News, Businesses, Industries, Products, Services, Tourism, People, History, Culture, Education…
News, Businesses, Industries, Products, Services, Tourism, People, History, Culture, Education…
During the 1970s, when racial tensions were high between whites and blacks of the United States, Jim Jones promised his followers something that portrayed him as a champion of the oppressed: racial and social equality. In this regard, The People’s Temple was made up of about 69% blacks, 25% whites, and 6% mixed races. Little did the followers know that Jim Jones meant them no good.
It is no secret that religion has been hijacked by evil men and women who twist scriptures to suit their own conveniences. These wolves in sheep clothing use religion to control, enslave, and extort others. And Jim Jones was certainly one of these. But as the bible reassures us, “surely they have their reward.”
The story of Jonestown which unfolded in the jungles of the Northwest Region of Guyana, South America is one of darkest stories of Guyana’s history – one that will forever stain the pages of Guyana’s history book, but one from which many life lessons can be learned.
Every year, the Rupununians hold a Rodeo show, and thousands of tourists flock from around the world to watch. But have you ever wondered how this all started? Here is the story.
For teacher’s day 2021 – October, 5th, we had the honor of featuring one of Guyana’s most outstanding veteran educators – a young man by the name of Kenrick Lewis who has touched the hearts of thousands of people and impacted countless lives throughout his 27-year long ongoing career. He is presently the Headmaster of St. Ignatius Secondary in Region 9, Guyana, South America.
The village of Hampshire, on the Corentyne coast of Berbice, Guyana, South America is bordered by the village of Belvedere to the West, the village of Williamsburg to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and the sugar cane fields to the south.
The Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana, South America is located in the county of Essequibo in Region 9. The entire Region 9 of Guyana is referred to as the Rupununi Savannahs. It includes the North, South, and Central Rupununi Savannahs. The Kanuku Mountain Range divides the North from the South Rupununi Savannahs.
Adventure Village is located along the Corentyne Highway in the county of Berbice in Region 6, Guyana, South America. It lies about halfway between New Amsterdam and Moleson Creek – which is the last village near to the Suriname Ferry Crossing.
I’ve previously published an article giving general, touristic, and business information on the Town of Lethem. Because people are often concerned with their safety when traveling from place to place, they often ask questions about criminal activities and violence in that area. For this reason, I’ve decided to create a non-exhaustive log of criminal activities and violence in Lethem that I’m aware of.
Are you planning a trip to Lethem and wondering where to stay? Here are your options.
The Takutu Hotel in Lethem, Rupununi Savannahs, Guyana, South America, is one of your finest choices when looking for accommodation in the Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana. In fact, the Takutu Hotel is reputed to be the oldest hotel in the Rupununi – providing hospitality services since the 1960s.
When traveling to Lethem in the Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana, South America, the Kanuku Lodge Hotel in Lethem is one of your options if you’re looking for a place to spend the night – or a few nights, etc. The Kanuku Lodge Hotel is located along Lethem’s Main Commercial Road- right next to Frontier Pharmacy and opposite Reeaz Computer Store. Obliquely opposite is Macedo’s Gas Station.
Savannah Inn Hotel and Restaurant is located along Barrack Retreat – Lethem’s Main Commercial Road in Region 9, Guyana, South America. It is located obliquely opposite the Savannah Inn supermarket and the GDF military base, and next to Best Choice General Store and D&D Hardware.
The Rupununi Eco Hotel is located just a few meters away from Lethem’s commercial center. From the main commercial road, take the street which runs between the GRA building and China Star General Store and walk a few meters. Look left and you will see the Rupununi Eco Hotel.
The species of freshwater fish, Hoplias Aimara, is known in Guyana as the haimara or wolf fish. In other parts of the world, it is called anjumara, traira, trahira, manjuma, anjoemara, and wolf fish. The haimara is a freshwater fish which grows to more than 4 feet in length, but the average length is 3 feet. It weighs on average 88 lbs. The haimara is native to northern South American countries including Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, French Guiana, and Suriname. It is also found in the rivers of neighboring Trinidad and Tobago.
