Regatta celebrations (1 week) Mr. Gordon Bradford -455-2224 Friday 25th-Monday 28th –Easter weekend Saturday 26th –Monday 28th –Rupununi Rodeo (Ministry Of Indigenous Peoples/227-5067 )

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2015

CALENDER OF EVENTS 2016

APRIL Saturday 2nd Inner Wheel Easter Hat Show Promenade Gardens Gem Eytle - 226-3769 MAY Friday 1st-Labour Day – National Holiday Tuesday 5th - Arrival Day – National Holiday Nritrageet 36 presented by Shah Dance Troupe 226-5570 National Cultural Centre - 226-2172 Arrival Day Mela Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Tel: 227-6181

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2015 48

GMR&SC National Race of Champions - South Dakota circuit Tel: 231-5457 / 225-7492

Thursday 26th -Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary - National Holiday

Saturday 6th Mother & Daughter Pageant National Cultural Centre Ingrid Fung - 226-2825/226-2172

Friday 27th – Float Parade Friday 27th-Sunday 29th –GuyEXPO

Monday 23rd-Wednesday 25th – Independence Festival

JULY Monday 4th - Caricom Day – National Holiday

Saturday 28th –Presidential Gala Sunday 7th - A Tribute to Mothers National Cultural Centre JUNE Simone Dowding - 223-9495/226- Sunday 5th –Environmental Day 2172 Monday June 16th – Sunday 15th-Saturday 21st – Enmore Martyr’s Day Guyana Fashion Week GMR&SC Endurance Race 231-5457 / 225-7492 Sunday 15th-Saturday 21st -Linden Town Week Sunday 18th –‘To dad with love’ (Ms Dawn Caynes - 444-6590, Mr. Horizon Arts Productions Winston Smith 444-4010) Theatre Guild of Guyana Friday 20th –Saturday 21st Tel: 225-4033 –Guyana Folk Festival Focus on Fathers Sunday 22ndNational Cultural Centre - 226-2172 Independence Horse Racing Cup Norma Joseph - 218-2302

Wednesday 25th -Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary “Signature” Event

Berbice Expo - New Amsterdam Mahdia Expo- Region 8 Ministry Of Tourism-225-6826

GMR&SC National Race of Champions 231-5457 / 225-7492 Jamzone Summer Break Kerwin Bollers - 227-0580 AUGUST Saturday 1st - Emancipation Day - National Holiday Folk Festival Event, National Park African Cultural Development Association - 225-8420 GMR&SC Circuit Racing Championship - South Dakota 231-5457 / 225-7492 Lake Mainstay Regatta Lake Mainstay Resort, 226-2975 BikeFest - National Park Carey Griffith - 639-7817 Roger - 623-7826

Jamzone (continues) HJ Water World Kerwin Bollers - 227-0580 Kennard Memorial Emancipation Horse Races Kennard Memorial Turf Club, Corentyne, Berbice 325-3230 / 226-1399 Naya Zamana National Cultural Centre, 226-2172 Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha 227-6181

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2015

Moruca Expo –Region 2Ministry Of Indigenous Peoples 227-5067 / Ministry Of Tourism -225-6826

SEPTEMBER Amerindian Heritage Month Ministry of Indigenous Peoples 227-5067 Education Month Ministry of Education, Tel:223-7900 Rupununi Music Festival 2 Rockview, Eco Lodge. Wakenaam Nite Wakenaam Island, Essequibo River GMR&SC Drag Racing 231-5457 / 225-7492

Mining Week / Pork knocker’s Day Bartica & Bartica Summer Regatta Guyana / Brazil Cultural Festival Regional Office: 455- 2224 Lethem (Alfred Ramsarran) Tel. 600-1955

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2015

Rupununi Expo - Lethem Rupununi Chamber of Commerce 772-2213 GMR&SC - Race of Champions 231-5457 / 225-7492 *Friday 11th – Eid-Ul-Adha - National Holiday GTT Jingle & Song Competition Sunday 27th – World Tourism Day OCTOBER Agricultural Awareness Month Canje Nite, Berbice Essequibo Nite, Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast Ministry Of Tourism, 2256826 UNITED Women for Special Children Halloween Fair Georgetown Cricket Club Grounds Tel:233-2819 Bikefest Parika. Carey Griffith - 639-7817 Roger - 623-7826 Rockstone Fish Festival Guyana Tourism Authority 225-6826/219-0092-4 *Thursday 29th – Diwali

50 -National Holiday

NOVEMBER Tourism Awareness Month National Drama Festival Ministry of Education National Cultural Centre 226-6846 South Rupununi Safari Ministry of Tourism And Guyana Tourism Authority 225-6826 / 219-0092-4 New Amsterdam Town Day Ministry Of Tourism 225-6826 Main Street Lighting Up (Courts) - GMR&SC International Race of Champions 231-5457 / 225-7492 Rupununi Day Christmas Tree Lighting Up Ministry Of Tourism Tel.: 225-6826 DECEMBER 1st - World Aids Day Christmas Productions Ministry of Education National Cultural Centre Tel: 226-6365/226-2172

DINING OUT

There are many restaurants in Guyana to enjoy elegant dining with a delightful selection of international cuisine or delectable Guyanese food of varied cultural origins or even a combination of both, ranging from Continental, Creole, Indian, Chinese, Amerindian, Middle Eastern and Brazilian. For those interested in elegant dining and authentic Indian cuisine Aagman Eclectic Indian Cuisine must be on your list. It is Guyana’s premier fine dining Indian restaurant. Relax and enjoy the stunning interior design and a variety of authentic Indian Dishes prepared by award winning Chefs out of India. Club 704 serves fantastic appetizers and meals to satisfy your needs while you enjoy your favourite sports games on big screen TV, Evolve (floor level) has a variety of unusual fast food for all ages.

Check out Kamboat in Sheriff Street and their new location in Albert and Fifth Street, Alberttown for appetizing Chinese Cuisine. The Little Kitchen in Sandy Babb street for take-aways and events catering. Shanta’s, in Camp Street, serving you for over 50 years, has your favourite ‘Shanta puri’, curry dishes of meat, fish and vegetables. Visit Grand Coastal Hotel, at le Ressouvenir on the East Coast Highway, every Wednesday evening, for a wide variety of mouth-watering curries. Check out Church’s branches for sit in meals or take-away fried chicken along with their new addition of Juici patties. Quik serv offers fried chicken at all their outlets while OMG is more comfortable with a cool setting for dining and watching your favourite sports programme.

EXPENSIVE:

Aagman Eclectic Indian Cuisine 28 Top floor, Sheriff St., Campbellville, Georgetown. Tel:(592) 219-0161; 654-7683 655-6766; 653-6799

The Bottle Bar Restaurant Cara Lodge, 294 Quamina St. Tel: (592) 225-5301

MID-RANGE

Status Churrascaria , Pizzaria & Bar Status International Hotel 102-109 Croal Street Tel: 592-227-7639

DINING OUT

For Pizzas, then Mario’s- the Pizza King in Camp Street, is the place to go or their new addition of the International chain, Quiznos for subs, soups and salads. Church’s can be found at the Giftland Mall. Status Churascaria Pizza & Bar serves up a Brazilian menu at the Status International Hotel. Brazilian food has become very popular with Guyanese and visitors alike. While in Lethem the Savannah Inn & The Ori Hotel & Restaurant will satisfy your dining needs.

Caribbean Cuisine 78-79 No. 2 East Canje, Berbice Tel: (592) 332-0096 Oasis Café 125 Carmichael St. Tel: (592) 226-9916 OMG Sheriff Street & Campbell Ave. Campbellville Tel: (592) 223-5234 / 5

DINING OUT

MaRiO’S-THE PIZZA KING 232 Camp & Middle Street, Gtown Tel: (592) 231-2639-40 http://www.mymarios.com QUIZNOS 232 Camp & Middle Street, Gtown Tel: (592) 225-1527 (Mario’s Pizza building)

LOW BUDGET

Church’s Chicken Bourda248 Bourda St. -Tel: (592)231-5000 Hinck Street32-33 Regent & Hinck Sts, Robbstown Tel:225-3891,227-8673 Camp Street 231Middle & Camp St., N. C/burg Tel: (592) 225-7546-7 Giftland Mall - Liliendaal, ECD Church’s- 222-1127 Mario’s - 222-1128 Mahaica 18 Public Rd Helena Mahaica Tel:228-5000 RoseHall 67 ‘A’ Rosehall Public Rd Berbice, Tel: 337-4471 Linden – 34 D Co-op Crescent, McKenzie Tel:(592) 444-4444; 4111 Rosignal2 Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree W.C.B Tel:330-2564 New Amsterdam11 Strand & Trinity Sts. NA Berbice Tel:333-4147 Corriverton72-83 # 78 Corriverton Corentyne Berbice. Tel: 335-3037

Parika – 311 Parika, Essequibo Islands, West Demerara. Tel: 260-3000 Bartica –First Avenue, Third Street Tel:455-3000 Kamboat Restaurant 51 Sheriff & William Sts. Tel: (592) 225-8323 / 225-8090 & Albert & fifth Sts.,Alberttown The Little Kitchen Sandy Babb St. Kitty Tel:(592)231-2140/225-3608 Shanta’s Puri Shop New Market & Camp St. Tel: (592) 226-4365 Lethem, region 9 Savannah Inn Restaurant Lethem Tel/Fax: (592) 772-2035 The Ori Hotel & Restaurant 118 Lethem Tel: (592) 772-2124/641-3764

Fort Kyk-Over-Al Kyk-Over-Al was a Dutch fort in the colony of Essequibo, in what is now Guyana. It was constructed in 1613 , other historians claim between 1623-1627, on an islet in the mouth of the Mazaruni River. Originally named Fort ter Hoogen, after an influential Dutch gentleman it was later changed to ‘kyk-over-al’ meaning ‘see-over-all’ ,” as a result of its strategic location that allowed for the view over the Essequibo River and its tributaries- the Mazaruni and Cuyuni rivers. It was used also as a trading post with the indigenous Indians for cotton, tobacco, annatto, balsam copaibo etc. to satisfy the demands of the Dutch. . It once served as the

centre for the Dutch administration of the county, but now only an arch is left. This was the first location for the fort and as a result of overcrowding, nearly 1700 military persons were on the Island at one time and some 70 years later it moved location to Cartabo Point, a few miles east of Kyk-Over-al on the Bartica mainland. After about 7 years, realizing this was not such a good location they moved to a better vantage point for invaders coming down river and plundering their cocoa and coffee plantations. Serious attacks, constant invasions and an overcrowded Island cause the Dutch to move To Fort Zealandia.

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Fort Zealandia

Fort Zealandia & Court Of Policy Located on Fort Island, 16km from the mouth of the Essequibo River The Dutch colonists felt it was necessary to move closer to the mouth of the Essequibo to intercept the English and French ships as they sailed into the river to take possession of their lands, moved to Fort Island and built Fort Zealandia and the Court of Policy In 1744. The Island was originally known as Flaggen Island or Flag Island. In addition to protecting the interests of the Dutch West India Company from their European rivals it also served as a stronghold against internal forces such as rebellious slaves. This brick fort, which replaced the original wooden structure, was constructed in accordance to a design by the then secretary of the colony of Essequibo Laurens Storm Vans Gravesande (the colony’s longest serving Dutch Commandeur 1738-1776) to conserve funds Relatively small; the lozengeshaped (this design followed a pattern of similar shapes which were common in West Africa dur-

ing this time) two storey redoubt is about 15m x 20m. The redoubt is enclosed by ramparts with four bastions (at each corner) - the river side rampart has fallen into the river. The total area to outside of ramparts is 56m x 78m. Bricks are used throughout. Within the compound of the Fort are the Armory used for the storage of ammunition and several canons reminiscent of the belligerent history of the site. Dutch Heritage Museum

(Formerly The Court Of Policy) This is a solid clay brick building 31.1m long and 11m wide. The walls are 61cm thick. There are three “rooms”- the central is the church, the northern was the Court of Policy and the southern was used for auctioning slaves. It also served as a store, a sales office and in recent years a church before being converted into the Dutch Heritage Museum. During the period of Dutch occupation the Fort and the Court of Policy were part of a large urban settlement that extended along

the northeastern section of the island. This was the seat of the Dutch administration in the colony of Essequibo and became the site of Guyana’s first parliament when Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo became one country-Guiana. Inside the Court of Policy are three tombs belonging to a child, a doctor and a military personnel- all of Dutch origin. It is the oldest non military structure in Guyana. Prior to being converted into the Dutch Heritage Museum, church services were held there.

was Varken Eiland, which means Hogg Island. It was so named for the obvious reason that it was home to numerous wild hogs, and when the British took over the Dutch colonies in Guyana they retained the name in English translation. The Gazetteer, the official reference book for the spelling of all Guyana’s place names, records it as “Hogg Island”. Copies of the Gazeteer of Guyana are available from the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission. In pursuit of its policy of heritage preservation and conservation, the HogG Island Windmill National Trust, which has an annual The Hogg Island windmill is the agenda of capital projects, restored only known surviving brick wind- the windmill and constructed a mill structure once used on sugar fence and footpath at the site in estates during colonial rule. The 2010. Hogg Island windmill ruin is located Hogg Island Windmill on a former Dutch plantation called Plantation Lyksburg on the eastern side of the island. Constructed on a six-foot mound, the structure stands some 28 feet high, and is made of granite blocks and red brick; the brick being primarily used as facing for the big windows and archways. Hogg Island’s original Dutch name

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Court Of Policy

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on the first floor. The Fort was surrounded by outhouses for servants and petty officers. In 1712 it was demolished when Baron de Mouans’ Corsairs threw bombs into it and held Berbice at Fort Nassau ransom. A new fort was constructLocated about 55 miles up the ed. The 1763 slave rebellion reBerbice River, it is one of the early ferred to as “the cradle of the revoDutch Forts built in Guyana . This lution”, led by Cuffy, was initiated fort, constructed on the eastern here. During the slave revolt it was bank of the Berbice River, circa burnt by Governor Van Hoogenhe1627, was erected shortly after the im and his soldiers to prevent the establishment of Berbice as a trad- slave rebels from acquiring it. ing post by Abraham Van Pere (a The Fort occupied 166 acres of Dutch merchant) and his colonists. which housed several historic This was the seat of Government structures. The remnants today in Berbice which was governed include the western and eastern as a separate colony prior to the grave plots, the semi-circular brick unification of the three colonies- stairs of the Court of Policy Hall, the Essequibo, Demerara and Ber- stairs of the Armoury, the ruins of bice in 1831. Fort Nassau, built the bridge, the Lutheran Church, by merchant Abraham Van Pere combined with the lush vegetation in 1627, was among the first non- has made it a paradise for wildlife.. indigenous structures in Guyana. Today visitors experience its rich Constructed of wood and enclosed flora and fauna. The “Talking Tree” with palisades, the fort had an ‘ir- which is the most intriguing and atregular rectangular redoubt where- tractive feature at the site today is in was a larger stone building.’ The believed to have been used to send barracks were built to house about messages during the slave rebellion 60 soldiers. The main building in led by Cuffy. the fort had two floors. The Governor, Captain of the Troops, the Nova Zealandia Secretary and two Lieutenants Built by the Dutch during the early lived on the upper floor. There was period of occupation in the Pomea Council Chamber and Church Hall roon River. Fort Nassau

Nova Zealandia

UCHI Falls

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Kaieteur Falls

Guyana’s rainforest, which covers approximately 75% of the country, and over 16 million hectares, is part of the last remaining stands of tropical forests in the world. Guyana’s ‘Green Gold’, not only represents a home to our indigenous peoples and a rich natural resource but a global asset to address climate change. At a time when tropical forests have become a focal point of the climate agenda, Guyana has been cautiously opening a path to this lost world, revealing its natural treasures, and indeed there are many, and still, many more to be discovered.

