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Wednesday, 27 June 2012

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.








Sunday, 17 June 2012

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

Wednesday, 6 June 2012

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











Sunday, 3 June 2012

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.