The tarpon may be described as a “euryhaline species” because it can survive in a wide variety of salinity and therefore lives in both the ocean and in fresh waters. The tarpon breeds mostly in the oceans in salt water. The females can lay up to 12 million eggs at once. They spawn their eggs between the months of March and July. Tarpons tend to swim upriver from the ocean and often inhabit rivers, creeks, tidal pools, and salt marshes. Some return to the ocean but others stay in freshwater locations.
The ocelot is a mammal native to the North, South, and Central Americas as well as the Caribbean Islands of Trinidad and Margarita. Ocelots are carnivores meaning they eat other animals. Since it prefers to hunt during the night, the ocelot is described as a nocturnal animal.
The giant river otter is only found South America, and Guyana is one of the countries in which it is found. Each giant river otter has a signature mark on its throat: the pattern at the bottom of the throat is different for each giant otter so you can tell one from the other. This helps scientists to keep track of the number of giant otters present in a particular location.
Leptophis ahaetulla, called Parrot Snake or Lora, is a venomous and dangerous serpent found in various parts of Guyana, especially the Rupununi Savannahs. The species is also found in many other countries across South and Central Americas.
The hydrolycus armatus, or payara, is a predatory fish that preys on smaller fishes. It uses its sharp fangs to impale preys. The payara can grow to up to 1 meter in length. The hydrolycus armatus is often confused with its smaller cousin which only grows up to 1.7 feet, the hydrolycus scomberoides, also called payara and vampire fish.
The peacock bass fish is colloquially called Luckanani by the people of Guyana, South America. It belongs to the genus cichia. In Brazil, the peacock bass is called tucanare, and the Spanish refer to it as pavon.
Guyana is known as the land of the giants, and the giant anteater, the world’s largest anteater, is one of the six or seven reasons why. The giant anteater goes by the scientific name Myrmecophaga tridactyla. It is a mammal which feeds on insects and has an average lifespan of 14 years. About two to three feet in height, the giant anteater weighs between 40 and 140 pounds. The giant anteater can reach as long as eight feet from the tip of its snout to the end of its tail.
The electric eel is living proof of a fact we all know: that God invented electricity long before humans discovered it. The electric eel is a natural marvel which produces electricity through bodily functions. It can electrocute other animals, but is never affected by the electrical shocks it delivers.
The flower of Victoria Amazonica, previously called the Victoria Regia, and also known as the Giant Water Lily is Guyana’s National Flower. Victoria Amazonica is the world’s second largest water lily with its leaves measuring a whooping 10 feet in diameter floating on the surface of the water. The stalk of the Victoria Amazonica extends as much as 26 feet (8 meters) below the surface of the water. The flower of the Victoria Amazonica, which it bears almost every week during the summer months, is also the largest flower in the world. The flower of the Victoria Amazonica stays in blossom for just two to three days – long enough to facilitate pollination.
The green anaconda is a species of reptiles found throughout South America including Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil. The species is especially prolific in the northern part of Brazil. In Guyana, the Green Anaconda was spotted by photographer Keanu Thomas in the wetlands of the Essequibo Coast where these photos were taken.
Region 6, also known as the East Berbice – Corentyne Region, is one of Guyana’s ten Administrative Regions. Region 6 is bordered by Suriname to the East, the Atlantic Ocean to the North, Brazil to the South, and Regions 5, 8, 9, and 10 to the West. Most of the ancient county of Berbice is located in Region 6.
Region 4, also called the Demerara-Mahaica Region, is a region of Guyana bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the Mahaica-Berbice Region (Region 5) to the east, the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region (Region 10) to the south, and the Essequibo Islands – West Demerara Region (Region 3) to the west.
The Iworkrama Forest Reserve consists of 31,700 hectares of tropical rainforest in Guyana, South America. The Iwokrama Forest Reserve is managed by the Iwokrama International Center for Rainforest Conservation and Development.
Region 7, also called the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region, is one of Guyana’s ten administrative regions. It is bordered by Venezuela to the east and the Essequibo River to the west. Covering an area of 18,400 square miles or 47,650 square kilometers, the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region is bigger than the Netherlands.