KaieteurSituated within Kaieteur National Park on the Potaro River is the magnificent Kaieteur (Falls), one of the world’s natural wonders. Cascading 226 meters (741 feet) in a sheer drop, Kaieteur is truly a majestic sight to behold. The immediate environs of Kaieteur is home to a number of rare, threatened and endemic species, principal among them being the Golden Frog, whose entire life cycle plays out in the water that collects in the giant Tank Bromeliads -second largest bromeliad in the world, the Guianan Cock of the Rock and the Swifts or ‘Makanaima’ birds, who emerge in their hundreds at dusk from under the vast shelf of rock carved by the falls over the centuries. Kaieteur National Park,

Guyana’s first National Park and one of the first in this region was established in 1929. The park encompasses 242 square miles of raw jungle, creeks and rivers teeming with biodiversity. Kaieteur National Park occupies a prominent position in the center of the Guiana Shield. The Guiana Highlands or Guiana Shield being roughly 2 billion years old is the earth’s oldest surface. Located in north-eastern South America, it includes a large mountain plateau and rainforest system that is part of a vast watershed between the Amazon and the Orinoco rivers. The area contains an estimated 20,000 different vascular plant species of which 35 percent are endemic making it one of three richest tropical wilderness areas on earth.

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Orinduik Falls-

encompassing mangrove forests, inland swamp forests and savannahs and bordered by the Atlantic seaboard where mud-flats front the shore in some areas. Apart from the four species of endangered marine turtles (Giant Leatherback, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and Green Turtles) the area is known to posses giant river turtles as well The Ireng River thunders over steps as tortoises, along with manatees, and terraces of solid jasper, a semi tapirs, deer, jaguars, howler monprecious stone to form the Orin- keys and other large animals. The duik Falls. With a backdrop of the bird diversity is one of the richest in rolling grass covered hills of the Guyana and includes many species Pakaraima Mountains, this is truly of parrots and macaws, numerous one of the most beautiful locations wading birds including many scarin Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hinterland. Orinduik let ibis and Caribbean flamingoes, is ideally suited for swimming and herons, egrets among a host of othyou will find natural Jacuzziâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as the ers. The ecosystem of Shell Beach falls tumble down the steps of Jas- has remained relatively intact over per. A short ride on a small boat can the years due to the absence of have you setting foot in Brazil. large settlements along the beach and surrounding areas. This has Shell Beachbeen due mainly to the inaccessiJourney to the north Western At- bility of the areas as well as the inlantic coast of Guyana in the Ba- hospitable nature of the mangrove rima Waini Region to Shell Beach! swamps. Over the years though This 90 mile stretch of relatively un- a few communities have built up inhabited coastline is known main- along the beaches and are mainly ly as a nesting ground for four spe- Amerindians from other villages cies of endangered marine turtles within the wider area. It is adviswhich come to nest here annually able to visit Shell Beach between from March to August. The area it- March to August if you want to see self however, is a unique ecosystem nesting sea turtles.

are rarely seen from the ground. Explore the numerous nature trails at dawn and be prepared to be amazed by the abundance of the Screaming Phias, the Cock of the Rocks and the Wedge-billed Wood Creepers – all highlights for beginners or avid bird watchers. A boat cruise at night along the mighty Essequibo River may introduce you to nocturnal creatures such as Tree Boas, Pacas, Nightjars, and Hula tree frogs. A trip to Iwokrama is not complete without a hike to the summit of Turtle Mountain for a stunning jungle vista. The journey may also reward you with sightings of monkeys such as Red Howlers, Wedge-capped Capuchins and Black Spiders.

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IwokramaIwokrama, one of our protected areas, occupies one million acres of forest which offers the opportunity for an exceptional natural and cultural experience. At Iwokrama, partnerships with local communities and the private sector are built, to combine traditional knowledge, science and business to develop “green”, socially responsible and sustainable forest products and services, such as low-impact timber harvesting, ecotourism, training forest rangers and guides, and harvesting aquarium fish. It is the home to the Macushi people who have lived here for thousands of years and still manage to maintain the pristine environment that today holds an incredible animal and plant diversity. This forest is a wonderland for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, adventure tourists, biologists, photographers, backpackers and education groups. Enjoy guided nature walks, nocturnal wildlife spotting either by boat or by foot, hiking, bird watching or explore the canopy of the rainforest. The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway places you at 30 meters up in the tree-tops and provides you with the opportunity to be eye to eye with many of the tree dwellers that

Mount Roraimas It is the most famous Tepui in the World. Over 1,700 million years old, this ancient formation is one of the most acclaimed sights in South America forming a tripartite border between Guyana, Venezuela and Brazil. For hundreds of years this ancient flat-topped mountain formation inspired travelers - tales and rumours abounded concerning

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the mysterious, inaccessible summit above the clouds. Mount Roraima is the highest point in Guyana with a plateau standing at 2700m. Forming part of the ancient Guiana Shield, Mt. Roraima was once part of Gondwanaland before tectonic activity moved apart the continents of Africa and South America. The lunar-like surface is home to many unique flora species which huddles for shelter in pockets on the exposed, windswept plateau. Amazing rock formations have been carved by wind and water, and the ground is uneven and rocky with frequent crystal clear pools of excruciatingly cold water (good for the circulation apparently!) There are crystal beds that contain large, individual crystals in interesting shapes, and stunning views. Mt. Roraima has made a deep impression on western literature and thought, influencing such men as Charles Darwin and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. After the publication of Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’ there was great public interest in ‘missing links’ and ‘relic species’ preserved by isolation. Roraima’s mysterious summit was an excellent possibility for an area at evolutionary standstill and the last place on earth where dinosaurs could exist. Conan Doyle, fascinated by the descriptions of early explorers such as Im Thurm, wrote in 1912 what is considered to be one of the best science fiction novels ever written “The Lost World.”

Kanuku Mountains -

Recognized by Conservation International as being one of the few remaining pristine Amazon habitats is located in southwestern Guyana. This picturesque mountain range forms a spectacular backdrop to the Rupununi Savannahs with its sculptured crowns peaking just below the clouds. The range, divided by the Rupununi River, is noted for its high diversity of bird and animal species, with approximately 80% of the known mammal species of Guyana being recorded. With little or no human settlement on the eastern range, the area is still pristine and is perfect for the nature and adventure traveler to experience the diversity of the tropical ecosystems. A trip down the enchanting Rupununi River provides you with the opportunity to see Black and Spectacled Caiman, Puma, Tapir and Giant River Otters. Explore forest trails that lead into the virgin Kanuku Mountains in search of the Harpy Eagle, the Cock of the Rock, Cotingas, Three-toed Sloth, Tyra and many more exotic animals.

vated Stabroek Bar Demico Roof Garden in the heart of downtown Georgetown. Satisfy your hunger for the latest movies by visiting Giftland Mall with its 7 (3D) modern Cinemas and The Princess Ramada Hotel/ Casino for its 2 (7D) Cinemas. The Vintage Wine & Cheese Lounge, with its multitude of music videos and comfortable leather seats, is great to wind down the evening. OMG’s “Open Mic” features local poets in a cozy bar setting every last Friday of the month. Club 704 offers entertainment on several levels. 704 Sports is the hub for Guys and Girls with multiple mega screens at every turn. 704 Sky Lounge offers a Star Lit Sky and Atlantic Breeze adds a special touch whatever the occasion. Every last Wednesday of the month is comedy nite. Weekends the Club is popular with party animals. If you like the theatre then the 2000-seat National Cultural Centre (226-2172) or the intimate 300seat Theatre Guild Playhouse (2254033) is your place. Large concerts with local and foreign bands, top entertainers are held mainly at the Providence Stadium, HJ waterworld, Thirst Park or Georgetown Cricket Club and various Community Centre grounds in the rural areas.

ENTERTAINMENT

Guyana‘s capital, Georgetown, has always provided an unending wave of social activities that form an integral part of our unique hospitality. Monday to Sunday, day or night, depending on “what tickles your fancy”, the city is abuzz with flavours of our culture. Every night of the week is karaoke night as most bars now have at least one “Sing Along” night per week with special offers on drinks for those who need liquid courage. The weekend hype starts with Friday After Work hangs that slip smoothly into a pulsating nightlife. “Live” entertainment is a weekend special. Live Bands entertain around the hotel circuit on select nights. Majestics, Caribbean Hotshots, The Georgetown Jazz Project as well as One Man Bands provide a surprising mix of genres to get you on your feet. Steel Pan Concerts on Sundays in the scenic Botanical Gardens. Mega Concerts featuring Top International Artists and Guyanese favourites attract thousands of Guyanese as well as hundreds of visitors from neighbouring Suriname as well as sister Caribbean Islands. Popular hang-out spots are scattered throughout the city, Sweet Point on Orange Walk (known to some as Bam Bam Alley), Frenzy’s on Albert Street, Roopa’s Bar and Seeta’s Bar in Kitty, the newly reno-

Christmas The major Christian festivals that are celebrated in Guyana are Christmas and Easter. These festivals are enjoyed and celebrated by all Guyanese. During this time, people normally do general cleaning of the house, repairs or any other works that need to be done on their homes are taken care of at this time. This is done in the perspective of the coming of Jesus Christ who was born in Nazareth. The women

FESTIVALS IN GUYANA

Travel to Guyana and experience our public holidays either religious or non religious and celebrated by all Guyanese. These reflect our motto, ‘one people, one nation, one destiny.’ Guyanese, regardless of their religious orientation - Hindus, Muslims or Christians, are all part of a big community. Travel around Guyana and experience our cultural heritage which is not separated or isolated in compartments and thus cannot exist without the other. The government has made National Holidays the days of celebrations for each major festival and events of the Guyanese people. This was done so that Guyanese can be actively involved in each other’s festivals both religious and secular. There are some festivals that help to shape and foster the Guyanese culture both religious and non religious. Some of those festivals are mentioned below:would then put up clean curtains, scrub the floors among other small jobs. There are plans for the famous black cake. Within days be-

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fore fruits are soaked before the cake is baked. Among other dishes baked or cooked during this time is pepper pot, garlic pork and ginger beer. A few nights before Christmas , leading up to the holiday, the old and even the young folks move from house to house singing carols. There is a famous phrase in Guyana that plays on the radio ‘Christmas comes once a year, and every man must have his share, only poor Willy in the jail, drinking sour ginger beer.’ During this time the men folk indulge in a lot of drinking and eating, the women cook and clean, parents take the children to see ‘Santa Clause’ at some one of the department stores. There are also a lot of parties and dances during this season. Churches hold services that depict the reason for the season. And it does not matter who you are or what religion one might belong to, this season is celebrated by all. Boxing Day In Guyana St. Stephen’s day is known as Boxing Day which is a national holiday. It is said that St Stephen was a Christian martyr who was stoned to death. On this day his death is remembered by taking part in all forms of rough sports or games. It is customary or was a custom to take box presents to relatives and friends. But Guyanese celebrate this day by going to parties, picnics, visiting friends, among many other social events.

Arrival Day Despite the recruitment of West Indian, African and Portuguese and other European labourers, this did not help very much to ease the labour shortage. After the West Indian islands placed restrictions on emigration, the sugar planters in Guyana began to look further afield to obtain a large labour force. One of them, John Gladstone, the father of the British statesman, applied for permission from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to recruit Indians to serve in Guyana for a five-year period of indenture. Gladstone himself owned a sugar plantation in West Demerara. By this time Indians were being taken to Mauritius to work on the sugar plantations and were proving to be very productive. Gladstone’s request was granted and he, Davidson, Barclay and Company, Andrew Colville, John and Henry Moss, all owners of sugar plantations in Guyana, made arrangements to recruit 414 Indians. Of these 150 were “hill coolies” from Chota Nagpur, and the remainder were from Burdwan and Bancoorah near to Calcutta.

who arrived in May 1838, 48 had died by January 1839. By the end of the indentureship period in 1843, an additional 50 died. It was clear that the immigrants did not acclimatise well and fell sick very quickly. At the end of 1843 when their period of indenture came to an end, 236 Indians (206 men, 12 women, 14 boys and 4 girls) departed for India in two ships, the Louisa Baillie and Water Ditch. Sixty others opted to remain in Guyana. The day is celebrated with grand events throughout the country. The Guyana Dharmic Sabha stages a grand event at the National Stadium depicting all traditional Indian foods, utencils, models of their logies(homes), traditional wear and many other items reminiscent of the past. Like on the West Coast there are floats on tractors and trucks depicting similar history and tradition which all assemble at the Joe Vieira Park, located west of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

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(The word “coolie”, a corruption of the Tamil word “kuli”, referred to a porter or labourer). To transport these Indians, two ships, the Whitby and Hesperus were chartered. The Whitby sailed from Calcutta on the 13 January 1838 with 249 immigrants, and after a voyage of 112 days, arrived in Guyana on the 5 May. Five Indians died on the voyage. The ship immediately sailed to Berbice and 164 immigrants, who were recruited by Highbury and Waterloo plantations, disembarked. The ship then returned to Demerara and between 14-16 May the remaining 80 immigrants landed and were taken to Belle Vue Estate. Of the total of 244 Indians who arrived on the Whitby, there were 233 men, 5 women and 6 children. The Hesperus left Calcutta on the 29 January 1838 with 165 passengers and arrived in Guyana late on the night of the 5 May, by which time 13 had already died. The remaining 135 men, 6 women and 11 children were distributed between the 8-10 May to the plantations Vreedestein, Vreed-en-hoop and Anna Regina. On their arrival, the male adult Indians agreed with the estate owners to a five year contract under certain terms and conditions. However, they were ill treated and brutalized . Some of the Indians on the Berbice sugar estates were generally well treated. Nevertheless, the death rate was relatively high. Of the 396 Indians

Easter This is an exciting time of the year for all Guyanese. The Easter season symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. On Good Friday businesses are closed. It is

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usually a somber day with special programmes or movies played to show the Passion of Christ. There are many church services that reflect on the holiday season. Then all the fun starts on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. When looking up in the sky one could see hundreds of kites flying. These are usually in different shapes and colors; the sweet buzzing sounds of the kites, is a wonderful site. The Kite season would normally start a few days or a month before Easter. This is when the children and even adults would buy colored kite paper and start to make the kite of their choice. In Guyana it is very important for a person to have kites that can fly the highest and buzz the loudest. It is fun for some to have razor blades at the tail of their kites so that when it moves in the sky the wind will swing and cut the string or punch a kite that is close by. This may sound very mean, but it’s all part of the fun. Kite flying is mostly done on the sea wall, Hope Beach, National Park or in any wide open spaces where the wind is strong. Deepavali Or Divali In Guyana this is one of the most colorful festivals known as Divali or Deepavali. This means ‘festival of

lights’. This festival is celebrated by Hindus and occurs late in November 2013. Divali is normally celebrated for four days and during this time people pray, fast and greet each other. But to understand Divali one needs to know about the great Hindu hero Rama. This can be found in the Ramayana (Hindu holy book) that is often read at festivals. King Dasarata had three wives. His first wife give birth to a son called Rama. The second wife, Queen Kaiiteye, did not take to him very much because he was the next heir to the throne. Instead she wanted her son, Prince Bharat to be king. So she banished Rama and Sita his wife, from the kingdom forever. In the forest they lived for fourteen years and whilst being there in the forest Rama fought evil people. Sita was kidnapped by Ravana and taken to his kingdom. Rama won the war, rescued Sita and brought her back to the forest. He later returned to his kingdom after fourteen years. The people were glad for their return including Prince Bharat who was King during his absence. Then King Bharat willingly handed over the throne to Prince Rama and welcomed him with open arms. This is when they light tiny lights(dias) along the pathway

Eid-Ul-Azha Ramadan is one of the most important times of the year for the Muslim community. Thus, it is not always held the same time each year, because the Muslims count their months depending on the moon which generally change from year by year. During this time they are required to fast and do not eat nor drink between sunrise to sunset. In fasting it requires or encourages them to have good thoughts

and do kind things. At the end of this fasting period which is usually a month the Muslims celebrate a day known as ‘Eid’. On this day special foods are made and people feast with their family and friends as well as their neighbors. Muslims who can afford to make a pilgrimage to Mecca (the Holy City), at least once in their lifetime. This is a reminder in memory of the sacrifice of Ishmeal. God had asked Abraham to offer his son Ishmeal as a sacrifice to show his devotion to him. Even though Abraham loved his son dearly, he was willing and prepared to do what God had asked him to do. As he was about to carry out his task, God stopped him and told him he was an obedient servant. And instead of his son he was asked to sacrifice a goat instead. Muslim remember this by making sacrifices of goats and cows and share it with their family, friends, neighbors and to the poor. There are other Muslims festivals of ‘Eid’ that have different meanings.

