Georgetown - Culture
Georgetown Market
Guyana is essentially a product of the European struggle for territory. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, as a part of the quest and search for the New World, Guyana was located by those adventurers. However, their location was not before the arrival and residence of eight tribes of the Amerindian people in the area which is now known as Guyana. The Amerindians were well organized with a Captain and Village Administration and Council, which had to do with the preservation of traditional and cultural values of the people. They had a unique system of farming and discovered means of preserving meats which remain unique in spite of scientific advances in meat preservation. While the Europeans had to freeze or dry meats, the Amerindians developed a liquid from the popular cassava root which can preserve meat for years. But the world must go around and so the rhythm if their lives was disturbed by the arrival of European adventurers and pirates who liked the lush vegetation and potential of the soil. They started growing tobacco, cotton, and other crops. The need to develop large scale agriculture occasioned an attempt to garner cheap labour on plantations. This led to the introduction of slavery, which was to last for over 300 years.
On 23rd February, 1763, there was a major slave uprising led by Guyana's national hero, Cuffy, against the Dutch plantocracy. This was one of many pivotal events which led to a relationship that eventually forced the Europeans to free the slaves in 1834.
In the meantime, thanks to European rivalries and agreements, the Colonies Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice changed hands until they finally became British, who merged the three colonies in 1831 under the name British Guiana.
After emancipation, the slaves, with many unpleasant memories and experiences, were reluctant to remain as paid bonds men. They purchased lands and set out to be truly independent. The plantocracy who had control of the irrigation and drainage systems, flooded the lands of the ex-slaves, destroying their farms and livestock. The slaves attempted to use their labour power as leverage to obtain a reasonable reward and a just recompense for their hard work and endurance of centuries of cruelty. The plantocracy responded by importing labourers from Maderia, China and India. This, in fact, explains the origins of the ethnic mix that makes up Guyana today.
Religion
In the City of Georgetown, we find groups of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Bahais worshipping in churches, mosques, and temples, and these co-exist with other religious practices in an atmosphere of understanding and tranquility.
The Arts
Our diverse racial mix has led to an interesting explosion of various art forms: clay (ceramics), wood (carvings), paintings and a sweet harmony of various kinds of music, intermingled to create art forms that are truly unique.
Umana Yana
The Umana Yana Benab was built by a set of indigenous Guyanese, commonly called Amerindians, from the South Rupununi Savannahs. Erected in 1972, this Meeting Place has been constructed without the use of bolts, screws or nails and still stands mystically between the Court of Appeal and Le Meridian Hotel near the Atlantic Sea Coast.
The Non-Aligned Monument
The Non-Aligned Monument or more appropriately the Monument of the Non-Aligned Movement, consists of the bust of its founders. From left to right: President Jamal Nasser (Egypt), Prime Minister Kwame N. Kruma (Ghana), Prime Minister Jahawaral Nehra (India) and President Josip Tito (Yugoslavia). Before the busts are a pond and four rocks of Jasper from the Ireng River in southern Guyana.
Parliament Building
This is situated on Brickdam in the hub of the Garden City. This building, constructed between 1828-34, has been built from a foundation of Greenheart wood and has never experienced problems with its foundation as was common of other large Government buildings during the Colonial era.
Castellani House
Formerly the official residence of the President, houses the state's official collections of art and sculpture. This building takes its name from its architect who designed it originally as the official residence of the Director of Agriculture for the colony.
Kissing Bridge
This bridge derives its name from the purpose for which it has been most popularly considered to be used. It is situated in the Botanical Gardens wherein is located a zoo and ponds in which sea cows, manatees otherwise, are harboured. The Botanical Gardens was established in 1879.
Red House
The Red House which may be described as being architecturally elegant, has had an unusual attraction for high profiled Government functionaries. Red House was once the residence of Sir Eustace Woolford and afterwards housed several Colonial Secretaries. While Premier of British Guyana, Dr. Cheddi Jagan also was domiciled there. This building has recently been completely refurbished.
The St. George's (Anglican) Cathedral
This is regarded as the world's tallest wooden building. It was constructed from 1889 to 1892, mainly of Greenheart and although slightly modified externally while being restored, its half-timbering internal architecture still remains.
National Library
This was constructed in 1909 throught the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie, an American industrialist whose endowments reached numerous libraries the world over. The library, as it is commonly known stands in the heart of the City, literally a stone's throw from Guyana's Central Bank.
Bank of Guyana
The Bank of Guyana building, in terms of Guyanese architecture, stands stupendously five storeys tall overlooking many parts of the City. Along with Guyana's Central Bank, it also houses the Caribbean Community
Secretariat. Before it, is found a Centaph on which thousands converge annually to commemorate the nation's heroes who fell in battle during the first and second World Wars.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Kirk was founded in 1811 by the Dutch Reformed Congregation but was acquired and completed later by the Scottish Presbyterians in 1818. Its architectural features are mostly still preserved today.
High Court or Supreme Court
The High Court or Supreme Court building has been known historically as the Victoria Law Courts. It is an 'L' shaped building with another - its second wing - running to the east.
Cathedral of Immaculate Conception
The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, more popularly known as the Brickdam Cathedral began as an ordinary Roman Catholic Church. A first Cathedral was built in 1867 but was destroyed by fire. In 1920, the present Cathedral was built.
Seawall Bandstand
The Seawall Bandstand was erected in 1903 as a memorial for Her Majesty, Queen Victoria who died two years earlier.
Promenade Gardens
The Promenade Gardens was established in 1853 as "a fine architectural monument of public taste and spirit".
Stabroek Market
The Stabroek Market was established in 1881. A fabricated steel market, it extends east to west - from Water Street to a point on the eastern bank of the Demerara River.
Light House
The Light House was first made of wood and erected in 1817. However, the present concrete structure which constitutes the Light House was constructed in 1830 as it presently stands.
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