Guyana

Guyana is a country in north-eastern South America. It has a North Atlantic Ocean coastline in the northeast, and lies between Suriname to the east and Venezuela to the west, with Brazil to the south.

It is a member of the British Commonwealth, formerly being the colony of British Guiana, and is now the third-smallest country in South America after Suriname and Uruguay. Substantial portions of its western and eastern territories are claimed by Venezuela and Suriname respectively.

Administrative divisions

10 regions;

• Barima-Waini
• Cuyuni-Mazaruni
• Demerara-Mahaica
• East Berbice-Corentyne
• Essequibo Islands-West Demerara
• Mahaica-Berbice
• Pomeroon-Supenaam
• Potaro-Siparuni
• Upper Demerara-Berbice
• Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo

Cities

• Georgetown - Capital

Ports and harbors

• Bartica
• Linden
• New Amsterdam
• Parika

Understand

Climate

Tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to mid-August, mid-November to mid-January); Natural hazards : Flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons.

Terrain

Mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

History

Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. This ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics.

Independence

26 May 1966 (from UK)

National holiday

Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

Constitution

6 October 1980

Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, but until the early 1990s it was ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president, in what is considered the country's first free and fair election since independence. Upon his death five years later, he was succeeded by his wife Janet, who resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was reelected in 2001.

Get in

By plane

There are daily international flights into and out of Cheddi Jagan International Airport about 40km south of Georgetown. International flights include flights to the US and Canada with BWIA (British West Indies Airways) and Universal Airlines and flights to the Caribbean with Caribbean Star and BWIA. BWIA, a state ran airline ran by Trinidad & Tobago, is notorious for delays and cancellations, so be sure to give yourself a cushion if returning to a connecting flight via Miami, Washington DC or New York.

By train

Guyana's rail system was sold by the late President Forbes Burnam. Remnants of the railway can be noted throughout Georgetown.

By car

Guyana has road access to Suriname to the East and Brazil to the south. In Suriname enquire in Paramaribo for mini-buses traveling to Guyana. Note that entering Guyana by water travel from Niuewe Nickerie in Suriname is illegal. Buses leave Georgetown for the Surinamese border daily. Ask at the bus park near Stabroek Market.

The bus ride from Georgetown to Lethem, at the Brazilian border takes about 10 hours through rainforest and southern savannah. Inquire about buses to Brazil at the Interserv Bus Office located on Charlotte Street in downtown Georgetown. Buses usually leave very late at night and it is recommended that you take a taxi to the bus station as the area around there is unsafe at night. For buses from Brazil travel to Bonfim on the border and walk across the border. Find a minibus or taxi to take you to Lethem city center and inquire about buses traveling to Georgetown.

There are no road links between Venezuela and Guyana. Travel to Venezuela may be done by air via Trinidad or overland through Roraima State in Brazil.

Get around

Minibuses travel throughout Guyana and are the cheapest way to travel. Minibus fairs range from $.20 - $5.00 depending on length. Do not take minibuses at night.

Many parts of Guyana are separated by large rivers. These areas can be traversed by way of river taxi. Go to the port village and ask where the speedboats launch from. Ask other passengers what the fare is while traveling as boat operators tend to seek higher fees from tourists. Do not take "specials" without first negotiating the price.

Taxis are a good way to get around in Georgetown. Fares should never be more than $2.50 (Guyanese $500) for travel within the city and most fares should be around GD$260.

Talk

Languages

English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Hindi, Urdu

Drink

The most popular national drink is Caribbean-style dark rum. The two national favorites are El Dorado and X-tra Mature which both offer 5,10,12 & 25 year varieties. Mix the cheaper ones with Coke or coconut water if you please. All are quality enough to drink neat or by themselves with the 25 year-olds comparing with high-quality scotch. Banks is the national beer. It comes in a lager and a stout (Milk Stout). Also available are the lighter Carib (Trinidad and Tobago) and darker Mackisson's. Guinness is brewed locally under license and is a bit sweeter than its Irish counterpart, but just as good. Polar (Venezuelan) and Skol (Brazilian) can be found randomly throughout the country. You can also find Heineken and Corona at posher bars in Georgetown.

Work

If you really want to work here, I'm sure you can pay off a customs official to give you a work visa.

Stay safe

Georgetown is notorious for petty street crime. Do not walk at night. Do not walk alone, even in the day, unless you know the area well. Never go to the Tiger Bay area east of Main Street and the entire southeastern part of the city including, in particular, Albouystown and Ruimveldt areas as armed robbery is almost certain. Avoid the covered area of Stabroek Market. Police are unlikely to help you unless they see the crime in action. Do not wear flashy jewelry or expensive clothing.

Areas outside of Georgetown are quite safe and friendly but still take caution.

Homosexuality is illegal in Guyana and carries a sentence of life in prison.

Guyana is currently in a border dispute with Venezuela to the west and Suriname to the east. Moreover, there are increasing black riots and crime, making it a dangerous place to visit. Expect no help from weak, corrupt police forces.

Stay Healthy

The country's largest hospital is the Georgetown Public Hospital and is located in the capital. Facilities here are basic, even though it is a tertiary referral centre. There is very poor disposal of 'sharps' (needles etc.) - worrying given country's growing HIV prevalence.

You are better off using the private facilities at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital near the US Embassy. While not first rate, the facility is far superior to GPH and practices basic hygienic standards. Rooms are not overcrowded.

Yellow fever is endemic to this area; monkeys are a reservoir, but you can catch it even in cities. Be sure to get immunized before you leave, and take mosquito repellent with you. Also be careful of Malaria and Dengue Fever in the interior.

Contact

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