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to lead them out of the forest. Since this return the day is known as Divali, the festivals of lights and is celebrated by the Hindus every year. Every part of the house is cleaned and new curtains are hung. Special foods on this day are prepared include metai, halwa and many other sweet meats. On this day as well, homes are decorated with clay cups that contains oil and a wick. This is always a beautiful and marvelous sight to see. There are also services at the Hindu temple (Mandir) at this time. Many Guyanese love to move around the towns, villages and communities to admire the diyas that decorate the homes and lawns. There is an annual diwali parade where vehicles are beautifully decorated, sponsored by various companies enroute from Georgetown to LBI Community Centre Ground in an entourage. They are judged and prizes given out. Huge crowds line the route along the seawall and East Coast road to witness this sight.

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was the first of such village to be bought and owned by freed slaves. They were given a chance to grow their own produce and sell the food themselves. On this day grand events are held throughout Guyana, in celebraEmancipation Day tion, for all Guyanese to attend. Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, In Georgetown, an all day activas it was earlier called, marks the ity at the National Park involving abolition of slavery in 1834 and is a stage presentation with African celebrated in Guyana on August 1. drumming, authentic creole food, The end of the abolitionism brought clothing, wraps, jewelry, games about a new phase in Guyana; the and lots of fun. A healthy mix of all villages started getting established, Guyanese, dressed in colourful and there was a struggle of the trade fashionable African regalia, in celunion movement and the open- ebration. It is organized by ACDA. ing of the hinterland through the pork knockers. Thus, there was an Phagwah opening for civil services and arte- Is a Hindu festive holiday that is sian shops. Freedom Day kicked off celebrated in March that deals with indentured labor, which attracted the triumph of good over evil. Trathe Portuguese, Chinese and East ditionally on this day , Hindus wear Indians to the country. white and participate in throwing With the fall of slavery, there was powder, water, perfume or red a radical change in the colonial life. liquid called abeer on each other. By 1838, the overall emancipation This is a red dye which symbolizes had come into action. The end of the tyrannical blood of King Kiranya slavery had sparked several chang- who in Hindu teachings was burnt es. Many former slaves swiftly de- alive by his son Prince Prahalad parted the British plantation. Some because of the way in which the of them shifted to villages and people had suffered at the hands towns with a feeling that the field of the father. In these days the liqlabor was inconsistent and degrad- uid takes on different colours and ing with freedom, whereas others are thrown on family, neighbors, accumulated their resources for friends, by Hindus and non-Hindus. purchasing the estates, which were abandoned, and helped in the crea- Youman Nabi tion of village societies. Another Muslim festival celebratSetting up of small settlements of- ing the birth and death anniversary fered new communities constitut- of Prophet Muhammad. He was ing Afro-Guyanese people. Victoria born in Mecca after the death of

to commemorate Guyana for being a Republic nation. This is one of the most colorful of all festivals because of the multitude of colors. During this time there are singing competitions, float parades, masquerade bands, and dancing in the streets to the beat of steel band, soca, calypsos and chutney music. In the streets masqueraders perfume acrobatic dance routines which is a vivid reminder of Guyana’s African Heritage. The calypso, soca and chutney competitions are in full swing as Mashramani persons vie to be champion King This word is derived from the Am- or Queen for the year. The float paerindian language and is trans- rade competitions are also judged lated to mean “the celebration of in various categories. Large crowds a job well done” or “celebration gathered along the route in Church after hard work”. The day is some- Street, Vlissengen Road and Thomtimes referred to as “Mash” and as Road (the route for the parade) observed on the 23rd February - and picnic, party or tramp behind which is Republic Day for Guyana – the bands for much fun and frolic.

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his father Abdullah. He lived for 63 years. The Holy Quran was revealed to this Prophet by God Almighty (Allah) through Angel Gabriel. He dedicated his life towards the teachings of Islam and upbringing of the Muslim Ummah. Muslims in Guyana pay tribute to the Holy Prophet Mohamad on YoumanNabi with services held in rememberance of the life and teachings of their beloved Prophet. Also, on this day, they give alms to the poor and persons who are in need.

FISHING

Rockstone Fish festival The Rockstone Community, approximately (18) eighteen miles from Linden is renowned as a fishing community where the waters are teeming with several varieties of fish- Haimara, Bassa, Arawana, Lukanani (Peacock Bass), Hassar, Perai, Tiger Fish and the Mighty Arapaima ‘The Rockstone Fish Festival’ is held annually in October (now in its 10th year),with visitors for the 2 day event totaling approximately 2000. Fantastic prizes and trophies are given out to winners of the Fish Cooking Competition, the Fish Deboning Competition, the Smoke Fish Competition and to the Largest Catch Competition. The festivities will feature an Amerindian Village. Amerindian cuisines are on sale, ranging from pepper pot to tuma pot to piwari. This community based event has grown tremendously over the years. Rockstone, located in Region 10, some two hours from the capital

city, is a perfect getaway paradise. Contact can be made with: Trudy Scott – 663 6043, Coretta Brathwaite – 662 3576, W. Simmons – 444 6374. Email: info@lindentourism.com www.lindentourism.com or Shiba Kaliko Resort (For overnight and organized fishing trips). 17 Mile, Rockstone Tel:592-618-4499/220-3630 Rewa Village is another prime location for fishing (see Guyana towns, villages & counties) of over a hundred species of catfish, the Payara Dracula Fish, Basha and Tiger Catfish. There are also populations of Lukanani Peacock Bass, Arawana, Giant Haimara and four species of Piranha. The endangered arapaima is found here and can be fished in a ‘catch and release’ programme. Fly rods and reels can be used to catch this largest scaled fresh water fish in the world. Contact Wilderness Explorers or any tour operator (see resorts/tour operators page).

Fishing in the Mahaica River Customised fishing tours are available for the avid fisherman. Fishing is seasonal Depending on the time of year and the type of fish sought the boat ride takes between one to two hours on the river to get to the best fishing spots.

The two most sought after sports fishing species which are available here are the Peacock Bass and the Tarpon. The Peacock Bass is most abundant during the months of July to October and the Tarpon from May to June. Contact: Ms Kavita Ram Tel 682 0690 Email: info@mahaicatours.com Website:www.mahaicatours.com

FISHING

Fishing in the Abary Creek (fly fishing) Lukanani and tarpon are in abundance in the Abary Creek. Ensure that your trip coincides with the fish season Contact: Hinterland Tours 76 First Ave., Subryanville, Georgetown Tel: 592- 226-2860 Email: hinterland.tours@networksgy.com

Fishing on the Essequibo Coast 34 Stelling Road, Adventure, Essequibo Coast Tel: 592-774-4624 Fishing in the Waini River, North West District. Gary James: Tel:592-777-5140

GUYANAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 10 ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS 76

GUYANAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 10 ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS Reg#1: Barima-Waini Regional Administrative Office Tel: 592-777-5011/5081 The Barima-Waini region gets its name from its two main rivers. The region is predominantly forested highland, bordered at the north by a narrow strip of low coastal plain. Reg#2: Pomeroon-Supenaam Tel: 592-771-4324 The Pomeroon-Supenaam region comprises forested highland and low coastal plain, but also takes in a small portion of the hilly sand and clay region.

to the Western bank of the Mahaica River, and is predominantly low coastal plain, with a small portion of the hilly sand and clay region further inland. Reg#5: Mahaica-Berbice Tel: 592-221-2278 The Mahaica-Berbice Region extends east of the Mahaica River to the west bank of the Berbice River. A large part of the region is low coastal plain. Further inland lie the Intermediate Savannahs and hilly sand and clay region.

Reg#6: East Berbice-Corentyne Reg#3: Essequibo Islands Tel: 592-333-3761 West Demerara East Berbice-Corentyne Region is Tel: 592-264-2692 the only one include parts of all the The Essequibo Islands-West Dem- four natural [geographic] regions: erara Region is made up of the is- coastal plain, intermediate savanlands in the Essequibo River such nah, hilly and sandy clay area and as Leguan and Wakenaam, and forested highland. It is also the only the Western portion of mainland Region with three towns: New AmDemerara. It is made up of low sterdam, Rose Hall and Corriverton. coastland, hilly sand and clay, and a small portion of forested highland Reg#7: Cuyuni-Mazaruni regions. Tel: 592-455-2209 (includes Bartica) contains two of Reg#4: Demerara-Mahaica the four natural regions: forested Tel: 592-256-3774 highlands and a small portion of The Demerara-Mahaica Region ex- the hilly sand and clay region. tends east of the Demerara River This Region brings to mind the

Reg#9: Upper TakutuEssequibo Tel: 592-772-2021 The Kanuku and Kamoa highlands and the vast Rupununi savannahs make up the Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo region. The forested Kanuku Mountains divide this Region in two. The north savannahs are about 2,000 square miles in area, and the south savannahs are 2,500 square miles.

Reg#8: Potaro-Siparuni Tel: 592-225-8655 (Radio room) The Potaro-Siparuni Region gets its name from the Potaro and Siparuni Rivers, which are tributaries of the Reg#10: Essequibo River. Upper Predominantly forested highDemeland with a small portion of rara-Upper hilly sand and clay, this Berbice region is home to the faTel: 592-444-6456 Map showing Guyana’s 10 Administrative Regions mous Kaieteur and OrinThe inland region duik Falls. The Kaieteur is of Upper Demeone of the highest single-drop wa- rara-Upper Berbice contains the terfalls in the world, and it is one of largest portion of the hilly sand and the beautiful sights in the Guyana. clay area. Guyana’s principal bauxThe waterfalls of this region are ite deposits are found in the White great tourist attractions. Sands area.

GUYANA’S 10 ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS

majestic Pakaraima mountain range. Mount Roraima (2,810 metres high, standing at the point where Guyana, Brazil and Venezuela meet) and Mount Ayanganna are in this mountain range.

GUYANESE LITERATURE 78

GUYANESE LITERATURE: A brief glimpse by Ameena Gafoor tivists, some with the aim of disAny just account of Guyanese lit- banding the institution of slavery erature must foreground the rich and, later, to critique the system oral literatures of the indigenous of indentureship. Notably, Edward peoples who have inhabited these Jenkins’s report, The Coolie: His lands for thousands of years. Writ- Rights and Wrongs, was published ten accounts of explorers, cartogra- in England in 1871 and was the first phers and botanists who ventured comprehensive account of the East into the Guianese jungle began Indian indentureship system. Jenfrom the late sixteenth century kins later gave “flesh, heartbeat with Walter Ralegh‘s Discoverie and animation to dry data” in literof Guiana (1595) which brought ary form in Lutchmee and Dilloo: A Guiana into the consciousness of Study of West Indian Life (1877). the western This novel effecworld. These tively brought the adventurindentured Indian ers, among and the rich artistic them, the heritage of India Schomburgk Guyana Prize for Literature and Caribbean Awards- Prime into the English litb r o t h e r s , Minister, Moses Nagamootoo (fifth from left) is flanked by erary tradition Adrian Van from (left to right) Subraj Singh, Stanley Niamatali, Maggie Among the early Berkel, Hen- Harris, David Dabydeen, Barbara Jenkins, Eddie Baugh. novelists who ry Bolingsought to give psybroke, to name a very few, left an chological realism to the Guyana impressive archive of travelogues. landscape through works of ficNorman Cameron’s anthology tion are W.H. Hudson whose Green Guianese Poetry: Covering the Mansions was first published in Hundred Years’ Period, 1831-1931, the US in 1904; and Evelyn Waugh indeed the first anthology of Guia- whose A Handful of Dust (1934) nese literature, appeared in 1931 affords a glimpse into the formidaand offers a survey of an emerging ble Guyana jungle and its isolated national poetics, the poetics of Em- tribes. pire and slavery. C.E.J. Ramcharitar- The pre-independence period saw Lalla followed with an Anthology of the blossoming of an essentially Local Indian Verse (Georgetown: native literature with the rise of the Argosy, 1934), effectively marking prolific novelist Edgar Mittelholzer the entry of the (East) Indian into (his first published work, Corentyne the Guianese literary tradition. Thunder, 1941) followed by Wilson Religious missionaries were joined Harris and Jan Carew (incidentally, by the abolitionists and social ac- these three writers all have roots in

and Other Stories has won the Guyana Prize for Literature 2014) are adding their voices to the rich literary tapestry to which Guyana is heir. Guyanese in the Diaspora continue to create works that deepen our understanding of self and society. To be counted among them are: Cyril Dabydeen, Sasenarine Persaud, Jan Shinebourne, Maggie Harris. Guyana honours its writers with The Edgar Mittelholzer and The Martin Carter Memorial Lectures delivered every year by eminent Guyanese and Caribbean scholars.

The Arts Journal For Submission of Articles and Subscriptions: Tel: [592] 2227-6825 / 220-3337 Email: theartsjournal@live.co.uk www.theartsjournal.org.gy

GUYANESE LITERATURE

New Amsterdam, a former Dutch township at the mouth of the Berbice River). Martin Carter with his fiery revolutionary poems added impetus to the thrust for Independence while Roy Heath who had migrated to England since 1950 has left us a discerning chronicle of twentieth century Guyana in nine novels that he first started to publish in 1974. The pioneering writers who contributed to a national literature include Rajkumarie Singh, Sheik Sadeek, A.J. Seymour, Basil Balgobin, Jan Carew, Peter Kempadoo, among others. Imaginative prose fiction and poetry have remained central to the lives of Guyanese. The postindependence period has thrown up masters of the novel, short story form, as well as poetry: David Dabydeen, Mark McWatt, Rooplall Monar, Fred Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aguiar and Harischandra Khemraj. Women writers such as Mahadai Das, Jan Lowe Shinebourne, Grace Nichols, Beryl Gilroy, Pauline Melville, and Ryhaan Shah have all written award winning books that give valuable insight into the social history and culture of our nation and the submerged experiences of our diverse peoples. Notably, Wilson Harris who produced twenty-five stunning and magical novels from Palace of the Peacock (1960) to The Ghost of Memory (2006) was knighted in 2012 by Queen Elizabeth 11 for his lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s labours. New and emerging writers, among them Subraj Singh (whose Rebelle

Gold, Bauxite, Diamond, Sand, Stones, Loam, Manganese, Rare Earth Elements, Iron Ore.

