The Great Essequibo River

The Esequibo River is the largest river in Guyana,border river between Guyana and Venezuela and the largest river between the Orinoco and Amazon. Rising in the Acarai Mountains near the Brazil-Guyana-Venezuela border, the Essequibo flows to the north for 1,010 km through forest and savanna into the Atlantic Ocean.

The first discovery was by the ships of Don Juan Esquivel, deputy of Don Diego Columbus, son of the admiral who lent his name to christen the Essequibo River today. In 1499 Alonso de Ojeda performs scans through the mouths of the Orinoco and who allegedly was the first time I browse the Essequibo. The first European settlement in Guyana was built by the Dutch along the lower part of the Essequibo in 1615. The colonists remained on friendly terms with the Native American peoples of the area, establishing riverside sugar and cacao plantations. The river has approximately three hundred and sixty five island that is about one for every day of the year. Some of the islands are so small that it has one structure in it and when the tide comes in it submerges the island leaving just the house on top of the water. There are many small tributaries that once can enjoy. There are man water taxis that one can take to the different island. The people of the country side are very friendly and welcome tourists.

Orinduik Falls

Rodeo in Lethem

The Lethem Rodeo is held every year in the Rupununi Savannah area of Guyan. To reach the Rupununi Savannah you have to pass through the IwokramaRainforest,a 360,000 hectare protected area in the Upper Essequibo Region, used for the promotion of sustainable rainforest management and for 

research which should bring ecological, economic and social benefits for the 

indigenous peoples, the people of Guyana and  the world in general.The Rupununi Savannah is located in the southern part of Guyana, some 360 miles 

from the capital town, Georgetown, and extends into neighbouring Brazil.  It is 

understood that this area is considered the largest open range savannah in the 

world. It lies between the tropical rainforest of Guyana and the Amazon Jungle in 

Brazil. The Lethem Rodeo or Rupununi Rodeo is held each year in the Easter 

weekend by the ranches in the area. It  is  said  that  the  rodeo  was introduced by an American from Dakota  by  the  name  of  Ben  Hart  in 

the late nineteenth century. His idea of entertaining guests was then 

picked up by the local ranchers and became an annual tradition in the 

Rupununi.  This sports event, which is now developing to a popular cultural 

festival, attracts many visitors and participants from every where, from 

the coastland as far as Berbice and from neighbouring Brazil.  In addition, 

the rodeo has growing support, not only from the local ranches, but also 

from the private sector in Georgetown. All of this has strengthened the wish to give the Lethem or Rupununi Rodeo more regional and international exposure. The fun kicks off on the Saturday and continues to Easter Monday with day time activities like wild bull riding, horse racing, wild cow milking, wild horse riding, a female barrel race,  steer roping, etc. The evening 

programme presents festivities in the form  of  a  cultural  fair  with  food, 

games, music and the lively so-called “Faha” dance, which is a pair dance and, is said, to have its origin in the popular Northeast Brazilian ”Forró” dance. There is also a variety of other activities including In the wild cow milking competition the challenge for competitors is in roping the 

wild animal and trying to milk them. If this would be a daily routine in dairy 

production, our population would have a diet very low in lactose. One of the major 

attractions is bareback bronco in which Guyanese as well as Brazilian competitors, 

including one female vaquero, challenge each others skills in the riding and breakin of wild horses. The winning vaquero is the one who manages to stay the 

longest time on the back of the untamed bucking horse. The same principle 

applies for the wild bull riding, which looks like a far more dangerous event 

not only in terms of the bull’s temper but also for its weight. 

The Essequibo Lake Mainstay

Lake Mainstay Resort is located on the shores of Lake Mainstay on the Essequibo Coast of Guyana. It is 15 mins by car inland from the town of Anna Regina and next to the Whyaka Amerindian Village.Via the Anna Regina airstrip 5 mins away from the Resort, it is a 20-minute flight from Georgetown. The Arawak Indians first inhabited the area around Lake Mainstay; it was called 'Quacabuka', an Arawak word meaning 'in between'.

The spacious resort is comprised of a cluster of comfortable air-conditioned cottages on the shore of Lake Mainstay and large recreational spaces. It has the largest guest-capacity in Guyana and is well suited for large gatherings such as conferences or weddings.

With the individualised cottage accommodations it also suited to small parties looking for a cozy, relaxing overnight or weekend stays in the midst of nature. Visits to the neighbouring Amerindian village of Whyaka are also easily arranged.

Visitors can enjoy drinks and Bar-B-Que at the Deck Bar over the waters of the lake, a protected swimming area along the shore, beach volleyball, football and cricket, and a comfortable restaurant with a varied menu of traditional Guyanese dishes. Canoeing, jet ski rides and speedboat rides can also be arranged.