My husband, Harvey, and I used to live on a ranch in the North Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana, South America, where there was a 10-mile stretch of grazing ground between two places called Pirara and Meritezeiro. These places were owned by a dairy company called LIDCO, and they were “two in one.” The Headquarters, administration workers, and ranchers’ homes were all located at Pirara. Harvey and I lived at Meritezeiro where he controlled that section of the ranch. There were four cattle boys there.
Region 8 is one of Guyana’s ten Administrative Regions. It is also called the Potaro-Siparuni Region. Region 8 borders Region 7 to the north, Regions 10 and 6 to the east, Region 9 to the South, and Brazil to the west.
Saxacalli Village is located on the west bank of the Essequibo River some 25 miles (40 km) south of Parika at 6°35′N 58°37′W Coordinates: 6°35′N 58°37′W, in Guyana, South America. It was originally an Arawak community. Its present population of about 250 reflects Guyana’s multi-ethnicity.
It is possible for Guyanese to cross over into the Brazilian town of Normandy from Karasaibai Village in the South Pakaraima/North Rupununi District of Guyana, South America. The border between Normandy, Brazil and Karasabai, Guyana is formed by the Ireng River and is usually crossed by boats.
Known for its beautiful mountains and breathtaking scenery, Karasabai Village lies peacefully beneath the shade of the majestic Pakaraima Mountains in the South Pakaraimas District of Region 9 in Guyana, South America.
Shulinab is an Indigenous village located in South Central Rupununi, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Region Nine, Guyana, South America. The village was named after a palm tree called Shaorai. It is situated between the right bank of Sawariwao river and to the left bank of Sawarab creek. It is bordered to the eastern and northern boundaries by the Kanuku mountains.
Manley Thomas’ determination to succeed in life despite great challenges and the odds sometimes stacked against him is the driving theme of this story. The deaths of his mother and sister while he was still young were some of his greatest challenges – but he fueled his emotions in a positive direction – determined that their lives and sacrifices would not have gone in vain.
The various accounts of the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion, also called the 1763 Berbice Slave Revolt and the 1763 Berbice Slave Uprising, are sketchy and sometimes conflicting. This very condensed version is based on intelligence gathered and cross-examined from various reputable sources including the Dutch Archives.
The Neesa Gopaul murder case is doubtless one of the most horrific, brutal, and chilling crimes in Guyanese history. Imagine being heartlessly attacked by the very person whose God-given duty is to love and protect you. Imagine a group of vacationers looking for a fun time out but ending up finding a human corpse stuffed in a suitcase at Madewini Creek along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, and imagine a woman, with the help of her partner, stuffing her daughter’s lifeless body into a suitcase and then dumping it into a remote creek with dumbbells tied to it so that it wouldn’t resurface. These are some of the elements that compose the Neesa Gopaul murder case – a brutal crime which sent shockwaves throughout the nation of Guyana, South America.
A superstition is a belief in something supernatural that has no scientific basis or logical explanation. For example, we have all heard the superstition that if a black cat crosses your path it might bring bad luck, etc. This is an example of a superstition of European origin.
A proverb is a general observable truth about life which has been passed down from generation to generation. Aside from the biblical book of Proverbs which is believed by many to have been inspired by God, there are many other proverbs peculiar to a particular people, region, or country.
The Wai Wais are originally from Brazil (ANAWA), now called Roraima. Through hunting expeditions, they became familiar with KANASHEN (GOD loves you). Kan is God in the Wai Wai language. Over years, lots of them inhabited the area and the population increased. There was a threat of an “invasion,” a police raid for illegal guns and a lot of families left the location. Some went back to Brazil, while some went to a place upriver of kanashen called Shafalimo.
The Takutu River flows from between Roraima, Brazil and Region 9, Guyana. It forms a river border between Guyana and Brazil for several miles at Region 9 of Guyana, South America. For Brazilians, the name of the Takutu River is “Rio Tacutu.”
The Lethem to Linden Trail is a 300 miles (approximately) trail cut mostly through the Amazon Rain Forest from Lethem to Linden. The Lethem-Linden Trail is also referred to as the “Lethem – Georgetown Trail.” That’s because there is paved road from Linden going to Georgetown, while from Lethem to Linden, it’s a sand/brick/clay trail.