From the very inception of mining in Guyana in the 1880s, the sector has been highly regulated and formalized. Over the 130 years since, various governments differed in their motives for intervening in the industry, but at no time was the activity ignored or allowed to run unfettered. As a case in point, it has been mandatory, since the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first mining law in 1880, for all those involved in gold mining to be licensed or registered. The mining and metals industry is well placed to contribute to the resolution of the climate change challenge. Many mining and metals companies are measuring, managing and reducing their own greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. More Raw Gold

significantly the industry is also supplying the materials needed to build a low carbon future. In addition to managing their own emissions, the mining and metals industry also makes a broader contribution in providing the minerals and metals required for the transition to a low carbon economy. Many abatement options have the potential for reducing global GHG emissions, including reducing consumption, low carbon energy technologies and improvements in transportation systems and building infrastructure. The transition to our low carbon economy will require a focus on energy efficiency on many fronts. Energy efficiency initiatives in the mining and metals industry are already driven by cost savings opportunities and security of supply considerations. Emissions management is another driver. Welldesigned policies will encourage further energy efficiency improvements across all sectors of the economy in the transition to a low

GUYANAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MINERAL

Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Extractive Industries:

GUYANAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MINERAL 82

The Majestic Kaieteur Falls

carbon economy. From a countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development perspective, the most important component of the economic benefits from extractive industries is usually the flow of revenues that can be used for growth-promoting public expenditures. As such, a changing climate presents physical risks to mining and metals operations because these industries are often located in challenging geographies, rely on fixed assets with long lifetimes, involve global supply chains, manage climate sensitive water and energy resources, and balance the interests of various stakeholders. However, the mining and metals sector is already very experienced at identifying and managing risks.

Increased temperatures, changes in precipitation, sea level rise and extreme events may become additional stressors with the potential to exacerbate existing risks managed by mining and metals companies. A changing climate also holds financial and business opportunities for the mining and metals sector. The nature of the mining and metals business already requires companies to engage in activities that support adaptation to future climate change. Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment Telephone: (+592) 231-2506-11 Email: ministry@nre.gov.gy Website: www.nre.gov.gy

GUYANESE PROVERBS Chicken gat feddah, but he canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do fowl wuk. Youth has its limitations. Experience teaches wisdom. Hurry, hurry, spile yuh curry. Look before you leap. All cassava gat same skin, but all nah taste same way. Though people may look alike because of their mode of dress, they are different in their ways. Baby who ah cry ah house, and ah door, a de same thing. The same manner in which you treat your child, you should treat anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Belly full behind drunk. After you have eaten and drunk a lot, you tend to become lazy. Bush got ears, and dutty got tongue. Sometimes you think that what you do or say nobody sees or hears, but yet your secrets are known. Cuss when yuh ah guh, nah wheh yuh ah come out. You must not curse the place that you have come from, because some-

time in the future you may have to return. Contrary breeze ah mek crow and eagle light on one line. When there is trouble, enemies are sometimes forced to get together to solve problems.

GUYANESE PROVERBS

Gold Frog

Cow deh a pasture, he nah remember seh dog and butcher deh tell he see am. Sometimes when you think you are safe, danger is lurking nearby Cat a ketch rat, but he a teef he massa fish. Good and evil come from the same source. Clath a easy fuh dutty, but hard fuh rub. Having achieved a goal, it is difficult to retain it. De mouth dat man tek fuh court woman, ah de same mouth he ah tek an put she ah door. When a man is courting a woman, he is very concerned, kind, and considerate, but when the novelity of the relationship is over, he finds faults and is unkind.

GUYANA’S TOWNS, VILLAGES & COUNTIES 84

Bartica

Guyana’s Towns, Villages & Counties

BARTICA, during the Dutch era The annual ‘Bartica Regatta’ is held Bartica was named ‘Plantation Vryheid’, now the Amerindian word, means ‘red earth’ found abundantly in the area. This mining town considered the gateway to the interior is located at the estuary of three great riversEssequibo, Mazaruni and Cuyuni. It was developed from an Anglican missionary settlement, established in 1842. Today the only Benedictine Monastery in Guyana is situated on the western side of the town. It is a beautiful old colonial style wooden house set on the hillside surrounded by a beautiful garden of ferns, crotons and a variety of flowers. The building is no longer functioning as a place of worship. Bartica is a bustling little town with a population of 10,000. It has a Hospital, primary and secondary schools, a regional office, banks, hotels, bars, restaurants and an active night life. Miners frequent the town to spend their gains after weeks in the mining camps. It has a large population of Brazilians, owning hotels, supermarkets, shops and restaurants.

as a one-week event for the Easter Holidays and includes a number of aquatic and non-aquatic events plus the popular Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant. It attracts Guyanese and visitors alike. In August it organizes the annual ‘Pork Knockers Day’ and a summer Regatta. A one-hour ride on the river taxi from Parika and you will be in Bartica or 4 hours by Ferry.

BERBICE, travelling to Ber-

bice, since December 23rd 2008, has been made much easier and quicker with the new Berbice River Bridge. A three-minute drive across this new structure which starts from D’Edward village on the West Coast and stretches 1.5 kilometers across to Crab Island, on the Eastern Bank of the Berbice River brings you out to Palmyra village and the ‘Ancient County’ of Berbice. The Ferry still serves foot passengers, cyclists and heavy cargo trucks. In 6 hours one can leave Georgetown and be in Suriname travelling across the bridge, then further travel on the Canawaima

Ferry across the Corentyne River to Nickere, Suriname. Continue travelling across Suriname will take you to French Guiana. Berbice has many Banks, Insurance Companies, Telephone Companies, Schools, Magistrates Court, a high Court in New Amsterdam, Hospitals, Health Centres, Regional Offices, Town Councils; it has 3 townsNew Amsterdam (the second largest and oldest town in Guyana), Rose Hall and Corriverton. . The first settlement, Fort Nassau, is 55 miles upriver. The Dutch then moved this settlement in 1784 to what is now New Amsterdam and made it the seat of Government in 1785. In 1790 the colonists gave it this name because most of them originated from Amsterdam in Holland. This town has over 35,000 inhabitants and it’s aesthetically quaint and regal buildings - Ituni Temple, Mission Chapel, Government House and the Town Hall–office of the Mayor, all standing proudly amongst the modern concrete high risers. The new and modern state-of-the-art Hospital and the country’s only mental institution

are located at the southern end of the famous Canje Bridge. There is no shortage for visitors accommodation- check out Little Rock Suites or The Berbice Inn in New Amsterdam. Great Guyanese dishes are served up at Caribbean Cuisine, one of the finest restaurants around. Bauxite and Sugar provide the majority of Berbicians with employment. A ride in the popular ‘Tapir’ as cheap transportation on the roadways of Corriverton might be considered adventurous. A trip to the Upper Corentyne will not be complete without a visit to the ‘No. 63 Beach’ which extends for many miles with the North Easterly trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean in full force and the coastline of Suriname visually distinctive to the East. Overnighting in Corriverton is made easy with its many hotels-City Inn Hotel, Paraton Inn, Tej mohal and Riverton Suites are among them.

GUYANA’S TOWNS, VILLAGES & COUNTIES

63 Beach, Berbice

Mission Chapel Congregational Church:

this edifice was constructed after the first Mission Chapel which was

GUYANA’S TOWNS, VILLAGES & COUNTIES

founded by Reverend John Wray was destroyed by the order of the planters who blamed the missionaries for the1823 slave insurrection. Under the ministry of Ebenezer Davies, the foundation stone of this structure was laid in 1841.

The New Amsterdam Town Hall:

This imposing structure was erected in 1868 after the establishment of the Board of Superintendants in 1844. The tower encircled by a All Saints Scots Church was ‘widow’s walk is one of the main arfounded circa 1820 through the chitectural features of this edifice. assistance of the Public Teasury.

ESSEQUIBO COAST,

In 1838 the present structure was built when the Scots acquired a plot of land to erect a church and later a school to cater for the population of New Amsterdam.

Ituni 86

to one of Guyana’s oldest fraternity the Freemasons Lodge. Timber louvres and stained glass windows in the small tower with intricately designed fretwork are noteworthy features of this edifice.

Temple: this elegant wooden building was constructed in the late 19th century. It is home

crossing the Essequibo River, the largest of our rivers in Guyana and third largest in South America, we arrive at Supernaam from Parika. Guyana, land of many waters, is very evident in this county. Numerous lakes- Lake Capoey, Ituribisi or the Hot and Cold Lake, Lake Mainstay – can all be found here. On the third weekend of August the Lake Mainstay Resort would host its annual ‘Lake Mainstay Regatta’ in this Cinderella County, attracting thousands of spectators, many overnighting to relax and enjoy the facility. The aquatic events are speed boat racing, jet skiing, kayaking, and swimming. A number of non-aquatic activities are

also available. The resort sits at the edge of the lake. Rice, coconut and cash crop farming are the main occupation of its residents. The town of Anna Regina, has a regional office, market and a number of hotels are strewn along the Coastline from Suddie to Charity, welcoming visitors. One can feel the refreshing North East Trade winds on the drive along the coast (about 30 miles stretch of road) to Charity. It is the gateway to the Pomeroon River, a bustling community where all the residents from the neighbouring villages along the Pomeroon River converge for marketing and business. Charity is famous for its Monday morning market. It has been rapidly developing with international fast food franchise, an air conditioned supermarket, nightclubs and hotels. The Essequibo Coast has approximately 150,000 people. Take a trip down the Pomeroon River to Adelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resort. Wakenaan and Leguan are 2 Islands in the mouth of the Essequibo River. Tiger Island, near to Wakenaam, boasts the Hamburg Beach popular for large picnics at Easter time and Emancipation Day.

Damon Statue

Damon was an enslaved African who was executed for his role in the protest against a new system of apprenticeship on August 8, 1834, in Trinity Parish, Essequibo. Damon led the men in a strike declaring that they were free men and would only work for half of the day. As their leader, he raised a flag in the Trinity churchyard at La Belle Alliance, which they had occupied during their protest. For his role in the protest, he was hanged. The erection of a monument to honour the fallen hero, Damon, was proposed by the Guyana Commemoration Commission in 1985. Mr. Ivor Thom was selected to sculpt the monument. He inter-

GUYANAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOWNS, VILLAGES & COUNTIES

Regatta at Lake Mainstay, Essequibo Coast.

GUYANA’S TOWNS, VILLAGES & COUNTIES

viewed many persons who claimed They were descendants of Damon. Six clay models were cast before one entitled ‘Maquette’ was chosen as the design of the sculpture. Claude Geddes, of Brass Aluminium and Cast Iron Foundry Limited, cast the sculpture in bronze. Upon completion, the monument was displayed in front of the Parliament Buildings allowing the residents of the city an opportunity to view the sculpture. As pioneers in the fight for Guyana’s freedom, the monuments of Cuffy and Damon faced each other from opposite ends of Brickdam. The monument is a ‘reminder to all Essequibians of the struggles of their forefathers, which is now manifested in a truly independent Guyana’, the Regional Development Council of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) in 1988, erected the Damon Monument. This monument of Damon in a giant chair, sculpted of bronze, weighs three tons and stands nine feet tall. It rests on a concrete plinth. The sculpture was unveiled at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast on the 150th anniversary of Emancipation celebrations on July 31, 1988 at Damon Park. Many of the officials of the State who were in attendance remarked at the beauty of the new monument.

Damon’s Cross 88

mon, an enslaved African was buried after being executed for his role in the 1823 Demerara uprising.

The Devonshire Castle Monument

This monument, located in the County of Essequibo, was erected in memory of five indentured workers: Kaulica, Beccaroo, Maxidally, Baldeo and Auckloo who were killed during a protest on 29 September 1872. It was first unveiled by William Badar on 29 September 1985 and then reconstructed and rededicated by the National Trust of Guyana on September 29, 2000.

Scenic Itiribisi (hot & cold lake)

Itiribisi Lake in Mashabo, an Amerindian community located several miles aback Huist T’Dieren village on the Essequibo Coast, is a scenic lake filled with etay palms. There is a spectacular view of the village of Mashabo from the lake.

ESSEQUIBO RIVER, third This simple concrete cross is be- largest in South America and larglieved to mark the spot where Da- est in Guyana with its source being

to the far left and Baganara Island Resort further down the Essequibo River. The Essequibo River branches out to the Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers. In the Mazaruni is the Mazaruni Prisons (once home for some of Guyana’s politicians), Benedictine Monastery, Baracara Falls, Baracara Resort, Marshall Falls rapids and BK International , a stone quarry and Marshall Falls rapids. Gold and diamond mining camps and dredges abound in these waterways. At the point where the Cuyuni meets the Mazaruni is Island of Kyk-over-al where the first Dutch Fort was built in the 1631. A day visit to the Essequibo River is well worth it.

Hogg Island, (sometimes referred to as Hog Island) is the largest of the hundreds of islands in the Essequibo River in Guyana, it is located just 5 km from the river’s mouth in its estuary into theAtlantic Ocean. The island used to be controlled by the Dutch when it was known as Varken Eiland or Hog Island, so named due to it being inhabited by a large number of wild hogs. Then in 1814 with the cesation of the Napoleonic Wars the British gained control of the Dutch colonies: Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo, leaving the Dutch with Suriname until 1975. The British had decided to keep the name of the island as the Dutch did “Hogg Island”. With a total area of 23 square

GUYANA’S TOWNS, VILLAGES & COUNTIES

the Amazon, is Guyana’s largest waterway spanning approximately 450 miles and flowing into the Rupununi River in Region 9, Lethem. It has approximately 365 Islands, with *Hogg Island being ¾ the size of Barbados. The other larger Islands that are inhabited and closer to the mouth are Wakenaam and Leguan . The River is about 22 miles wide at the mouth and experiences a tidal rise and fall every 12 hours. It rises 8 feet daily with a nip tide every full moon. The river has rocks, sandbanks and is about 80 feet deep in certain areas. Boat captains have to be very knowledgeable and know their course or stick to the channels at all times. One would encounter fishing nets as villagers cast long and wide nets, for their daily catch. Many of the inhabitants farm, fish or rear poultry and market their produce to nearby Parika or in Bartica. Interesting sites along the river is Fort Island to see the remains of the historic Dutch Fort Zealandia and the Dutch Heritage Museum (formerly the Court of Policy), the long stretch of natural beach where the Amerindian Village of Saxacalli is located. Shanklands Resort, Famous Guyanese singer Eddie Grant’s Island home, military Base Makouria can all be seen on the your left as you travel about 40 minutes of your journey. About 10 minutes later is Hurakabra River Resort on your right with Calf and Kaow Islands before you, then Bartcia. Sloth Island Nature Resort is

GUYANA’S TOWNS, VILLAGES & COUNTIES

miles (60 km2) this island is larger than many of the other Caribbeanislands. Its 250 residents are engaged mainly in the farming of rice and ground provisions. The population has decreased a lot because of migration to other parts of Guyana, However there is still a primary school and a church on Hogg Island.

