GUYANA ALBERTA TWINNING

BASICS Translates: ‘Land of Many Waters’ Official: The Co-Operative Republic of Guyana Motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” Anthem: Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains The word ‘Guyana’ is derived from Guiana, the original name of the region. The name comes from an Amerindian word meaning ‘land of many waters’. Guyana was a colony of the British Empire, and gained it’s independence from the United Kingdom on May 26, 1966. It became a republic on Febuary 23, 1970.

GEOGRAPHY Area: 214 970 km2 Capital: Georgetown Neighbours: Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname GDP: $2.788 billion Currency: Guyanese Dollar The area of Guyana is 214 970 km2, which makes it the 85th largest country, the 3rd smallest in South America. It’s capital and largest city are Georgetown. It borders Brazil to the south, Venezuela to the west and Suriname to the east. The nominal GDP (2012 estimates) is $2.788 billion, with $3596 per capita. The currency is Guyanese dollars, and the current exchange rate is $1CAD = $173.78GYD.

PEOPLE Population: 747 884 90% along coast Ethnic groups: Indo-Guyanese, Afro- Guyanese, mixed, Amerindians Religion: Christian, Hindu, Muslim The population of Guyana is around 747 884 people as of 2012, which makes it the 185th most populous country, and the 8th least densely populated. The population is made up of 45.3% Indo-Guyanese (descendants of indentured labourers from India), 30.2% Afro-Guyanese (descendants of slaves from Africa), 16.7% mixed heritage and 9.1% Amerindians (indigenous peoples). With respect to religion, the population is made up of approximately 57% Christian, 28% Hindu and 7% Muslim.

Cio! For true? LANGUAGE Ah know she yes Wazzaorda? I hungry bad (See you all later!) For true? (Really?) Official language: English National language: Guyanese Creole Ah know she yes (Yes I know her) English is the official language and is used for education, business, government and services. The vast majority of the population speak Guyanese Creole, which is an English based Creole influenced by African and East Indian languages. I hungry bad (I’m very hungry) Wazzaorda? (What’s going on?)

FLAG Red signifies zeal and the sacrifice of the Guyanese people The national flag of Guyana is called ‘The Golden Arrowhead’. It was designed by Whitney Smith, an American vexillologist in an international contest held by the newly independent Guyana in 1962. Red signifies zeal and the sacrifice of the Guyanese people Yellow signifies mineral wealth and a bright future Green signifies Guyana’s forests and agricultural fields Black signifies the perseverance of the Guyanese people White signifies Guyana’s rivers and water potential

NATIONAL ANIMAL AND BIRD The jaguar is the national animal of Guyana. The word jaguar comes from the Amerindian word ‘yaguar’ which means ‘he who kills with one leap’. They are recognizable by their yellow-dark orange coat with dark spots and short legs. The Hoatzin (Canje Pheasant) is the national bird. The Hoatzin rarely flies; it’s pectoral (chest) muscles are under-developed due to the over-development of the crop. They are exclusively herbivores, and digest their food with the help of their crop, like in the stomachs of ruminants. This fermentation process produces a unique and unpleasant odour, which is why Hoatzins are also called ‘stinkbirds’. Jaguar Hoatzin (Canje Pheasant)

NATIONAL FLOWER Victoria amazonica The Victoria amazonica is the national flower of Guyana. It is possibly the largest water lily in the Victoria family; it’s leaves can get up to 8 feet across. The flower blooms for two nights, and can measure 10 inches across when fully opened. The flower has a powerful scent, similar to a combination of bananas and ripe pineapples. Victoria amazonica

GUYANA GIRL GUIDE ASSOCIATION GUIDING IN GUYANA Note: Only available information online was from 1997, may not be completely accurate. GUYANA GIRL GUIDE ASSOCIATION

GROUPS Age groups: Ranger Guides: 14-18/20 Guides: 10-16 Brownie Guides: 7-11

BASICS Motto: Girl Guide - Be Prepared Brownie - Lend a Hand Program: Keeping fit, becoming a homemaker, giving service, keeping the Guide Law, getting to know people, enjoying the outdoors, thinking for yourself and exploring the arts. Mottos are the same. Program has more of an emphasis on homemaking skills and social aspects, rather than leadership.

PROMISE Girl Guide: I promise that I will do my best: To do my duty to God, To serve my country and help other people, and To keep the Guide Law. Brownie Guide: I promise that I will do my best: To do my duty to God, To serve my country and help other people, and To keep the Brownie Guide Law. Much closer to the original Promise, still contains God.

LAW Girl Guide: A Guide is loyal and can be trusted. A Guide is helpful. A Guide is polite and considerate. A Guide is friendly and a sister to all Guides. A Guide is kind to animals and respects all living things. A Guide is obedient. A Guide has courage and is cheerful in all difficulties. A Guide makes good use of her time. A Guide takes care of her own possessions and those of other people. A Guide is self-controlled in all she thinks, says and does. Brownie Guide: A Brownie Guide thinks of others before herself and does a good turn every day. Fairly similar to Canadian Law, more of an emphasis on friendliness and obedience.

REFERENCES http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guyana http://guyanaflag.facts.co/guyanaflagof/guyanaflag.php http://www.softschools.com/facts/animals/hoatzin_facts/112/ http://www.livescience.com/27301-jaguars.html http://www.caribcentral.com/guyana/guybird_flower.htm http://www.wagggs.org/en/world/organisations?mo=59 Pictures: http://www.statesmansyearbook.com/entry?entry=countries_dc_gy http://www.greenheartmed.org/people.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Guyana http://bioenciclopedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Jaguar-imagen.jpg https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/98/e0/05/98e00572546ee1386ec7a88858ac3ae0.jpg http://www.gotoguyana.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/victoria-regia-lily.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Guyana_Girl_Guides_Association.svg https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Guyana-Girl-Guides- Association/147695888590658?sk=photos_stream