Hundreds of miles south of the town of Lethem, a small community of Indigenous People live peacefully and happily. In the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, in the Deep South Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana, South America, at the headwaters of the mighty Essequibo River, is tucked away this beautiful piece of paradise – Masakanari Village, also known as Gunns Village.
Wayka’s Supermarket in Lethem, Region 9, Guyana, South America is located right opposite the Camp Kanuku Guyana Defense Force Base in the center of town along Barrack Retreat, Lethem’s Commercial Road.
Pepperpot has graced the tables and satisfied the stomachs of all races and classes of Guyanese on a wide variety of occasions – from Christmas season to the everyday grind. During the Christmas season, it is often served with cassava bread and complimented with ginger beer. Although it is not clear at this time which ethnic group introduced pepperpot to Guyana, it might be a blend of two cultures – a tradition adapted by the Africans using casareep – an indigenous creation. It was then adopted and modified by all other ethnic groups in Guyana making it a truly Guyanese flavor.
Guyana is known as the land of the giants, and the arapaima, the world’s largest freshwater fish, is one of the reasons why. The arapaima is a “gentle giant” with a suction power that is damaging to smaller fish up to four feet away. The arapaima can grow as long as 3 meters and weigh up to 440 pounds. In 2015, a monster arapaima was caught in Guyana which weighed 416 pounds!
Known in some places as the Dumb Rattler, the bushmaster is one of the largest vipers in the world. A member of the rattlesnake family, the bushmaster is more dangerous than the rattlesnake because it has no rattle to warn off its potential victim.
In the early to mid 80’s, I was a trader to Brazil and flew on the HS 748 weekly. We nicknamed her “Flop Hat,” although I’m not sure why. At that time, GAC had daily service into Lethem, Rupununi, Guyana South America, and the daily arrival of Flop Hat was the high point of the day. It was the only way in and out. After a short time, we could tell which aircraft was approaching – whether sky van, 748, islander, or DC 6 – by the sound of their engines.
In an interview with this publication, Guyanese herbalist, Nicholas Foo, shares his knowledge of the seed borne by the moringa tree – a tropical plant most prolific throughout India but which also grows in Africa, South America, and other parts of the world.
“Saijan bhajee” as it is commonly called by the locals in Guyana, is in fact the world renowne superfood, moringa leaves. Moringa, the subject of a US scientific study around the year 2010, has been classified as a superfood and is used to fight malnutrition as well as for its medicinal value in various parts of the world. The recently developed moringa industry – which sells moringa based products, is a billion dollar industry.
Almost all Guyanese have heard the story of Eldorado. In Primary School, students even sing the Patriotic Song, “born in the land where men sought Eldorado….” But the story of Eldorado is not limited only to Guyana’s shores – it is one of worldwide fame – and it is what drew the Spanish, British, Portuguese, and other explorers to Guyana.
I’ve decided to reprint this beautiful article which was posted on the Facebook Page of the author, Reanna Nickram, because it does an awesome job of illustrating the beauty, diversity, and richness of this great land of ours. For locals, it just reinforces what we already know. Reanna Nickram is a Guyanese citizen who resides with her family in Lethem, Region 9. In this beautiful anecdote, she expresses her profound love and patriotism for her country of birth, Guyana.
This beautiful poem was sent in by one of our fans, Joshini Ganesh, who says she has a passion for literature, especially poetry. Joshini wrote this poem for her daughter, and says that she is sure many mothers can relate to the sentiments expressed in it.
I’ve come across this really beautiful article from Guyanese author and psychologist, Dr. Telford Layne, and decided to republish it (with permission) because I think it’s a great article with lots of merits and I think all Guyanese should take a good read and let the message it contains sink it – because it applies not just to Afro-Guyanese – but to every one of us.
I was told that walking over hot coals is part of the celebration of St. John’s Day in the Rupununi Savannahs as well as other hinterland regions of Guyana, South America. One resident of the Rupununi told me that walking over hot coals on the night of St. John’s Day (24th) is a common practice in many communities. They say that those who are free of sin will not be burned when they walk on the hot coals, but those who are sinful will be burned by the coals.