LETHEM, with a population of

approximately 7000, lies on the Takutu River, which forms the border with Brazil, opposite the Brazilian town of Bonfim. Lethem is the largest town and main commercial centre of the Rupununi savannah. Power is provided by hydo-electricity from the Moco Moco Falls. This, the administrative centre of Region nine, boasts a hospital, a police station, an army camp, a telecommunication station, schools, guesthouses, restaurants and stores. It is also home of the Rupununi Weavers. Since the building of the Takutu Bridge, the town has been growing rapidly, with a large commercial centre, making shopping by BrazilLethem

ians a very lucrative business across the border. There are many hotels ranging from small to very large in terms of room-accomodation. The area’s other economic activities are plant and mineral extraction, and tourism. The indigenous population is comprised mainly of Makushi and Wapishana tribes. The Rupununi Savannah is divided into north and south by the Kanuku Mountains. Visitors can stay at cattle ranches there, and locals provide guided walks across the savannah and up into the hills. Overland camping treks to the falls, horse riding and hiking in the Rupununi, and whitewater rafting are just a few options. Savannah Inn can arrange trips to Buro Ranch for such activity, they can take you climbing the 100 odd steps to the top of the Moco Moco Falls or trips to Boa Vista in Brazil. It’s main annual tourist attraction is the famous Rupununi Rodeo held on the Easter weekend. This event attracts visitors from Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela and other parts of the world. Lethem can easily be described as

the gateway to South America It is named after Sir Gordon James Lethem, Governor of British Guiana from 1946- 1947.

alongside the Demerara River is reflective of old Linden, which was then known as McKenzie. Don’t miss an opportunity to stay at this Guest House. Many of the homes LINDEN, the Linden Highway that housed the expatriate staff are was built in the 1968 connecting still in use. An unusual feature of Linden to the remainder of Guyana linden is the numerous blue lakes by road. which have resulted from bauxite Transportation was mainly by the excavation. Demerara River which divides Linden from Wismar, Christianburg The Christanburg Waterand other villages. Linden is the Wheel, was installed in 1855 to gateway to Guyana’s hinterland by facilitate the operations of a saw road. Bauxite is the life blood of Lindeners. It is extracted from the mines and processed into dried bauxite to be converted into aluminum for the use of refractory material in the steel and other industries and for production of abrasive materials. Linden has all mill owned and operated by John the qualities of a town- market, Dalgleish Patterson. This water shopping centres, banks, hotels, wheel is a fine example of Guyana’s restaurants, clubs, Sports Ground industrial heritage. and it is the only town, other than Georgetown, to have a fully opera- St. Matthews Church, was tional theatre, Lichas Hall, recently constructed by the Presebyterians refurbished by LEAP for Carifesta was opened on 25 November 1898. in 2008 and a Museum. The ma- Today this church serves an imporjestic Watooka Guest House with tant role in the social and cultural its beautiful landscaped grounds lives of Lindens community.

GUYANA’S TOWNS, VILLAGES & COUNTIES

Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Region 10

GUYANA’S TOWNS, VILLAGES & COUNTIES 92

one of the largest houses constructed in British Guiana during the 1830s.Though this structure has been modified to accommodate the proceedings of the Court, many of its architectural features such as the brick columns, wooden St. Aidians Church, was con- jalousie windows and timber shutstructed in 19 July 1969, through ters are still visible. the efforts of the community . Situated on Burnhams’ Drive, which MABARUMA - NORTh WEST, runs parallel to the Demerara River. We associate Guyana with the This oval shaped church, with its miles of northern coastline and the transparent egg like dome set in mountainous interior to the south, an umbrella type roof stands out but in Mabaruma in the northwest in sharp contrast to the houses and – 40 minutes by air from Georgecommercial structures in the area. town – there is a different landscape of low hills and rolling valleys Watooka House, this elegant reminiscent of St. Lucia or Grenada. structure with its timber shutters, Visitors can enjoy the picturesque and jalousied- windows is a ster- palm-lined roadways, the pristine Mabaruma Creek, a tour of a cocoa estate, and a cooling dip in a tranquil nearby waterfall. Much of Mabaruma remains untouched, including the riverside stones used by Amerindian people for hundreds of years to sharpen their implements. In an agricultural country, the northwest is known for the heaps of succulent produce in its open-air ling example of Guyana’s reknown markets. wooden architecture. Constructed A big plus for travelers is that three in the late 19th century, this was local airlines, servicing the area daithe location for many of the finest ly, operate from the Ogle airport, balls and social gatherings in Lin- just 10 minutes from Georgetown. den. For repose, for interaction with unspoiled nature, for undulating valChristianburg leys and vibrant rivers, Mabaruma Magistrates’ Court - this is the place. edifice was formerly the residence of John Dalgleish Patterson. It was

Orealla- Basking in Paradise by Seeta Shah Roath The tranquil atmosphere of a small romantic village I discovered, after three hours boating up the Corentyne River in Guyana, gave me back my sense of balance that was elusive for so many years. This is Orealla where I have been spending my sabbatical for the last three months. I never regretted leaving the demands of deadlines and endless faculty meetings that left me exhausted with so little sleep before it’s time to start another hectic day. Orealla – an Arawak word meaning ‘White Chalk’ – an indigenous village that got its name from the surrounding chalk hills. Today, I sit back and enjoy the cool breeze wafting over the treetops to gently rustle my hair as I lay in my hammock on the porch of the charming Cortours guesthouse at the waterside. Nature’s daily charms are revealed with the first appearance of the sun peeping through palm trees before painting the calm waters of the river into a myriad of colours. Uninhabited islands hide yellow rays for a few seconds causing the

warm glow to seep up from among palm fronds as birds’ songs fill the air. Fishermen are revealed along the banks of the islands as they gather the morning’s catch. I recall eating my own catch the night before. Earl France, who is a wealth of information on the exotic plants and animals of the surrounding forest, had grilled it for me just the way I like it. The catfish, locals called basha, was delicious. I look forward to going out on the river again in the little dugout canoe throwing my line and simply relaxing in the early evening magic. I would sit on the placid water enjoying the soft breeze, listening to the sound of silence only broken by the occasional flock of squawking macaws and parrots flying to their upriver homes. Another day, I would go in the early afternoon and do some fly-fishing for peacock bass or lookanani as the locals call these fish that seem to skim over the water sparkling in the sun before descending again into the clear sweet water. A warm evening river swim provides a lovely finish to my fishing trips.

GUYANA’S TOWNS, VILLAGES & COUNTIES

A beautiful serene scene from a hill in Mabaruma

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I recall the uneventful two-hour bus journey from Georgetown to Carbwood Creek. I enjoyed the evening at the Mahogany hotel eating Pepperpot and cassava bread, with a glass of cooled coconut water while watching the brightly coloured unusual taxis, called the Tapirs, plying their fare. According to the Cortours guide, the Tapir is a vehicle build by Guyanese during the 70’s and 80’s. The Thursday evening 50-mile boat ride to Orealla was the last leg of the journey. I enjoyed watching the white houses on stilts as we passed many villages. The guide pointed out the Suriname Ferry Stelling and the historic Skeldon sugar estate. The river trip was relaxing for me. I noted the other passengers had rigged up hammocks taken out of their bags. Almost instantly, they seemed fast asleep yet within minutes of arriving at the Orealla Landing they quietly came out of their hammocks, rolled them up and packed them away. My first day was spent in the forest. The guide from Corentyne Tours seem anxious to show me all that Orealla had to offer. We travelled by the company’s 4x4 vehicle over the chalk hills and into the savan-

nahs. There were so many interesting birds, very old trees and wild flowers. I took so many photographs and intend to write about them in my journal on Orealla. Especially those that do not even exist in my book of South American Birds! There were so many different butterflies. I returned day after day into the forest on my own just taking photos of the birds and the butterflies. This is truly a nature paradise with its peculiar bio-diversity due its proximity to the chalk hills. My upriver excursions south of Orealla took me to the beautiful breathtaking Maopityan and Drios Falls. We camped over night so were able to enjoy the nightlife in the forest where the jaguar and puma are known to roam, according to our guide. Although we didn’t see or hear any large mammals, we were able to see night lilies and the red eyes of the caiman during our night tour. I hope to say on for the October Regatta, where Surinamese, Guyanese and visitors alike will participate in boat races, greasy pole, dancing and other competitions. Toshao David Henry and Earl France are trying to encourage me

to stay on for Christmas when the locals of the many Christian churches in Orealla celebrate in a big way. There is carol singing, school plays, barbeques and movie nights when all the young people come out to play in the community meeting place on the riverfront. “You will enjoy yourself with our food, drink, and merrymaking the Amerindian way. We are not only from the Arawak tribe but we have Macushi, Warraus, Wapishanas and even some Caribs,” said Earl France. Maybe I will stay for another three months. This tranquility will be difficult to leave behind even after six months.

Lukanani Peacock Bass, Arawana, Giant Haimara and four species of Piranha. This area of Guyana is part of the Arapaima Conservation Zone, an enormously successful program which has brought the prehistoric monster species back from the edge of extinction. Under the partnership of Conservation International and USAID, the Rewa villagers have developed a program of catch and release sports fishing which ensures a sustainable use of these valuable fish resources. With special permission from Government, fly fishermen from around the world have come to fight the largest scaled freshwater fish using Rewa Village, Located a only fly rods and reels. pleasant two hour boat ride from The Eco-Lodge is located in prime the Annai Airstrip, Rewa Eco-Lodge territory to see a wide variety of sits on a hillside at the confluence birds including the Harpy Eagle, of the Rewa and Rupununi Rivers. six species of monkey and often Fisher folks delight in drifting the the tracks of jaguar which prowl river for over a hundred species in the night. There are three selfof catfish, the Payara Dracula Fish, contained cabins and two double and other large denizens of the benabs, each complete with twin deep. Especially prized are fresh- beds, flush toilets and showers. water drum called Basha and the The staff prepares a variety of local Shovelnose Tiger Catfish. There are dishes and a small bar serves both seventeen oxbow ponds which of- cold drinks and cocktails. ten hold aggressive populations of

GUYANA’S TOWNS, VILLAGES & COUNTIES

Rewa Eco-Lodge

Come for the food. Stay for the rooms.

592.220.1091 | www.grandcoastal.com

| grandcoastal

Accommodation in Guyana ranges from hotels of various grades, guest houses and apartments. The cost for accommodation in Guyana varies from as low as $15.00 up to US$300 per night. We have tried to grade them, in terms of pricing, for you. IN GEORGETOWN EXCLUSIVE-$$$$$ Marriott Hotel Seawall Road, Kingston Tel: (592) 2312480 E: mhrs.geomc.reservations@marriotthotels.com

UPMARKET-$$$$ Cara Lodge 294 Quamina St. C/burg, G/town Tel: (592)225-5301 www.carahotels.com

HOTELS & GUEST HOUSES

Herdmanston Lodge 65 Peter Rose & Anira Sts. Queenstown Tel:225-0808 E: stay@herdmanstonlodge.com Website: www.hl.gy MID-RANGE-$$$ Brandsville 89-90 Pike Street, C/ville Georgetown Tel: (592)-227-0989/226-1133 231-7000 www.brandsville.com Comfort Suites Apartments 108 ‘A’ Barima Avenue Bel Air Park, Georgetown Tel: (592)-225-4816/225-0585 E: Barima108@yahoo.com W: www.comfortsuitesgy.com Grand Coastal Hotel 1 & 2 Area M Plantation Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara Tel:(592)220-1091/220-1288/ 220-2046 Fax: (592) 220-1498 E: reservations@grandcoastal.com Facebook.com/grandcoastal Website: www.grandcoastal.com Signature Inn 83 Laluni Street, Queenstown Tel:( 592) 226 2145, 227-5037 E: signatureinngy@gmail.com www.guyanahotels.biz or www.hotelsgy.com

HOTELS & GUEST HOUSES

Sleepin International Hotel 24 Brickdam, Georgetown Tel: 592-227-3467 E: reservations@sleepinguesthouse.com www.sleepinguesthouse.com Status International Hotel 102-109 Croal Street & Sandeman Place, Stabroek. Tel: (592) 227-7606/ 7610/ 7640/ 7643 Fax: (592) 227-7603 statushotel@yahoo.com.br www.statushotelgy.com The Durban Hotel 7 Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown. Tel: (592) 227-5890 Fax: (592) 227-5880 E: durbanh@gmail.com www.thedurbanhotel.com The Opus 48 Croal Street, Stabroek. Tel:592- 223-0301, 223-0302, 2230306, 223-0308, 223-0310 Fax :592 223-0291 E: info@opusgy.com The Tourist Villa 95 Fifth Avenue, Subryanville Tel:(592) 227-2199, 72186 E:booking@touristvillagy.com www.touristvillagy.com

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Xenon Hotel 87 Albert Street, Alberttown Tel: (592)225-0254 E: reservations@xenonhotelgy.com www.xenonhotelgy.com

WHEN YOU’RE IN

GUYANA STAY COMFORTABLY AT THE

SIGNATURE L

Inn

Suites & Apartments

ROOMS FROM $55

592-226-2145 592-227-5037 US: 305-848-3927 * Standard or Deluxe Rooms & Suites * Air Conditioned * Kitchenette * Cable TV * Direct Distance Dialling* Unlimited Internet Access • Courteous Service • Warm Hospitality • Hassle Free Atmosphere • Convenient Location 82 Laluni St, Georgetown signatureinngy@gmail.com Website: signatureinngy.com

K & V C International 221 South Road, Lacytown, G/town Tel:(592) 225-2304;225-0198 E: kvchotel@gmail.com Palace de Leon Hotel / Apartments / Suites 60 Croal St. Stabroek & 32 Public Road Kitty, Georgetown Tel # 592-227-7019/ 592-226-4374 E: palacedeleonhospitality2000@

HOTELS & GUEST HOUSES

BUDGET: $$

Campala Hotel 10 Camp Street, Werk en Rust Georgetown Tel:(592)225-1620, 225-2950-3 capsgy@yahoo.com

yahoo.com / leonlesruth@yahoo.com

FB- Palace De Leon Apartments / Suites Website: www.palacedeleon.com Rima Guest House Middle Street, Georgetown Tel:(592) 225-7401 rima@networksgy.com Sunset View International Hotel 1 David Street, Kitty Tel: (592) 223-6416 sunsetview@ymail.com www.sunsetviewhotelgy.com

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HOTELS & GUEST HOUSES

Sleepin Guest House & Bar 151 Church St., Alberttown, G/town Tel: 592-231-7667, 223-0991/2 reservations@sleepinguesthouse.com

www.sleepinguesthouse.com

In Berbice…New Amsterdam Little Rock Suites 10 Main and Church St., N/A Tel: (592) 333-2727/37, 333-4050 Fax: (592) 333-4446 E: littlerocksuitesgy@yahoo.com www.lrsgy.com The Berbice Inn Princess Elizabeth Road New Amsterdam Tel: (592) 333-3344 berbiceinn@gol.net.gy …..Corriverton City Inn Hotel 143 Line Path, Corriverton, Berbice Tel:592-339-2279/612-7710 E: Hemchand1223@yahoo.com FB: cityinnhomeawayfromhome Paraton Inn K & l, # 78 Coriverton, Tel: 592-335-3025 mahendraparasram@yahoo.com Riverton Suites #78 Springlands, Corriverton 592 335-3039 hotelriverton@hotmail.com

