Views from above capture the coastland’s beauty The beauty of Guyana’s vast interior is renowned, but this week Guyanese photographer John Greene shares his spectacular aerial shots of Guyana’s beautiful coastal landscape with Guyana Times International.
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A horseback journey to Guyana’s petroglyphs is a unique tour that combines the romantic adventure of horse riding on the open savannahs and the fascinating study of Amerindian petroglyphs. Some of the ‘Fish Trap’ petroglyphs date back 4,000 years to a warmer climatic period. Their stories suggest a resource control plan by the Amerindians indicating what type of fish strategies should be employed at each site. The journey begins by plane to Lethem then taking a jeep across the savannahs to Dadanawa Ranch, the largest ranch in Guyana, where you…
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As the sun rises on the Rewa River, I wake to the sounds of howler monkeys rambling in the trees and a cacophony of tropical birds with their joyful noises. I pause for a moment and ponder the drastic difference between this and the wake-up calls of the bustling city of Chicago, where I live: police and fire truck sirens blaring in the streets, buses making their daily routes and anxious drivers blowing their horns as they navigate traffic. I welcome the change and feel a stream of excitement, as…
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No trip to Georgetown would be complete without visiting two of Guyana’s most beautiful gardens: the Botanical and Promenade Gardens. The Botanical Gardens was established in 1878 and is one of the treasures of the city, and indeed the country. The Gardens is laid out on one hundred and eighty five (185) acres of land on Plantation Vlissengen (an abandoned sugar estate). As you stroll through the Gardens, you not only have an opportunity of viewing the exceptional plant collection, but also spectacular butterflies, intriguing birds and even the endangered…
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Guyana is an ideal destination for small cruisers and yachts since it boasts some of the most wonderful sites in the world. The area designated for yachting is about 40 miles up the Essequibo River. It is an area with ideal anchorage for yachts that is central to the small vibrant town of Bartica, which stands at the junction of the Essequibo and Mazaruni rivers. ‘Cruising Guide to Guyana’ by Chris Doyle gives full details on sailing to Guyana. According to Doyle in his guide, the Essequibo is an attractive…
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By Michael Younge The Tourism Ministry has disclosed some big plans aimed at further penetrating the tourism markets locally, regionally and internationally. Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali speaking to a packed room of media operatives last Friday announced his intention to ensure that the first quarter of 2013 results in resounding successes for the country’s tourism development agenda. He said he was satisfied with the gains made in all sectors of the tourism industry which saw Guyana not only improving its performance in critical markets overseas, but cementing its own…
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The beauty of the Rupununi is vast, unique, legendary and celebrated in arts and literature. Rupununi in Region Nine, derives its name from the Rupununi River that runs from the south savannahs, north and eastward where it meets the Essequibo River. The Rupununi River and its tributaries are the mainstay of life for the 14,000 indigenous people, mainly Macushi and Wapishana, who live in the area. Discover its magic while visiting the golden savannahs that melt into deep, green forests, lined with silver creeks. Cattle, cashew nuts, peanuts, cassava and…
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Masquerade is said to have its genesis in Guyana from African slaves during the European religious Christmas season, when the country was a colony of Britain. Slaves, who were forbidden to practice their traditions, were slightly less restricted during the season, and were allowed to visit other plantations and revel with other slaves where celebratory drumming and dancing in the streets were also allowed at this time. The dancing, drumming and elaborate costumes and effigies developed by the colonial masquerade bands reflected religious festival traditions of the Ibo and Yoruba…
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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 public to suggest it be made into a public garden, perhaps as a way of honouring those victims of an inhuman system. In 1851, after funding was obtained, steps began to transform the site…
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