People sometimes get confused: if Guyana is located in South America, then how is it referred to as the Caribbean? The answer is that Guyana belongs to both South America and the Caribbean. Confusing? Sort of. But here is a healthy explanation. Guyana is geographically part of South America, but it is culturally and historically part of the Caribbean.
Guyanese born Anna Maria Esther Roth (full name: Anna Maria Esther Roth Dias), presently residing in the border town of Bonfim, Brazil, next to Lethem, Region 9, Guyana, has a special passion – a love for animals that she describes as an energy that she was born with. Her love for animals transcends that of the average person, and her charitable works in caring for animals extend way beyond owning a few pets. In fact, Esther has created in her home an animal sanctuary which she refers to as “Animal Paradise.”
Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II, was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on the 21st of April, 1926 in Mayfair, London, England at 02:40 hours (GMT), while Guyana was still a British colony and was called British Guiana. She ascended the throne of the British Monarchy on the 6th of February, 1952 after the death of her father, King George VI.
As the Venezuelan people and government continue their ramblings over Guyana’s Essequibo territory, the Guyanese people are firmly resolved to holding their ground with their unified and resounding “not one blade of grass” song to the Venezuelans. But a 90-year-old Venezuelan stamp restates what we as Guyanese have known all along – that the Essequibo was never part of Venezuela, and that Caracas was never keen on claiming the Essequibo prior the 2015 oil discovery in Guyana’s waters.
Clouds floating in the skies form all sorts of bizarre shapes including animals and even maps. If you look carefully and use your imagination, you can see just about any shape in the clouds above. But such a clear-cut, precise, and indisputable shape of the map of Guyana forming over the skies over Guyana can be interpreted as a miracle.
This beautiful poem was written by an indigenous citizen of Guyana who resides in the Rupununi Savannahs. Her name is Lubenia Ambrose.
A student of St. Ignatius Secondary School in Region 9 has painted an outstanding portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II of England. The painting is now a world famous one after it went viral after we posted it on the Guyana, South America Facebook Page. In just one hour, the post reached over 10,000 people and received hundreds of congratulations. It is so easy to see that there is an enormous reservoir of hidden talent behind that painting!
The story of Travel Marcellino, the young GDF commander from Region 1, is one of principle, integrity, honesty, and most importantly, beating the odds. We hope the sensational success story of Travis Marcellino, who grew up without either parent, will inspire you to always see the silver lining in every dark cloud, and to remember that crime is never an option.
Sharon Maas is a Guyanese born international bestselling author who presently resides in Ireland. Many of her novels feature events and settings of Guyana, South America. Through her writing, she raises awareness of her homeland.
In this article, American-born Channel Stoby mesmerizes us with her fascinating story of her trip to the Kaieteur Falls in Region 8, Guyana, South America. This story is a sequel to her earlier story published a few days before, “American-born, Channel Stoby, Shares Her Experience Visiting Guyana.”
New Amsterdam is one of Guyana’s ten towns. It located in Administrative Region No. 6. New Amsterdam is bordered by the Berbice River to the West, the cane fields to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and forests to the south.
Maruranau is a piece of natural paradise tucked away at the edge of the Amazon Rainforest, in the South Rupununi Savannas of Guyana, South America. You can get there by traveling first to Lethem, and then traveling south of Lethem for 4 hours by bus.
The FIFA World Cup Football Games are now in full swing in Qatar and everyone is betting on their favorite team. For most of Guyana, that team is Brazil. Most Guyanese, especially those living in Region 9, are cheering on their southern neighbor, the football tiger, Brazil. In fact, almost all, if not all, Region 9 residents, who live on the border with Brazil, are cheering for Brazil.
The Kurupukari Crossing is located along the Lethem – Georgetown Trail, about 5 hours’ drive from Lethem, and about 8 hours when you’re coming from Georgetown. There is where the Essequibo River cuts the trail into two parts. There is a boat service which ferries vehicles across the Essequibo River every hour of the day. This is called the Kurupukari Crossing.
