The Republic of Guyana

QUICK FACTS

Capital: Georgetown

Official Language: English

Status: Independent Republic 26 May 1966

Area: 214,970 sq Km, 83,000 sq Mi

Population: 763,222 (2010)

Currency: Guyanese dollars (GYD)

Motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny

 

Land of many waters

Guyana, like many CARICOM countries, continues to depend on imported oil that fuels the electricity and transport sectors. Simultaneously, the high level of expenditure on oil reduces the financial resources available to invest in social development, environmental protection, adaptation to climate change and improving food security. The electricity sector in Guyana, in particular, offers significant opportunities for achieving reductions in fossil imports. However, fiscal and regulatory barriers to energy efficiency and renewable energy use are apparent in Guyana. Guyana possesses an abundance of water resources with a potential installed capacity of over 7,000 MW of hydroelectric power.

MINISTRY AND MINISTER

 

Hon. David Patterson

Minister of Public Infrastructure

 

Minister of Public Infrastructure

Wight’s Lane, Kingston Georgetown

Tel:      (592) 231-8127/8; (592) 231-8115

Fax:    (592) 231-8114

Email: minister@publicinfrastructure.gov.gy

            patransfer@gmail.com

            minister.infrastructure@gmail.com

Cc :     alisa.gomes@yahoo.com (Secretary)

 

CARICOM ENERGY FOCAL POINT

 

Dr. Mahender Sharma

Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Energy Agency

 

DATE OF CARICOM MEMBERSHIP

 

1 August, 1973

Energy Policy

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Energy Report Card

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Location

Guyana lies on the northern coastline of South America. It is bordered to the east by Suriname, to the south-west by Brazil, to the north-west by Venezuela and to the north by the Atlantic Ocean. It is the site of the Headquarters of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

 

History

The original inhabitants were the Amerindians. Guyana was settled by the Dutch in the 16th century and changed hands among the Dutch, British, and French from the late 16th century. It was finally ceded to Britain in 1814. Independence was achieved in 1966; and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana was established in 1970.

 

Economic Summary

Agriculture is the main sector, while the forestry, fishing and mining sectors are important areas of economic activity in Guyana.

Manufacturing, mainly the processing and refining of agricultural products continues to be of importance to Guyana. The country continues to diversify its economy with emphasis being placed on its Information Communication Technology and Services sectors. In addition, the country is also focusing on tourism, energy and light manufacturing.

Airports

Cheddi Jagan International, Timehri

Eugene F. Correira International Airport

 

Business Hours

Commercial: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday; Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Government: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Monday to Friday

 

National Holidays

New Year’s Day, January 1; Eid-ul-Azah (as decreed);

Republic Day, February 23; Phagwah (as decreed); Youman Nabi (as decreed) Good Friday; Easter Monday; Labour Day, May 1; Arrival Day, May 5; Independence Day, May 26; CARICOM Day, July 4;  Emancipation Day, August 1; Diwali (as decreed); Christmas Day December 25; Boxing Day December 26.  Holidays that fall on a Sunday are observed the following Monday.

 

Date of CARICOM Membership

1 August, 1973

 

The Flag

Red  – People’s deal in nation-building

Black – Endurance and perseverance

Gold – Mineral resources

White – Rivers

Green  – Land