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Guyana
Southwest from Georgetown: to Brazil
Fort Island and Bartica: From Parika there is a vehicle ferry up the Essequibo River to Bartica on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, returning next day, US$1.50 one way. The 58 kilometre journey takes six hours, stopping at Fort Island; small boats come out from riverside settlements to load up with fruit.
West from Georgetown: Routes to Venezuela
Travelling west from Georgetown, the road crosses the 2-kilometre long floating Demerara bridge (opens often for shipping, US$0.25 toll, pedestrians free). Speedboats cross the Demerara from Stabroek market, US$0.30 every 30 minutes.
Southeast to Suriname
Linden, the second-largest town in Guyana, is a bauxite mining town 112 kilometres south of Georgetown on the west bank of the Demerara River. The two towns are connected by a good road (slow for the first part to Timehri); the police checks are to stop drug and gun running. Linden is a company mining town.
Shopping
Georgetown - The main shopping area is Regent St. The two main department stores are Guyana Stores in Church St, and Fogarty’s, both of which stock a wide range of goods. Most Guyanese do their regular shopping at the four big markets: Stabroek (don’t take valuables), Bourda, La Penitence and Kitty.
Other Sports
Georgetown - The national indoor sport is dominoes. There are sports clubs for cricket, tennis, football, rugby, hockey, riding, swimming, cycling, athletics, badminton, volley ball, netball, snooker, pool, golf, boxing, ballroom dancing and rifle shooting. At Easter there are kite flying competitions. The Guyanese enjoy songbird (finch) contests, called ‘rackling’, or ‘racing’.
History
The country was first partially settled between 1616 and 1621 by the Dutch West India Company, who erected a fort and depot at Fort Kyk-over-al (County of Essequibo). The first English attempt at settlement was made by Captain Leigh on the Oiapoque River (now French Guyane) in 1604, but he failed to establish a permanent settlement.
Government & Economy
Government: A Prime Minister and cabinet are responsible to the National Assembly, which has 65 members elected for a maximum term of five years. The President is Head of State. The country is divided into 10 administrative regions.
Places to Eat - Georgetown
At Le Meridien: El Dorado, good atmosphere, Caribbean, Continental and Guyanese, average meal US$14, Browne’s Old Café, full English breakfast US$10, lunch and dinner average meal US$11, poolside BBQ and pizza with live bands, pizza U$8.50. Main Street Café, at Tower Hotel. Very good breakfast US$6 and other meals.
Food & Drink
Food: The blend of different national influences – Indian, African, Chinese, Creole, English, Portuguese, Amerindian, North American – gives a distinctive flavour to Guyanese cuisine. One well-known dish, traditional at Christmas, is pepper-pot, meat cooked in bitter cassava (casareep) juice with peppers and herbs.
Entertainment - Georgetown
Georgetown is surprisingly lively at night, mainly with gold miners, traders and overseas Guyanese throwing US$ around. Take care walking home at night. The Library, Camp St, very popular, open Wednesday (ladies night), Friday and Saturday, barbecue, beer garden, dance floor, bar (entrance US$2.50).
Accommodation - West from Georgetown
A Lake Mainstay Resort, T62975, F58709, due open mid-1999 after complete refurbishment, 40 cabins, some with a/c, others with fan, plus single rooms, beachfront on the lake, restaurant, bars, swimming, boating, other sports, birdwatching and nature trails; special events and entertainment. Charity E Purple Heart, cheaper than Xenon.
Accommodation & Places to Eat - Southwest from Georgetown: to Brazil
Bartica - C-E Marin Hotel, 19 Second Ave, T2243. Meals available (breakfast US$3.20, lunch and dinner US$6.40). E Modern, 9 First Ave, T2301, near ferry. 2 luxury rooms C, others basic, with bath and fan. Recommended. Good food, book ahead if possible.
Accommodation & Places to Eat- Southeast to Suriname
Suriname: In town, in the lovely colonial guesthouse on the Demerara River, run by the mining company. C Hotel Star Bonnett, 1¾ kilometres out of town on Georgetown Rd, T046505, F6829, clean, good lunches. Nearby C Summit Hotel, T046500.
Accommodation - Georgetown
LL-L Le Meridien Pegasus, Seawall Rd, PO Box 101147, T528539, F53703/60532. Completely renovated, very safe, a/c, comfortable, fridge, cable TV, lovely swimming pool, gym, tennis, business centre, 24-hour back up electricity, organizes tours to Timberhead, see Eating, below. L-AL Ambassador Club, Pere St, Kitty, T50811, F50808.