What’s unique about Ori Hotel is its round-the-clock restaurant which serves a wide variety of delicious Guyanese cuisine. The dedicated staff of Ori Hotel’s round-the-clock restaurant get up early in the morning to have breakfast prepared for 7 AM. Lunch is ready for 12 Noon, and the menu board proudly displays the menu. Then, at around 6 PM, dinner is served. In between all of this is a wide variety of snacks such as buns, sponge cake, pastries, and local fruit juice available at all times.
One of the most beautiful stories I have read about Guyana from a foreigner’s eyes – someone who visited Guyana for the first time. She mentions eating “genip” for the first time and that “there is beauty everywhere.” She also mentions, as so many of our tourists do, that the photos will never be as good as the experience itself!
When you travel to Lethem in Region 9, Guyana, South America, be sure to stop at the Amazonas Hotel and see for yourself why we’re one of your finest choices for your hospitality and tourism needs in the Rupununi Savannas and beyond.
The buses usually leave Lethem at 6 pm every night and arrive in Georgetown around 3 pm the next day. They also leave Georgetown around 6 pm, and arrive around 3 pm in Lethem. Usually, you can pop up the same day and reserve your seat at Carly’s or Cindy’s Bus Service, but it is safer to book a day in advance.
St. Andrew’s Kirk is a religious place of worship located along the Avenue of the Republic in Georgetown, Guyana, South America. The building, which is located opposite the Georgetown’s Magistrate Court is said to be one of the oldest wooden buildings in Guyana, South America. The St. Andrew’s Kirk building also serves as a landmark in Guyana.
Experiencing my country, Guyana, South America, this way – with less of everything from the city life to a life filled with canned foods, packet snacks, and camping gear to survive in the jungle and mountains for five days – is something I will never forget.
The Takutu River Bridge was completed in the year 2009 as part of an initiative between the governments of Guyana and Brazil. Since then, travel between the two countries has been very much streamlined, and so has cultural exchange.
Georgetown is the capital city of Guyana, and it is also the country’s only city. The city of Georgetown is located in Administrative Region No. 4. Founded by the British in 1781, the city of Georgetown is home to Guyana’s chief port: Port Georgetown which lies on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Demerara River.
Bartica, one of Guyana’s most beautiful towns, is located in Region 7, also called the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region of Guyana, South America. where the Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers merge with the Essequibo River. The population of Bartica is approximately 20,000, and the main economic activity of the residents of Bartica is gold mining.
Replete with breathtaking sceneries, Orealla Village is a nature paradise located to the East of Guyana in the county of Berbice. Also called Orealla Mission, the village lies on the Corentyne River about 33 miles south of Crabwood Creek. The only means of reaching Orealla Village from the coast at the time of this writing (December, 2022) is by boat. Speedboats run almost daily from Orealla Village to the Coast near to the Skeldon Village. The big passenger boat runs twice a week.
Paruima Village, located along the right bank of the Kamarang River in Region 7 of Guyana, South America, is a small indigenous settlement that dates back about 100 years. It is inhabited by the Arecuna (also called Pemon) Nation of Indigenous peoples.
St. Cuthbert’s Mission, originally called Pakuri Village, is a titled indigenous village located in the Demerara-Mahaica Region (Region 4), of Guyana, South America.
Mabura is a village located along the Lethem – Linden trail at Region 10, Guyana, South America – about 127 km from Linden when traveling from Georgetown to Lethem. The village, also known as “Great Falls” village, contains a police outpost which is a checkpoint for passengers traveling along the Lethem – Linden Trail.
The Stabroek Market was constructed under British Rule during the Victorian Era. The British ruled Guyana from 1814 until Independence in 1966. An American Company, Edge Moor Iron Company of Delaware, USA, was contracted to design and construct the Stabroek Market. It was designed by American Engineer Nathaniel McKay.
The town of Lethem is located in the county of Essequibo, Region No. 9, in the country of Guyana, South America. At the time of this writing, Lethem is officially a town, having been granted township in 2016 by the past APNU/AFC government, which ruled Guyana from 2015 to 2020, in fulfillment of a promise made during the 2015 elections campaigning.