The lakeshore recreational space makes it suitable both for large performance events such as the Annual Regatta in August and picnics/ day-trips for families or groups.

 How to get here:

By river & road:

• Georgetown to Parika by road (1.5 hr)
• Parika to Supenaam across Guyana's majestic Essequibo River by boat (40 mins)
• Supenaam to Lake Mainstay via Anna Regina by road (1 hr)

By air & road:

• Flight from Ogle Aerodrome, Georgetown (20 mins)

The Resort operates a Reservations Office in the heart of Georgetown.

The Majestic Baganara Island Resort

Baganara Island has a rich history. It goes back a long way.

     Thomas Island which is one of the earlier name for the Island is historically linked to the British Lieutentant Thomas Stanton St. Clair who along with his troops came upon Bartica in 1807. It is believed that the Island was named in honour of him. However, relics found on Barnara, Dutch Bottles and Old Muskets and noticeable lines of settlement, suggested that Baganara may have provided some military base for the Dutch who were the first in this regionIn 1989, the Correia family acquired Baganara Island. This island is located in the Essequibo River, five miles south of the traditional gateway to the interior, Bartica. 

In 1989, the Correia family acquired Baganara Island. This island is located in the Essequibo River, five miles south of the traditional gateway to the interior, Bartica.

By 1994, the famous Baganara façade was taking shape. Residents of Bartica and other curious persons would travel just to take pictures and marvel at the transformation of a wild jungle to a serene paradise right before their eyes. 

In 1995, construction of an airstrip and a manager’s facility was underway. The facility and the island were used as the venue for numerous training seminars and management retreats. Unknowingly, seeds were being planted for the future of Baganara Island as a resort par excellence, where private and corporate clientele could escape for physical and mental rejuvenation. In 1996 the Island was transformed into an Island Resort Facility.



On the resort you can expect to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast as you gaze out across the wide open mass that is the Mighty Essequibo River and absorb the breathtaking beauty of the day ahead of you. Enjoy island activities at your own leisure, explore this paradise on foot or simply wile away the hours absorbing this small piece of heaven that is Baganara Island Resort. Finish off your ideal day with a delicious dinner, served on the fine grains of white beach sand under the stars. Last, but certainly not least, drift off to sleep in absolute bliss to the tune of waves washing up on the shore.

Everlasting Amaila’s Falls

Amaila Falls is located on the Kuribrong River in the Potaro- Siparuni, a tributary of the Potaro River. In the lower elevations the walls of the escarpment are flatter but these steepen sharply with elevation until the valley walls are nearly vertical at the top

The river drops from the escarpment over Amaila Falls vertically approximately 200 feet (60 m), and continues in a series of rapids and falls for almost two miles before reaching placid water at an elevation of 175 feet. The total drop is about 1,200 feet (365 m). Waterfall is approximately 45 m wide, the volume is 64 m³/s. Waterfall has formed on the sandstones and conglomerates of Roraima Formation. During the course of the falls the river changes direction from east to north

The access to this falls will soon become easy since there is a road now built from the mainland area to the falls. The access road is been built mainly because there is plans to construct a hydro-dam to generate power. It is a spectacle to be seen. Truly a sight to behold, which makes it a unique sight to be added to Guyana tourist attractions list.

The Tall Wooden Building, St George’s cathedral

The St. George Cathedral is an Anglican Cathedral  located in Georgetown Guyana. This magnificent building is considered as one the tallest wooden building in the world, with a height of 43.5 meters or 143 feet. It is seats the Bishop of Guyana.  St. George's was designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield and opened on 24 August 1892. The building was completed in 1899. It is located on Church Street in Georgetown, and has been designated a National Monument. 

The first church dates back to 1810 and was erected on the site that now houses St. George's School. This church soon became too small for its increasing membership. In 1839 the foundation stone for a larger church was laid and the small church was relocated at St. Matthew's Parish, East Bank Demerara.

The second church was completed in 1842 and became the first cathedral, as a Bishop (William Piercy Austin) was consecrated and the Diocese of Guiana created on 24 August 1842. However, because of a fault in the structure of the building, it began cracking in several places and soon became unsuitable for habitation. It was subsequently dismantled.

The foundation stone for the present St. George's Cathedral, built mainly of Greenheart, was laid on 21 November 1889, and the cathedral was consecrated on 8 November 1894 and dedicated by Bishop Swaby.The interior of the church makes for fascinating history. Whether it is an article of furniture, the chalices, the memorial tablets or the Baptism registers - they all tell a story. The story is not only about Guyana's history, but glimpses of its Caribbean neighbours are also revealed. There is a small Gothic shrine of carved oak in the northern aisle that commemorates Bishop Coleridge, first Bishop of Barbados, who was responsible for British Guiana from 1826 to 1842. The brass lectern, near the central altar, was given by the Diocese of Barbados when the present Cathedral was opened in 1892. The Sedilia was donated by Chinese Christians.