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Tejmohall 107 Section ‘A’ & 79 Corriverton Berbice Tel: 592-339-2520 USA-718-322-4421

In Essequibo… Xenon Hotel Charity, Essequibo Coast Tel: (592)771-4180 E: reservations@xenonhotelgy.com www.xenonhotelgy.com In Pomeroon, North West & Mabaruma… Broomes Guest House

HOTELS & GUEST HOUSES

HURAKABRA

RIVER RESORT

Essequibo River, Guyana. Tel. (592) 226-0240 (592) 624-8694 www.hurakabra.com

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MUSIC

MUSIC- GUYANESE TALENT

There is no doubt that Guyana is exploring and discovering the awesome potential that has laid dormant in our once struggling music industry. As new Guyanese stars emerge on the Local music scene and the established trail blazers open new frontiers in the international markets optimism is at an all time high. Kudos to Telecommunications giant GTT for believing and investing in Guyana’s Musical talent. The Jingle and Song Competitions have unearthed some of the richest new talent Guyana has to offer. The musical dexterity displayed by those who emerged as the top contenders is proof that there is definitely no shortage of talent in Guyana. Apart from creating the biggest spawning ground for aspiring talent, the Production has taken Guyanese Family TV entertainment to an unprecedented high with overwhelming local and on line viewership. Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora wait with abated breath for season 6. The dynamic X2 “Tag Team” (Adrian Dutchin & Jomo “Rubber Waist” Primo) with their high energy per-

formances has taken the Guyanese Diaspora by storm and overseas engagements for the duo keep them busy. Tamika Marshall also continues to make impressive inroads internationally with her constant flow of reggae love songs and collaborations with top Jamaican Reggae artiste. Chutney is a main ingredient in the Guyana Music Massala as front runners Fiona Singh, Terry Gagraj and Mahendra Ramkellawan serve up their delectable Spices for chutney lovers at home and abroad. Shelly G, Michelle ‘Big Red’ King, Tanecia DeFreitas, Vanilla and Fojo are also enjoying their share of the overseas spotlight. The Mashramani season (February) brings abuzz of activities in the Guyana music industry as competition time approaches. National Calypso, Chutney, Groovy and Power Soca competitions will be the main battle grounds as a host of singers, lyricists, musicians and recording studios face off for top bragging rights. The 2014 season produced the most Guyanese music for any calendar year. A proliferation of rhythms and genres and artistes

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show along with Terry Gajraj and many others. Guyana’s ethnicity has influenced its varied mixture of music- European, Amerindian, African, Indian and Caribbean. Long before Trinidad & Tobago claimed that they are the originators of Chutney Music, Guyanese Urmila Harris’s ‘Benjie Darling’ was hitting our airwaves back in the 60’s. Bill Rogers was our Shanto king and creator of this genre of music. His son Young Bill Rogers is following in his footsteps. Lord Canary (now boasts over 70 years in the calypso arena) and the late King Fighter were feared contenders in T&T calypso tents. They have all laid the foundation for the dynamic resurgence of the Guyanese Music Industry we are now experiencing. A good selection of Guyanese music can be found at Giftland Mall in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara and Matt’s Record Bar in Regent Street. Lisa Punch - Miss Guyana World 2015i

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provide a Madd Mix of Sweet Music, Guyanese, from any part of the world (…and we can be found in all parts of the world) would be proud to claim as their own. Guyana is also becoming a favorite destination for International Mega Artistes as local promoters ensure regular Star Studded treats for tens of thousands of Guyanese and music fans from neighbouring states and sister Caribbean countries. Soca King - Machell Montano, Rap Sensation – Rick Ross, Dance Hall Super Stars – Popcan, Tammie Lee as well as R& B Heart Throb R Kelly and John Legend have all graced the Guyanese stage. Famous and popular Indian playback singers, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik and more Muslim rock start Sami Yusuf are all in the mix performing at the Guyana National Stadium satisfying the thirst for much needed quality entertainment. The Stalwarts and Music Ambassadors continue to hold their own. Eddie Grant of the Equals fame has remixed his ‘Electric Avenue’ a few years ago and hit platinum with great international success. The Guyana Festival which was staged for the first time in August 2014, held a ‘Night of Legends’ which featured many of our singers of yesteryears. Dave Martins, Sammy Baksh, Sach Persaud and .. Lisa Punch, who was on the American singing competition show ‘Rising Star’ was welcomed home as a celebrity and performed on the

Of special note our reigning Miss Guyana World won the Talent segment of the Miss World Pageant held in China in December 2015.

RECREATIONAL SPOTS

National Park Located in Thomaslands, was originally named ‘Queen Elizabeth Park’ and was opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 on February 5th, 1966. Within the park, are the Burrowes School of Art with a sculpture of E. R Burrowes on its roof, a sculpture in honour of scouting in Guyana and the Children’s Millennium Monument. The latter was unveiled by former President Janet Jagan on March 15, 2000. It consists of a hemisphere at the base, an upside-down ‘L’ and the rising sun at the top of the structure. The vertical portion of the upside-down ‘L’ signifies the strength and growth of children, the shorter horizontal portion of the ‘L’ reflects the unlimited potential of children and the rising sun signifies the development of children. An inscription on the hemisphere at the base reads as follows, “Every child has the right to, A Name and Nationality, A Family, Healthcare, Education, Play ...” There are six

benches around the monument representing the six races of Guyana. The monument was designed by the artist Michael Khan. Many sporting groups use the park as practice grounds for games like Hockey, Football, Rugby, track and field. Many Guyanese use it for exercising, weekend and holiday picnics, fishing, cricket or relaxation. Large concerts are held at the pavilion with overseas artists, church crusades, annual Folk Festival on August 1st, flag raising ceremonies for Independence and Republic anniversaries and it is the final judging site for the Annual Mashramani (our carnival) float parade in February. It is great for family picnics and games on weekends. Some even try their hand at fishing in the ponds.

RECREATIONAL SPOTS

Play Park, Merriman’s Mall Georgetown.

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RECREATIONAL SPOTS 108

Band stand at Kingston Seawall, Georgetown

ment voted $72,000 to establish Sea Wall Built by Dutch colonists in 1872 and the Gardens, and John Frederick measuring 280 miles long, it was re- Waby, the first gardener, arrived placed by concrete in 1880. It is fa- in Georgetown in December 1878. voured for taking long walks or jog- He spent 35 years in Guyana landging to the refreshing cool breezes scaping one of the finest tropical and the lapping waves from the gardens in our region. nearby Atlantic Ocean. Traditional- An expansive garden style site that ly, on Sunday evenings, many peo- is perfect for weekend picnics or a ple gather along the sections of the trip to see the interesting variety dyke (which protects Georgetown of animals, both popular as well from flooding) located closer to the as those that are unique to Guycity to enjoy each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company, ana, showcased in their fenced-in savour Caribbean-flavoured music, habitats, or to absorb some of our hot dogs, fried chicken, hamburg- history by stopping at the place of ers and nuts, while the children the Seven Ponds (tombs of former enjoy a variety of rides. The sec- Presidents) & Mausoleum which tion between Vlissengen Road and houses the remains of the late Camp Street is a big open-air party President Forbes Burnham (the every Sunday evening, frequented by a much younger crowd. Aerial View of Seven Ponds, Botanical Gardens During Easter, kite flying is a very popular tradition along the sea wall. Botanical Gardens & Zoological Park The Botanical Gardens is one of Georgetownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular recreation parks. In 1877, Govern-

Promenade Gardens The Promenade Gardens is located on a portion of what was once a field known as Parade Ground, where slaves convicted of being involved in the 1823 East Coast Rebellion were hanged. Originally, the entire area was used for military parades and training. The grisly history of the area had long moved some members of the back to 1880, but the members of public to suggest it be made into a the Royal Agricultural Society were public garden, perhaps as a way of opposed to the idea. However in honouring those victims of an inhu1952, the Zoological Park was de- man system. In 1851, after funding was obclared open. tained, steps began to transform The Mausoleum the site into a garden which was Located at the Place of the Seven completed in 1853; seats were conPonds, this imposing monument is structed for the public in 1859. constructed of reinforced concrete Occupying one city block, with its and local materials. This monu- main entrance located on Middle ment is the final resting place of Street in Cummingsburg, the Promthe former President of Guyana, enade Gardens was designed by a Mr. Linden Forbes Sampson Burn- Trinidadian botanist. The garden ham, was erected in 1986. It was was constructed to offer a pleasant designed by architect Mr. George view for the Governor from his veHenry. randah in Carmichael Street. The Bandstand situated within the The Mausoleum Gardens was erected in commemoration of Queen Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diamond Jubilee. The Zoological Park This park exhibits a variety of the flora and fauna of Guyana. The first attempt to establish a Zoo dates

RECREATIONAL SPOTS

first elected president of Guyana). These gardens have a huge variety of tropical flowers and one of the finest collection of palms, as well as lovely lilies. An example of the gardens vast collection are the lotus and the immense Victoria Regia Lily, Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national flower, which was first discovered in the Berbice River.

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RECREATIONAL SPOTS 110

Completed in 1897, it is considered the oldest bandstand of three in the city. A well-known monument in the Garden is the Mahatma Ghandi monument in honour of the international icon of peace and advocator of non-violence. Along with several fountains and an arched walkway, a recent construction in the Gardens, is the Arya Samaj Monument erected in 2011. It has been suggested that the Promenade Gardens at one time boasted the largest range of wild orchids in the Caribbean before it fell into disrepair during the 80s and 90s. The site was rehabilitated in 2006 and the Bandstand refurbished by Republic Bank in 2009. In its earlier years the Promenade Gardens was used for several civic functions including entertainment from music bands; today, after refurbishment, it remains the site of many public and private events, including the popular annual Inner Wheel Club’s Easter Hat Show, weddings, and fashion photo shoots to name a few.

Mahatma Gandhi Promenade Gardens

Lusignan Golf Club For golfing, go to the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC). It is a members club and visitors may book tee time by calling the number below and indicate the size of your party, obtain club rules and rent clubs and/or purchase balls if necessary. Guests at the Pegasus Hotel may use the Club’s facility for free or at a reduced cost. Contact the front desk. Opens daily: 8:00am – 8:00pm Saturdays & Sundays: 7:00am – 11:00pm. The Club House is usually open after hours. Club House Tel: 220-5660

Sir Walter Raleigh came to Guyana in search of the fabled “City of Gold”. Guyana ’s tepui (table top-mountain) Roraima, inspired Conan Doyle’s “The Lost World”. Guyana has an irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty; pristine Amazonian rainforests, immense waterfalls, amazing wildlife, a vibrant indigenous culture, rich cultural heritage and the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. Guyana is a paradise for the nature lovers, adventure seeker and the eco tourist alike. As opposed to the sun and sand tourism product offered by many of its Caribbean neighbors, Guyana offers a distinct product—vast open spaces, sprawling savannahs, virgin rainforests, mountains, huge rivers and waterfalls, the most famous of which is the majestic Kaieteur Falls, known to be the highest single drop waterfall in the world and five times taller than Niagara Falls. Guyana also boasts an abundance of wildlife that includes more than 800 species of birds and over 1000 tree types in its virgin rainforest, numerous species of flora, a variety of fauna and spectacular birdlife. These sites are accessible by land, air and river and are served by high-quality eco-resorts in the interior. The capital, Georgetown, is well known for its picturesque, tree-

lined avenues, bustling markets, and wooden buildings, including the renowned St. George’s Cathedral, reportedly the world’s tallest wooden building. Visitors can explore the Rupununi Savannahs, the huge rivers and Lakes of the Essequibo, historic Dutch Forts, the Demerara River and creeks or fish for peacock bass up the Abary or Mahaica Creeks. There are resorts in all the various locations suitably outfitted for your comfort and safety. Lake Mainstay Resort on the Essequibo Coast, Baganara Island Resort, Hurakabra River Resort and Sloth Island Nature Resort in the Essequibo River. Among those in the North Rupununi are Surama Eco Lodge, Caiman House and Atta Lodge. For short and overnight visits, a drive from the Capital city is Jubilee Fun Park, Splashmins Fun Park, Marudi Creek and Umbrella Resort all offering something different to suit your needs. These resorts or fun parks are ideal if you are on a low budget or do not want to

RESORTS, LODGES & TOUR OPERATORS

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RESORTS, LODGES & TOUR OPERATORS

travel long distances. You can get to one of them from the Capital within 90 minutes. Just pack your own picnic baskets and for a small entrance fee (US$2.00 approx.) per person, spend a relaxing day in a hammock under a tree or an indigenous benab, swimming, indulging in various water sports like kayaks, pedal boats , water slides, jet skis or simply communing with nature In the past these creeks, like Long Creek, Dakara Creek, Madewini Creek, and Red Water Creek were frequented by Guyanese, especially on weekends or holidays for swimming and picnicking, at no entrance fee. The only difference today is that most of these creeks have been developed, some into modern Fun Parks like Splashmins and Jubilee while others retain their rustic and natural setting with modern conveniences like Umbrella Resort and Marudi Creek.

Hurakabra River Resort

Essequibo River & Coast Baganara Island Resort,

Soesdyke, Linden Highway Tel:610-5722

Essequibo River, Tel: (592) 222-2525 Email: reservations@evergreenadventuresgy.com www.evergreenadventuresgy.com

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Essequibo River Tel: (592) 225-3557 / 624-8694 Email:gemmadhoo@gmail.com fb: hurakabra river resort / hurakabra eco resort www.hurakabra.com

Lake Mainstay Resort

Essequibo Coast Tel: (592) 226-2975, 771-4959 info@lakemainstayresort.biz wwwLakemainstayresort.biz

Sloth Island Nature Resort Essequibo River Tel: (592) 223-7921 / 227-1166-74 reservations@ dagron-tours.com www.dagron-tours.com

Linden Highway & Timehri Jubilee Fun Park Tel:( 592) 225-4020 reservations@jubileeresort.com www.jubileeresort.com

Umbrella Resort

Rupununi Surama Lodge

c/o Wilderness Explorers

TOUR OPERATORS Dagron Tours

91 Middle Street, Georgetown Tel: (592) 223-7921 / 227-1166 / 74 Reservations @ dagron-tours.com www.dagron-tours.com

Evergreen Adventures Ogle Airport, Ogle Tel: (592) 222-2525 reservations@evergreena

Hurakabra River Resort Essequibo River Tel: (592) 225-3557 / 624-8694

Email:gemmadhoo@gmail.com fb: hurakabra river resort / hurakabra eco resort www.hurakabra.com

Rainforest Tours Avenue of the Republic & Robb St. Tel: (592) 231-5661 / 225-7832 Cell: (592) 624-3298 / 625-2437 Email: rainforesttours@gmail.com www.rttours.com Provotique Walking Tours Tel. (592) 644-9883 / 691-6274 / 690-2739 E: provotiquewalkingtours@yahoo. com www.provotiquewalkingtours.com (Provotique Walking Tours of Georgetown Guyana.)

