Country info for backpacking in Guyana

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 Highest point  Mount Roraima 2,835 m

History

Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to the purchase of some villages such as Victoria and Anns Grove to name a few, as well as black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. Chinese were also imported to work on plantations but were found to be unsuitable (read Guyana History. The Colonial powers employed a system of "divide and rule" among the freed Africans and the other ethnic groups which were brought and encouraged to settle in the then colony. The policy was employed even during slavery when indigenous "Amerindians" were used to hunt runaway slaves. The result was an ethnocultural divide, significant elements of which have persisted to this day and has led to turbulent politics, a dissolution of attempts at nationalistic cultural development and the non-existence of anything resembling a "National Identity". Independence  26 May 1966 (from UK) National holiday  Republic Day, 23 February (1970) Constitution  6 October 1980 (There seems to be the feeling that this Constitution actually works to facilitate a dictatorship). 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 and again in 2006.

Georgetown is notorious for petty street crime. Do not walk alone at night, or even in the day, unless you know the area well. Areas such as the Tiger Bay area east of Main Street and the entire southeastern part of the city including, in particular, Albouystown and Ruimveldt are traditionally known as high crime areas but one can be relatively safe if going through these areas in groups and with native escorts. Venturing into the covered area of the Stabroek Market can pose some dangers but if you need to visit it then do so with a group or with Guyanese whom you know well and with whom you feel comfortable. Police are unlikely to help you unless they see the crime in action. Be sensible about wearing jewelry. Even cosmetic jewelry which is gaudy is likely to attract the wrong attention. It is advised to exercise common sense. You might have heard of or read about the village Buxton. It is a hotbed of Afro-Guyanese violence, comparable to the American neighborhood Compton. Visits to Buxton ought to be brokered carefully with someone who knows the area well and who is well accepted in the village. If your visit to this village is perceived to be anything other than casual then there could be unwarranted problems. The interior regions with the breath-taking waterfalls and the beautiful rainforests and mountains are perfectly safe. Many rural areas around the country, are filled with a friendly atmosphere and are perfectly safe. Crime is rarely directed at tourists, so don't feel intimidated. Just be sensible about the company you keep, where you go and how you behave. Homosexuality is illegal in Guyana and carries a sentence of life in prison. However, no one has been charged under the laws. One organisation SASOD organises some events to promote anti-homophobic work. There is no local gay "scene" as most homosexuals remain rather closeted. Private gatherings are know to occur to which one must be invited. Homosexuals who are openly gay are generally left alone providing they are circumspect about their behaviour. Public displays of affection among gay people is frowned upon and can make you the target of overt discrimination, attacks and taunts. There are no hotels, resorts or bars anywhere in the country which cater exclusively to gays and lesbian visitors or locals for that matter. Homophobia is sustained primarily through the influx of music (particularly Jamaican in origin) which contain homophobic messages in their lyrics...and which even encourage violence against gays...suggesting they be killed!! The gay traveller is wise to be very cautious and conservative in his/her behaviour. Beware the temtation to form alliances with locals....they could be deadly.....(HIV and otherwise)!!! The police response varies depending on the location and time of the crime. Some tourists have reported positive responses. Discussions of the current affairs of ethnic relations between the two major races,politics and the socio-economic issues in the country ougth to be undertaken with much tact and with much patience. Be aware that these types of discourses can sometimes lead to very heated and intense debate and possibly something much worse.Guyanese are generally very open to discussing most issues but as an outsider, you could be seen as a part of the problem, so guard your tongue.