The decorative stained glass windows reflect myriad colours in the sunlight. These windows depict scenes from the Crucifixion and the Ascension, among others. Consisting of two rows of six windows, The East window was donated by the McConnell family. The upper windows depict scenes from the Book of Revelation. The intricate ironwork depicts pictures of birds and flowers. The choir seats are beautifully carved.

A large chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria, hangs prominently within the cathedral. The wooden Centenary Cross in front of the High Altar marks the 100th anniversary of the Province of the West Indies, founded in 1883. The Cross was carried around the Diocese in 1983, marking the centenary. The pulpit, donated in memory of the Jones family of Plantation Houston dates from 1866

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._George's_Cathedral,_Georgetown

The Famous Georgtown Lighthouse that brightens the night

As one drives or walk around the famous city of Georgetown the fantastic structure of one of Guyana's most historical national monument can be seen. The Lighthouse, a symbol of Guyana's rich history in trading. It was first constructed in 1817 by the Dutch and later on rebuilt in 1830 by the British. It is located on Water Street and can be seen from a distance. It has distinct vertical red and white stripes and is thirty (31) meters or one hundred and three (103) feet high. The brick structure was commissioned on 1 June 1830, when it replaced a wooden lighthouse that had been built on the same site by the Dutch. British engineers constructed the present lighthouse, reinforcing the building by placing it on a foundation of 49 greenheart piles, making it durable nearly 200 years later.

A floating light was placed at the Demerara bar in March 1838 and a system of signaling to the lighthouse was established. On 27 February 1838 a Committee of Pilotage was formed and entrusted with the signaling. Before establishment of the System of Signaling, a beacon had been erected on the East Coast Demerara and vessels entering had to contribute to the cost of constructing the beacon. The lighthouse was great help to ship coming into the Georgetown port since it is rocky and quite dangerous to ships in those times.

About a half mile east of Fort Groyne there was a block house which was used as a signal station for vessels arriving, and for signaling to Berbice. The coastal signaling was done by semaphore stations.

A steel balcony at the top of the Lighthouse offers a panoramic view of Georgetown and West Coast Demerara. The lighthouse currenty does not function, but it is now open to the public and to toursit to visit. A chance to feel as you are in the days when there was no navigational systems on ships and all that stood between them and their doom was this beacon of hope the lighthouse

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgetown_Lighthouse,_Guyana

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7z_HejWq1g

The Iwokrama Eco tourism that showcase its nature

Guyana is home to one of the biggest most pristine rain forest in the world. The Iwokrama Forest is located in the heart of one of four last untouched tropical forests of the world The Guyana Shield of North-Eastern South America. Ecotourism is one of the important components of Iwokrama’s strategy for financial self sufficiency. The Iwokrama Forest and the Rupununi Wetlands and savannahs offer visitors the opportunity for an exceptional natural and cultural experience set in a learning context.

Iwokrama is a place for all ages and all interests and you choose what you want to do. By staying at Iwokrama you are directly contributing to the communities in and surrounding the forest and to the conservation of what lies within. You will also contribute towards the development of an eco-friendly sustainable tourism model which can be shared locally, nationally and with the international community.

The Iwokrama Forest is a vast wilderness of nearly one million acres – a protected area and homeland of the Makushi people who have used the forest for generations. A unique blend of technology, ancient culture, and traditional knowledge, Iwokrama fulfils its mandate and promise to the world.

Come and retrace the footsteps of the Makushi people, wander the extensive trail system and discover the unforgettable flora, fauna and Amerindian history so special to this tropical paradise. With an unparalleled abundance of wildlife, the Iwokrama Forest is an extraordinary destination for naturalists, birders and for those seeking an authentic retreat to the jungle.

Iwokrama Canopy Walkway

Opened in November 2003, the 154 metre (505 ft.) Iwokrama Canopy Walkway offers a unique experience in the region and envelopes you in the jungle’s mid-level canopy through a series of suspension bridges and decks from heights of up to 30 metres (98 ft.). The journey starts with an adventurous hour long drive along a road that is known for its great opportunity to see wildlife, including the elusive jaguar and ends at Atta Rainforest Lodge. It gives visitors a new view of the mid and upper canopy of the forest and allows wildlife to be relatively free from human intrusion.There is also a variety bird watching and jaguar spotting.