RESORTS, LODGES & TOUR OPERATORS

141 Fourth St., Campbellville, G/town. Tel: (592) 227-7698 Fax: (592) 226-2085 info@suramaecolodge.com www.suramaecolodge.com

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RESORTS, LODGES & TOUR OPERATORS

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South Rupununi Safari 116

South Rupununi Safari Now in its third year and attracting participants from Trinidad, Jamaica, Canada and Suriname along with many Guyanese. It is mainly on flat savannah land with opportunities to experience the different Amerindian cultures in 14 villages. Ashalton and Shea villages can be explored en route. A visit to the Dadanawa Ranch, Bottle Mountain, Kanuku Mountain, Shea Village and the Shea Rock are among some of the highlights. Dadanawa, with its long and rich history, held the claim of being the world’s largest cattle ranch. It was used as a home base for the filming of several episodes of “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom”, one of the television’s first wildlife shows. Dadanawa itself is known for over 400 bird species including Jabiru Storks, Guiana Cock-of-the-Rock and the rare Red Siskin.

Locals welcoming the Safari Team

SHOPPING

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Shopping in Guyana can be very exciting. A large selection of souvenir items ranging from paintings, sculpture, basket and straw items in the forms of fruit bowls, dolls, bags, pouches, purple heart salad bowls, leather bags, shoes, sandals, pens, pen-holders, Amerindian lifestyles depicted in balata, wood species for wall hangings and most of all the authentic Amerindian hammocks. So ‘shop till you drop’ and very cheaply too! Guyana is known for its gold and visitors clamor for our ‘rich yellow’ gold jewellery. Diamond mining is a major industry and forms part of our jewellery collection found in the stores. Many of our semi-precious stones are intricately crafted into pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings to adorn your body. Check out Kings Jewellery World for an exquisite collection of gold and silver jewellery along with many other brand name products. Natural Touches, located in the Hibiscus Craft Plaza (downtown), in front of the General Post Office for

paintings, pottery and other great local craft ideas. Good quality electrical supplies can be found at Kanhai’s Guyana Electrical Agency Coconut trees can be found in abundance in Guyana and its oil is topping the charts as the healthiest oil alongside olive oil. Golden Brook Coconut Oil can be found in all supermarket shelves produced by Pomeroon Oil Mills. NT Computeac in Middle Street will supply you with all your computer requirements and also for servicing and repairs job. Visit Body Image for gifts and fashionable clothing and Pritha’s – the specialist for traditional Indian wear. Fashion designers have been making their mark internationally with their designs of hand painted, batik, discharged and tye-dyed clothing. Some of the boutiques downtown will have on their racks but if time is available you can check out the designers at their residences to choose a one of a kind design.

In rural towns and country areas most businesses have a siesta from noon to 3.00pm and open until 7.00pm. 08:30hrs - 16:00hrs on weekdays (17:00hrs Fridays). 08:30hrs - 12:00hrs on Saturdays. Most Supermarkets are opened from 08:30hrs - 18:00hrs on Weekdays, 08:30hrs - 19:00hrs on Saturdays 10:00hrs - 14:00hrs on Sundays

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Michelle Cole, Derek Moore, Sonia Noel, Olympia Small-Sonoram and Donna Ramsammy-James are all well established designers who carved their names overseas. A number of new designers have been emerging due to the annual designers portfolio workshop and competitions. Guyana continues to make its mark on the fashion scene within the Caribbean and the USA. SHOPPING HOURS Normal shopping hours are between 8:00am and 5:00pm; however, some stores at the various Malls in Robb Street & Regent Street remain open until 7:00pm. The newly opened Giftland Mall at Liliendaal on the East Coast opens from 10.00a.m. to 10.00p.m. daily. In Georgetown some stores close from noon on Wednesdays but open all day on Saturdays, while others open all day on Wednesdays and close from noon on Saturdays. Shopping Malls are quickly taking over the small stores so you can find quite a number of them around the city and in the countryside.

Boutiques Body Image 19 Station Street, Kitty Tel:(592) 605-0134,675-1363, 629-5454 Pritaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Traditional Indian Wear 183 Barr Street, Kitty Tel:(592)227-8644,627-6740

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COMPUTER NT Computeac 175 Middle Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown Email: sales@ntcomputeac.com Tel: (592) 223-7442 Fax: (592) 223-7443 www.ntcomputeac.com CRAFT&GIFT ITEMS Natural Touches Kiosk#12 HibiscusCraftPlaza NorthRoad (OppositetheMuseum) Georgetown,Guyana Tel.: 592-225-2755 Email: carrie6@networksgy.com Electrical Kanhaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guyana Electrical Agency 146 Regent Street, Lacytown Tel: (592) 227-2200 Fax: (592) 227-8652 Email: kamkan@bbgy.com Jewellery Store Kings Jewellery World 141 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel:(592) 226-0704 / 226-0984 176 Middle Street,Georgetown

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Tel: (592) 225-8570 / 225-8575 Cheddi Jagan Int. Airport Tel: (592) 261-3026 / 261-3027 Rose Hall, Corentyne,Berbice Tel:(592)337-4376 Giftland Mall www.kingsjewelleryworld.com

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Guyana’s history offers the visitor an interesting mixture that is reflective of European architecture. It is advisable to take some time off and drive around our ‘garden city’ to experience some of our old colonial buildings that were constructed in wood, standing elegantly alongside new and modern cemented structures. In some cases they are being dwarfed by these new edifices. Take a visit inside some of them, if time and access is permissible.

City Hall This majestic building of ‘Disneylike feature’ is an exquisite ex-

ample of colonial architecture. Of special attraction is the tower at the front of the building. The African Liberaarchitect is Dr. Father Scholes, a tion Jesuit Priest. Since it’s compleMonument Is located in the fore- tion in 1889, it has been the seat ground of where the of the city’s administration. The Umana Yana once original site of a coffee parlour and stood (burnt down dance hall, the City Hall remained in 2014) . It consists a place of entertainment. The top of 5 polished green- floor housed the country’s premier heart logs encased Concert Hall up until recent times. in a jasper stand on The Engineers occupy the smaller a granite boulder. building. This monument was unveiled by former Russell Memorial President Linden Gracing the spacious Forbes Sampson Burnham on ‘Na- lawns of City Hall this mibia Day’, 26th August, 1974 in marble sculpture was honour of all the thousands who erected in honour of have struggled for freedom from William Russell for his outstanding works human bondage.

Monument Of The NonAligned Movement: Located at Company Path, along the Avenue of the Republic. The four busts on the concrete plinth represent the four founders of

the movement Naseer, Nkrumah, Nehru and Tito. Three are made of bronze and the other of a plastic material. Just in front of the monument is a pool from which rise four jasper rocks, which were taken from the Ireng River in the interior. This area is called the Company Path Gardens, derivative from the pathway used by the plantations to gain access to the river.

Stabroek Market: Built in 1881, The Stabroek Market, popularly known as “Big market” can justifiably claim to encapsulate the spirit of Georgetown. Although not the original site of vending activities, because produce was originally sold by Amerindians and slaves near to the Brandwagt, a small fortification constructed by the Dutch at the mouth of the Demerara River. The market covers an area of 76,728 sq.ft and is possibly the largest public market in the Caribbean, ranking also among the world’s largest all-metal markets. It’s accessibility to the Demerara River provided easy ‘farm to market’ of produce by boats. The Tudor and Gothic characteristics, the ambience and architecture reflect the diversified cultures that combine to define the dynamics of the unique persona of Guyana especially that of the city of Georgetown and New Amsterdam. Stabroek Market’s four dialed clock, towers 61 feet above the main entrance and has not lost its majesty even though it has long since ceased to function as an accurate timekeeping instrument.

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in the city. In the 19th century this monument was erected in a small garden in the Stabroek Market Square.

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St. Andrews Kirk: This site is believed to be the first landmark of European civilisationthe old brandwagt which stood here as early as 1748 and served as a signal station for incoming and outgoing ships. The church is the oldest building in the city as well as the oldest church in Guyana. The corner stone was laid in 1811 during the Dutch rule with the hope of State House: erecting a first class building. Beformerly known as Governor cause of lack of funds a mere skelHouse, is the official residence of etal was built in 1813 and opened the President of Guyana, located in for service but due to debt it was Main Street, between New market seized and sold to members of the and Middle Streets. The building was formerly the official residence of the Governors of British Guyana and served as their office and entertainment centre. Since Independence, Guyana’s first President, Mr. Arthur Chung, resided there. When Mr. LFS Burnham became the Country’s Executive President he continued to occupy the present Castellani House on Vlissengen Dutch Constituency. It was later reRoad. However, when Dr. Cheddi sold to a large Scottish community Jagan was elected President in and by 1819; the church was com1992, he occupied it and this has pleted and re-opened for worship. been carried on for all succeeding Although the building underwent Presidents. It was erected in 1854 a massive renovation scheme alduring the administration of Gover- most a century later for the centenor Henry Barkly with continuous nary laying of the Dutch Reformed additions. The building’s interior Church, at least the original section is beautifully decorated. Exqui- remains. sitely carved furniture, survivors of the Elizabethan era, lend to its St. George’s Cathedral: grandeur. More-over, past and pre- Once considered one of the tallest sent are combined with a mixture wooden structures in the world, of contemporary and indigenous and the second tallest wooden pieces church, at a height of 43.5 metres

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(132 feet). This is the fourth St. Georges. The first was completed in 1811 and located northeast of the present site, where the present St. Georges School is located. The second built in the 1840’s to accommodate the growing church, was quickly dismantled, in 1877, because of architectural weaknesses. A temporary Pro-Cathedral was erected the same year which housed the church. St. George’s was designed by Sir Arthur Bloomfield. The corner stone was laid 1899 and the cathedral was consecrated on 8th November, 1894. It is located on Church Street in Georgetown, and has been designated a National Monument. The history of the Anglican Church in Guyana can be traced from as early as 1781, when the Reverend William Baggs, Chaplin to Sir George Rodney, came to this country. The interior is breathtakingly beautiful, characterised mainly by Gothic arches, clustered columns and flying buttresses. Items of interest include a stunning array of stained glass windows and a chandelier or corona; over the central alter which was presented to the church by Queen Victoria. Original baptism, marriage and funeral records, dating back to 1796 are carefully preserved in the Deanery nearby.

The Walter Roth Museum Of Anthropology: This building which was originally constructed for private use 1880’s houses a significant anthropological and archaeological collection. The only museum of its kind in

English–speaking Caribbean and contains a large collection of preColumbian relics. The Museum was named in honour of Dr. Walter Roth-medical doctor, geologist, magistrate and benefactor of Guyana’s indigenous peoples. The Cenotaph: Many Guyanese soldiers sacrificed their lives in both world warsWorld War 1:1914-18 and World War 11: 1939-1945. Located, opposite the Bank of Guyana on the Southern end of Main Street is a memorial to those fallen soldiers. It was unveiled on 14th August, 1923 the 9th anniversary of the declaration of war against Germany by British Colonial Governor, Graeme Thompson. The Enmore Martyrs Monument Designed by Dennis Williams this

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steps. This climb is compensated by the breath-taking view that awaits you. The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (Red House) Is a19th century 3-storey colonial style building famous for its brght red wallaba shinmonument, which was erected gles. Dr. Cheddi Jagan lived in this by Zenith Industrial and Construc- building when he was Premier of tion Co-operative Society at a cost British Guiana,1961-4. The buildof $10,000 was unveiled by Prime ing is temporarily the centre housMinister Linden Forbes Sampson ing information into the life and Burnham on June 16, 1977 on the philosophies of this freedom-fightoccasion of the 29th anniversary of er, hero and late President, Dr. C.B. the death of the five martyrs who Jagan, in a way that best typifies his were killed during a strike at Planta- persona- the pursuit of scholarship. tion Enmore on 16 June 1948. The High Court: The Lighthouse: Previously called the Victoria Law The first lighthouse was constructed of wood by the Dutch and illuminated with an oil lamp in 1817. In the 1830â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the British constructed a 103 ft. high brick structure onshore and installed, in the wrought- iron gallery, a floating light, which was subsequently replaced by a 1000 watt bulb, visible from sea at a distance of between 30-40 miles. Court, in honour of Queen Victoria The administrative office, located (her statue stands in the forecourt below the gallery, once housed a of the compound). An L-shaped structure, with one wing East and 24â&#x20AC;? long teleleven court rooms on both wings escope, which while the ground floors house is currently the Registries of the High Courts, on display in Deeds etc. the National This structure, designed in the Museum of Public Works Department by the Guyana. The Colonial Engineer-in Chief, Baron gallery of the Harcohora Siccama and Ceasar Caslighthouse is tellani, shows evidence of two araccessed by a chitectural styles, the ground floor flight of 138

Queen Victoria Monument This imposing marble sculpture of Her Majesty Queen Victoria was unveiled and mounted in the compound of the High Court (formerly the Victoria Law Courts) on 4 Sep-

tember 1894 by the Governor of British Guiana Sir Charles Cameron Lees. This monument was sculpted by H. R. Hope Porter of London. The Parlaiment Buildings This landmark, designed by Joseph Hadfield was completed and handed over to the committee for the prestigious Court of Policy on August 5th, 1834. The intricately beautiful ceiling of the Parliament chamber was originally designed by Caesar Castellani and is a fine ex-

ample of Renaissance architecture. This was redone a few years ago. The Constitutional instruments of Independence were presented to our firs prime Minister by the Duke of Kent on behalf of Queen Elizabeth in 1966. Today the country’s Parliament convenes here.

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with it’s several decorated arched windows conforms to the classical building style and the upper floor is Elizabethian or English Tudor, styled with an external skeletal structure where the studding and braces are exposed. It was opened on 24th May 1887 commemorating the birthday of Queen Victoria. The Court was originally housed in the Parliament Buildings.

Prime Minister’s Residence -erected in the late19th or early 20th Century, this structure shows clear evidence of Italian architecture with the square cupola at the top and its Georgian styled 12 –paned sashed windows. It was bought from a private owner, Booker Bros, by the British Government in 1962. The building served as the official Residence of the British High Commissioners until 1987. It was then purchased by the Government of Guyana and designated the Prime Minister’s Residence. The current Prime Minister has been the only Prime Minister to occupy it. Original roof is traditionally Dutch and constructed of greenheart wood, which has been retained. The Georgetown Seawall: Originally ‘earth dams’ were built to keep the sea from the coastline and these were replaced by concrete walls, constructed between 1858 to 1982 by convict labour,

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with granite from the Penal Settlement at Mazaruni (Mazaruni Prison). Much of the land here is below sea level. The Kierfield and Sandy Point Estates, known to exist up until 1792, north of the wall were washed away by 1804. In 1903 the Georgetown Seawall Bandstand was built with funds subscribed by the public as a memorial to Queen Victoria. The shelter north of the bandstand, called the Koh-i-noor Shelter, was erected in 1903. (does not exist today) The seawall has not always been able to protect Georgetown against high tides: even after its completion, the city has had severe floods. On the other hand, when there is excessive rainfall, the water has to be directed to the ocean. For this reason, the seawall has so-called ‘kokers’ or sluices, which control inand outflow of water through the seawall. Currently, it is being debated whether the capital should be moved more inland as a safer place for its inhabitants. It would mean reversing the decision of the French in 1782 to move the capital from a location upstream the Demerara river.