Stepping back into the Ashmins Building after two years was an emotional rollercoaster. My last interaction with this building was kicking in the very door you see in the picture and being frivolously charged for such. Yes, the door with the handles still missing onto this day.
Lethem is always changing and evolving. What it was ten years ago, it’s not today. Development of infrastructure, new buildings, new businesses, and even lifestyle and cultural changes all contribute to the constantly evolving landscape of this beautiful border town which is the gateway to the Rupununi Savannahs and also neighboring Brazil.
Contestant number 5, Miss Natoya Foo, who won the title of second runner up, delivered a stunning, breathtaking performance of a folksong and dance, entitled, “They Say Rupununi is Bush.”
In June 2022, we published an article about paranormal activities in Aishalton Secondary School in Region 9. Bizarre stories of paranormal activities have once again been reported in Region 9 schools. However, this time around, the phenomenon has been reported to be most pronounced in St. Ignatius Secondary School in Region 9, Guyana, South America. Parents of students attending the school are so worried that they are calling for the school to be closed pending investigations into what is attacking the students – especially those living in the dorms.
Team Guyana, South America extends heartfelt condolences to the relatives and friends of Thomas Carsten, a US tourist who died during a fishing expedition in the Rupununi. Thomas was 38 years old at the time of his death.
For the indigenous peoples of Guyana, cassava is a staple, and they use it in various ways. Using a matapee, the liquid is squeezed from the grated cassava. This is used to make cassareep – a preservative that is both nutritious, delicious, and keeps food edible over long periods of time. The solid byproduct is then processed into farine – a food product that is popular in Region 9 and neighboring Brazil. Farine, a high-energy food product, is often eaten with meat, rice, fish etc, and it carries a very long shelf life.
Take a short drive down the Hiowa to Nappi Trail with us and enjoy the beautiful scenery. This video was filmed by Mr. Franklin Greaves in August 2021.
The Takutu River Bridge, a remarkable showcase of quality engineering, connects Brazil to Guyana in Lethem, Region 9. Since its completion in the year 2009, the Takutu River Bridge has facilitated trade, tourism, and social activities between Guyana and Brazil.
Attabrau Falls is located in Paruima Village, Region 7, Guyana, South America. Paruima Village is one of the world’s most preserved indigenous settlements, home to the Arecuna tribe of Indigenous peoples.
The Kumu Falls is a refreshing waterfall about 15 miles from the town of Lethem in Region 9. Its moderate flow and shallow waters allow for a very interactive and refreshing experience. In this video, filmed around January, 2018, a Colombian and Brazilian tourist enjoy the magnificence of the Kumu Falls.
The Takutu Hotel is one of the oldest, yet most modernized, hotels in Lethem, Region 9. Its rich history dates back to the early 1960s when traders pushed commerce between Guyana and Brazil. Even with all the amenities of a 5-star hotel, the Takutu Hotel still reflects a rustic Rupununi setting.
Sakaika Falls is located on the Ekereku River in Region 7 of Guyana, South America. You’ll be amazed at the beauty and sheer power of this falls. And even more, you’ll be amazed at how close these two men are jumping about on the slippery rocks with high winds blowing around them. Many people have called them crazy. Are they crazy or adventurous, stupid or brave? Tell us in the comments.
You’ll be amazed at how close to the road the plane passes when it lands at the Lethem airstrip in Region 9! And this happens everyday, several times per day! This video was shot by Patrick Carpen sometime around the year 2019.
Tornadoes may have been happening in Guyana since time immorial, but this is the first time it was recorded due to the proliferation of mobile devices. On the 13th of October, 2021, the first tornado ever was recorded, literally, over Guyanese soil. Near the villages of Hiowa and Nappi in the Central Rupununi Savannahs, a relatively small tornado swept by – accompanied by lots of lightning and thunder. Luckily, someone pulled out their mobile device and started recording the phenomenon which they later posted to social media, specifically, Facebook.
Guyana recorded its first funnel cloud in the year 2019 over the skies of Georgetown, Region 4. To be exact, the funnel cloud was recorded in the afternoon of August 16, 2019. This is not to say that funnel clouds never happened over Guyana before, but this is possibly the first time it was recorded due to readily available mobile phone recording technology.