http://www.iwokrama.org/wp/?page_id=198

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-kuXIYBkz4

The famous Cuffy Rebellion that contribute to the country

Written in Guyana’s rich history is the story of Cuffy or Kofi. It was because of his immense contribution and leadership that nearly led to one of the most successful slave rebellion in Guyana. For this reason a statue has been erected in his honor for the struggle against slavery. His story is quite a unique one. Cuffy was captured from his native land West Africa. The revolt took place in 1763 at the time the Dutch was occupying Guyana. Cuffy was a slave in the Berbice colony on a plantation called Lilienburg. He was a house slave for barrel maker. The revolt originally broke out at the Madgalenenburg plantation. It quickly spread to other plantation where the slaves acquired guns and gun powered from the plantation they conquered.
              Eventually they conquered the plantation that Cuffy was a slave on. Because Cuffy was house slave he was more educated, and the rebels accepted his as their leader. Cuffy appointed his trust worthy friend Akara as his general. The Rebellion had by then grown to a number of over five hundred. Cuffy strove to establish order and discipline in his troop. Cuffy tried to avoid bloodshed by writing to the governor proposing a partition of Berbice where the Dutch would get the coastlands and the rebels would occupy the interior. The governor however was very clever and kept writing back and forth to Cuffy in order to stall him until reinforcement arrived. Cuffy realized this too late and when he did decided to attack it was too late and they were driven back. This defeat brought disunity in the ranks and Akara broke became the leader of the group that was opposing Cuffy and fight broke out between the rebels. In the end Cuffy lost and took his life in belief that by taking his own life his soul would return to Africa. on every 23rd of Feburay Guyana celebrates it Republic day in memory of Cuffy's struggle. This is a rich part of Guyana that shows the will and might of the Guyanese people to secure their freedom at any cost.






Additional Information:  http://www.outsideyourworld.com/2011/02/cuffy-statue/

Documentary on the revolt:
                                        documentary on the 1763 rebellion
                                        documentary part 2
                                        documentary part 3

A glimpse of the Famous water fall which always keep flowing

     Kaiteur falls located on the Potaro River in Guyana. It is located in the Kaiteur national park. It is 226 meters or 741 feet single drop water falls. It is also disputed as the world longest one drop waterfall. Its thunder can be heard long before visitors glimpse this magnificent cascade. More than 136,200 liters of tannin-stained water, per second, shrouded in mist and pierced by rainbows, crash to the bottom of the rocky but lush gorge. 

     Kaieteur is one of the highest, and the most spectacular, and powerful waterfalls in the world. The Potaro River runs through the park falling over the Kaieteur escarpment to form the Kaieteur Falls. On 24 April 1870, Charles Barrington Brown, one of two British geologists appointed government surveyors to the colony of British Guiana (now known as Guyana), became the first European to see Kaieteur Falls. Kaieteur Falls is a major tourist attraction in Guyana. The falls is located in Kaieteur National Park and is in the centre of Guyana's rainforest. There are frequent flights between the falls' airstrip and Ogle Airport and Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Georgetown.

  There are many things that are unique to the kaiteur falls. It is well known for a variety of flora and fauna. One cannot actually take any of the flora or fauna from the park or the falls when visiting. Another amazing fact is the Kaiteur falls is home to the rare golden frog. A creature of beauty but poisonous one. With luck you may get a glimpse of the ocelot, a medium sized spotted cat, about twice as large as an average house cat. On the trail to Johnson's View one can often find the cock-of-the-rock with its bright orange feathers sitting on a low branch peering inquisitively at you. There is also the Bush Dog, the red Howler monkey, White Collared Swift, the kaiteur Lizard. The blue morpho is the largest butterfly in South America and one of the largest in the world. It has a massive wingspan reaching up to 20 cm. The iridescent blue color, of the male butterfly, comes from microscopic scales on its wings reflecting light. The females have dull blue wings with brown edges. The undersides of the blue morpho’s wings are brown to resemble foliage and help camouflage them.

Retrieved from kaiteur falls on May 15, 2012 on http://www.kaieteurpark.gov.gy/

A paradise, A place to always remember

Guyana, a land of rich history, a land of diverse culture. Settled on first by the Dutch there still remains many relics of their establishment. Then followed by the Spaniards, the French and most significantly the British. It is because of the colonization of Guyana or at that time know as British Guiana which has made it the only English speaking country in South America.


   Guyana in the time of the British rule was mostly producing sugar which was a very lucrative market, thus in order to produce this product the British needed extensive labor, cheap labour. Because of this reason, the infamous slave trade came about. Slave trading provided cheap labor to plantation owners. These slaves were treated harshly, underfed and over worked. Once the slave trade was abolished in 1838. The British sought labor from the continent of Asia specifically from India.


    Guyana has since come a far way, it has gained its independence and has moved on from colonization. It is a nature haven with rain forest, lakes. rivers and a vast variety of wild life. The people of Guyana is very hospitable and kind. with such a fantastic combination of history and natural resources Guyana is recognized as vacations paradise.