The Georgetown seawall has acquired many more functions. Not only used as an obvious place for advertisement, it also attracts crowds on Sunday who come here to relax, picnic, play music and dance, runners use the wall for their training, cyclists ride the top, and people come to pray or just go for a stroll. Thanks to an initiative of UNICEF, Children’s Art Mural brings the seawall to life, spanning over 400 metres long, between Sheriff Street and Conversation Tree; children from across Guyana unleash their creativity and imagination with art. The 1763 Monument: Philip Moore is the sculptor of this impressive work of art. The monument is 10.1 meters (33 feet) high and is built on a concrete plinth

Gladstone (slaves took their names from their masters) moved freely among the estates. His father was Quamina and they were stationed in Plantation Success. He gathered information from the house slaves of the other estates-Le Resouvenir, Chateau Margot and Dochfour. The London Missionaries came down to British Guiana and set up Smith’s Chapel at Le Resouvenir and Bethel Chapel at Plantation Success to allow slaves to worship. In spite of that, many of their masters and managers refused to give them time off to attend church services. Reverand John Smith represented the slaves and wrote 1823 MONUMENT about their horrible conditions and This monument was erected in ill treatment to his superior in Lonmemory of the slaves who fought don. He was considered a friend of for their freedom from the sugar the slaves. He was subsequently plantations along the East Coast imprisoned and executed. Demerara. It is referred to as the After Jack was convinced that they East Coast Insurrection. were being robbed of their freeAfter the passage of the 1807 abo- dom, he wrote a letter (signing his lition of slavery act, nothing was father’s name) to the members of being done to free the slaves. John Bethel chapel informing them of the “new law” On Monday, 18th August 1823, the unrest begun and spread over 50 sugar plantations from Georgetown to Mahaica, involving 10,000 slaves, armed with cutlasses, poles with bayonets and a small number of stands of rifles captured from the plantations. They locked up their owners, managers and families (like they did to them) and promised to release them in 3 days. Joseph Simpson of ‘Le Reduit’ Estate informed his owner Captain

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designed by Albert Rodrigues. It was unveiled by former President Burnham on 23 May 1976. It commemorates the 1763 slave rebellion on Plantation Magdalenenburg in Berbice the first revolt that came close to success. Cuffy, leader of this insurrection has been declared to be one of our national heroes. The monument represents the dauntless courage of Guyanese ancestors who fought relentlessly for liberation, especially the leadership of our national hero Cuffy. . It is situated at the eastern end of Brickdam.

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Simpson of the plot who alerted all the estates of this to Georgetown, to inform Governor Murray. The Govenor unleashed the 21st Fusileers and the 1st West Indian Regiment, aided by a volunteer battalion, were dispatched to combat the rebels. By late afternoon of August 20th most of the slaves were all rounded up. Between 100 to 250 slaves were killed. Many were shot along the estates and their heads nailed to posts along the roadside. Some were brought to Georgetown to be tried and hung at the parade ground. Their heads were similarly nailed to posts around the ground. Quamina was executed. Jack Gladstone escaped and was captured with his wife on sept. 6th at chateau margo after a 3 hour stand-off. He was sold and deported. His legacy was to help bring attention to the plight of sugar plantation slaves, accelerating the abolition of slavery. The rebellion took place a few months after the founding of the Anti-Slavery Society, and had a strong impact on Britain. Murray Street in Georgetown, originally named after the Governor, was renamed Quamina Street.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge: The Demerara Harbour Bridge is a 6,074 foot long (1.25 miles) floating toll bridge, with 61 spans and as commissioned on 2 July 1978. The bridge crosses the Demerara River 4 miles south of the capital Georgetown, from Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall, East Bank Demerara to Schoon Ord, West Bank Demerara. There is a pedestrian footwalk. A raised section, with horizontal clearance of 32.0 metres(105 ft) and vertical clearance of 7.9 metres (26ft) allows for small vessels to pass under. A retractor span of horizontal clearance of 77.4 metres(254ft) allows for passing of large vessels. Construction of the Demerara Harbour Bridge began on 29 May 1976. Construction assistance was provided by the British Government. Toll is paid at the Eastern entrance. To get to the West Coast of Demerara, Bartica and Essequibo River and Islands by road land means crossing the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The Indian Commemoration Trust. Today the Monument Garden is very beautifully kept and is maintained voluntarily with help from the business community. Fund raising activities are also held from time to time. Every year activities are planned and celebrated at the Garden on May 5 to commemorate Indian Arrival Day. Activities are also held for special occasions such as Diwali, Phagwah, Eid at the Monument Garden. In May 2013, a new stage was built to facilitate concerts and cultural events. A replica of the ‘Kolkota’ monument was unveiled on May 5th for the 175th anniversary of the arrival of Indians to Guyana at the Monument Gardens and at Plantation Highbury in Berbice (where the first Indians landed in 1838) by the Global Organisation for people of Indian Origin (GOPIO) President, Ashook Ramsarran. The monuments were funded by the Indian Government through GOPIO.

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The Indian Monument Site (Monument Gardens) located at the corner of Church and Camp Street is a very historic Monument. It commemorates the first indentured Indians who arrived in then British Guiana on 5th May 1838. In August 1987 a very influential group headed by Yesu Persaud formed the 150th Anniversary Committee to plan the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the Arrival of Indians in Guyana which was to be celebrated on 5th May 1988. In May 1988, during the celebrations, the visiting Vice President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, was approached for assistance to build a Monument to commemorate the arrival of East Indians in Guyana. He honoured his commitment to them. The Mayor, Mr. Compton Young, was approached and gave the committee the site . Nearly 1000 loads of sand and dirt ware used to fill up the site. A national competition was held for the design and one that looked like the “Whitby” was chosen. Local architect, Mr. Albert Rodrigues, worked with an Indian counterpart, mapped out a plan of what the garden should look like and infrastructure work for the ship. The ship was built in India and the architect and ship builder came to Guyana to help in the setting up of the Monument. The Indian Anniversary Committee was later converted into a “Trust”,

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SPORTS

Guyana National Stadium

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A wide range of sports are played in Guyana. Cricket is the national sport, followed by football (soccer), athletics, boxing (amateur and professional), table tennis, rugby, field hockey, basketball, volleyball, weight and power lifting, squash, tennis, karate, cycling, swimming, etc. The Athletics Association of Guyana is affiliated to the International Association of Athletics Federation, the South American Athletics Federation and the Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association. Guyana produced a Gold medalist in the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Guyana participated in all Olympic Games from 1948 to present; with the exception of 1976 (Montreal). Over the years several medals were won at the Commonwealth Games in weightlifting, boxing and athletics; the most recent being a silver medal in the Delhi 2010 edition of the Games. The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association is affiliated to the International Swimming Federation

(FINA), the South American Swimming Confederation and the Amateur Swimming Union of the Americas. Guyana participated in the FINA Long and Short Course World Championships and was represented in 2004, 2008 & 2012 Olympics, 2010 Youth Olympics, 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games and 2010 Commonwealth Games The Guyana Boxing Board of Control is affiliated to the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council and Commonwealth Boxing Board. Guyana has produced six professional world champion boxers in the past six years. The Guyana Boxing Association is affiliated to the International Boxing Association and has produced an Olympic Bronze medallist in 1980, several medals in boxing through the years in other games; with a Bronze medalist in the 2007 PANAM Games. The Guyana Cricket Board is a member of the West Indies Cricket Board and many of its cricketers are among the most famous of West Indies cricket stars. Dating back

SPORTS

to Rohan Kanhai, Clive Lloyd, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Alvin Kallicharran, Lance Gibbs, Roy Fredericks, Roger Harper to current stars like Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan. Guyana Football Federation, a member of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA). Guyana competes in the Soccer World Cup. The Guyana Hockey Board is affiliated to the Pan American Hockey Federation and the International Hockey Federation. Guyana participates in the Pan American Federation Indoor Championships. The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) is the governing Body for Olympic sports in Guyana with twenty–two constituent members (Rugby and Squash have been recently added) and is a member of the Association of National Olympic Committees. . Most recently the GOA sent a team of twenty three athletes and nine officials, comprising seven disciplines) to the 1st South American Youth Games (Lima 2013). Contact-K.A Juman Yassin (President) 592-225-3873/610-2766 or

Hector Edwards (Secretary General) 592-612-6800 Olympic House 592-223-6376/77 The Guyana Rugby Football Union is a member of the International Rugby Board (iRB), the North American Rugby Association (NACRA) and competes in the Rugby World Cup Fifteens and Sevens. The Guyana Rugby Football Team gave Guyana its first gold medal (team medal) at the CAC Games held in Guyana in July 2010. Later in October, they played against World class teams at the Commonwealth Games held in India. In March 2012 they played in the Hong World Sevens series. Guyana recently received it’s first Gold Medal in the World Masters Power Lifting Championships in Japan from Winston Stoby. In August 2013 Gumendra Shewas (having competed in 53kg category at the World Juniors & Sub-Juniors Men’s Championship (Texas) became the Junior Powerlifting World Champion. Guyana’s athletes continue to be outstanding on the international scene with minimal funding and few elite coaches.

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SPORTS Member Associations Of The Guyana Olympic Association

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Sports Associations Athletics Darts Aubrey Hutson Grantley Culbard 592-624-0784 592-227-8090/ 621-3125 Badminton Gokam Ramdhani Dominoes 592-(233) 2462/5784 Gwen McGowan 592-226-9972 Basketball Nigel Hinds Football 592-662-3927 Christopher Matthias 592-225-0892 Body Building Keavon Bess Golf 592-681-6759 Lusignan Golf Club 592- 220-5660 Boxing Steve Ninvalle Hockey 592-624-6699 Phillip Fernandes 592-620-0185 Cricket 592-225-4813; Judo 225-4106; 227-7130 Raoul Archer 592-610-3536 Cycling Cheryl Thompson Karate 592-644-5229 Amir Kouri 592-227-6437

Lawn Tennis Grace Mc Calmon Motor Racing Johnny Carpenter 592-231-5457; 225-7492 Netball Lavern Fraser 592-680-5850 Rifle Brg. Mark Phillips Ryan Sampson 592- 623-0963; 225-4902 Rugby Peter Green 592-647-5375 Scrabble Colin Chichester 592-621-8176 Soccer Christopher Matthias 592-225-0892; 227-8758 Mabiola Howard 592-225-0892

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South Dakota Circuit

SPORTS CLUBS IN GEORGETOWN:

Squash Andrew Arjoon 592-623-7721

Table Tennis Godfrey Munroe 592-686-7473

Swimming Ivan Persaud/ Dee George 642-5082

Volleyball Lennox Shuffler 592-225-4607

Taekwondo Ramjeet Ramphal 592-225-5521

Weightlifting Frank Tucker 592-223-6376

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TOWN & VILLAGE DAYS 136

TOWN AND VILLAGE DAYS Our Town and Village days have become very popular events in our Calendar year. The specific Regional Office or Village Council would pick a significant day/week of the year and plan a varied range of activities displaying cultural, culinary, sporting, fashion, farming and entertaining events. These town/village days attract large audiences within their own communities and elsewhere. They are very exciting to visit and to indulge in the activities Linden Town Day/Week-was created to commemorate the date Linden became a town, 29th April 1970. The event, now a week long celebration attracts many Guyanese from the Diaspora and is celebrated in the last week of April.

Contact: Ms Dawn Caynes – 444 6590, Mr Winston Smith 592- 444- 4010, 592- 444- 6030. Moruka Day is May or June, Berbice Expo, Mahdia Day and Bartica Porknocker’s Day are in August, New Amsterdam Town Day in September and GUYEXPO –end of September to early October and Rupununi Expo Day in November. The special ‘Day’ feature for towns and villages are spreading and more towns and villages are getting involved. So if you are in Guyana and there is a town or village day happening, be sure not to miss it. Call The Guyana Tourism Authority on 219-0092 to 4 and find out which town or village has their celebration while you’re here.

The drive from Georgetown is approximately 573 kilometres of road that is not tarmac but red sand, loam. The drive can be a bit arduous so ensure you are the adventurous and safari traveler before embarking. You will experience wild life in abundance while being surrounded by our pristine rainforest. The journey from Georgetown to Linden to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;58 milesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mabura, for the first stop. It takes about 4 hours or more depending on weather and conditions of road. The restaurant here is opened 24hrs with fresh local food and hammock accommodation for resting, Journey onwards to Central Mabura check point. This process takes about 30 minutes. Another 2-3 hours driving will bring you to the Kurupukari for the pontoon crossing of the Essequibo River. There is low cost accommodation before the crossing, Nature View hotel and restaurant with self-contained rooms and hammocks from US$30.00 to $5.00 per night. They

can also arrange tours. Crossing the river you will hear the sound on the left of the Kurupukari rapids. On the Western Bank, a short distance on your right is the The Iwokrama Rainforest Conservation. Accommodation, meals and several tours are available here. After the crossing, a further 53.8km will take you to the junction of the Canopy Walkway and Atta Lodge, which provides meals and accommodation, about 1.2 kilometres inland for the Canopy Walkway. From here to the Surama Junction, 25km, is Madonna Allicock guest house and bar for beds, hammocks and meals. Then 9km off the main road is the Surama Eco Lodge. Accommodation, meals, river and bird tours are all available here. As we continue southward for another 25km , we arrive at the village of Annai. The Oasis is well stocked for supplies of food, beverages and accommodation. The RockView Eco-Lodge is accessed on this route for accommodation, meals and tours.

TRAIL TO LETHEM

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TRAIL TO LETHEM 138

Drive for another 89 km and you are in Lethem. You can cross the newly built Takatu bridge and continue into Brazil or enjoy visits to various Amerindian villages, Moco Moco or Kumu Falls. Tours can be arranged to trek up the mountains, the home of the Harpy Eagle or a visit to Schomburg Peak. Go by river from ‘Genip Landing’ (near Annai) for about 2 hours and you are at Karanambu Ranch, located in the North Rupununi Savannahs, near the Pakaraimas Mountains. There are good opportunities to see giant river otters, anteaters and caimans here. From Lethem, a 3 ½ hours drive will take you to Dadanawa Ranch, in the South Rupununi. It occupies 2000 square miles and is one of the largest and most isolated ranches of the world. This is vacquero territory and visitors are integrated into the daily activities of the Ranch. Join the vacqueos on horse-back to round-up cattle and branding young ones while driving the herd to new pastures. Trips to the Kanuku Mountains, Amerindian petroglyphs can be made from here.

There is the ULTIMATE ADVENTURE tours from 9 days to 25 days, ideal for the adventure tourists. This customized tour include a 4 hour drive from Dadanawa to Ishalton, then by small boat and a week later fishing, camping along the way and seeing just about every animal and bird life in Guyana along the journey. Departure takes place from Guns Airstrip to Georgetown. For tours in Lethem contact Savannah Inn, Wilderness Explorers or Rockview Lodge. Savannah Inn will arrange tours to Buro Ranch for horseback riding or if you’re feeling energetic to climb the 100 odd steps to the hydro plant at Moco Moco Falls. Trips across the border to Brazil are also on their package tours. Transportation by road, from Georgetown can be done by using a mini-bus (public transportation) #94 from the bus stop behind the Parlaiment buildings. Most Tour Operators in Georgetown can arrange your itinerary and bookings. Check ‘Tour Operators’ page for listing.

YACHTING IN GUYANA

Guyana’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 Offi-

YACHTING IN GUYANA

Minister of Tourism, Catherine Hughes on board Duplicat in the Essequibo River for Nereid’s Rally.

cial Port-of-Entry and cruisers making the Essequibo River their destination can sail the 30 miles up river 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, in its 3rd Edition in 2006 as a potential destination for cruising yachts. Chris Doyle, accompanied by Donald Stollmeyer, owner of Power Boats in Trinidad & Tobago and renowned yachtsman, Simon Wall, came to Guyana.

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HURAKABRA river resort Yachts Anchored at Hurakabra River Resort, Essequibo River, Guyana

www.hurakabra.com

Tel: (592) 226-0240 Cell: (592) 624-8694