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| Image Credit: Wikipedia Commons / Public Domain |
A look at Guyana's forefront, famously referred to as the Land of the Six Peoples, is an enigmatic experience. I had never experienced such astounding interest in learning about a country as I did when I visited Cuba years ago, which took me back to the 50s and 60s with its vintage cars, architecture, and lifestyles. There's such historical depth in these Caribbean nations that absolutely enchants me.
Ever since I landed a couple of days ago, I have been taken in by the hospitality and friendliness of the Guyanese people. Their smiles reflect their nature. The country is transitioning into quite the empire with the recent discovery of oil, its gold and diamond mines, and the various businesses that are economically adding to the country's fast growth - one of the fastest growing economies in the world now, I must say.
Guyana is a Commonwealth country and gained independence from the British 60 years ago in 1966. It is the only English-speaking nation in South America and is defined by its unique geographical location on the South American mainland, and is deeply entwined historically, culturally, and politically with the Caribbean. Guyana is a founding member of the Commonwealth and hosts the CARICOM (The Caribbean Community) headquarters.
Just to be clear, the CARICOM is a political and economic union of 15 member states and 5 associate members stretching from Belize to Guyana. CARICOM promotes regional integration and coordination of foreign policy to encourage functional cooperation in education and health, at the same time amplifying the Caribbean's collective voice on global issues like climate change, trade, and regional security.
Guyana's unique blend of ethnic groups consists of the East Indians (Indo-Guyanese), which makes up the largest ethnic group in the country and descend from the indentured labourers from India who were brought in by the British after the abolition of slavery. This group has influenced the country's politics, agriculture, music, and food.
Then we have the Africans (Afro-Guyanese) who were brought in from largely West Africa to work in the sugar plantations during the Dutch and British colonial rule. These people play a massive part in the cultural, urban, and administrative functions of the land.
The indigenous peoples - the Amerindians- are the original inhabitants of the land. This group comprises several distinct tribes, such as the Macushi, Wapishana, and Akawaio. They reside in the pristine and lush interiors and forested highlands.
The Portuguese were brought in from Madeira in the 19th century and have established a merchant class in commerce, business and retail sectors.
The Chinese arrived as early as the mid-1800s. Like the Portuguese, they moved from plantation labourers into the business sectors, influencing local commerce and cuisine.
Finally, we have the Europeans, mainly Dutch, French, and British, who were the early colonisers who built the architecture of the land, who make up the six peoples quotient.
Guyana also has a significant "mixed" population, which gives credence to its national motto, "One People, One Nation, One Destiny."
Guyana relies on its coastland and traditional resources to supplement livelihoods. Rice and sugarcane, mining of bauxite, gold, and diamonds, and the country's untamed rainforests, majestic Kaieteur Falls (pictured above), and the indigenous villages support community-led eco-tourism. Let's not forget the discovery of oil in the country, which has led to upscale living conditions for the people of this diverse nation.
Massive restoration and construction works are ongoing everywhere I look. The country is set to develop in a big way for the benefit of its people and make an indelible mark on the outside world.
Look out for my next instalment on this tiny, intriguing nation that has moved the writer in me. Thank you for reading, and have a happy week ahead.
-shobana-
READ OTHER NEWS:& VIEWS:
On SHOBANA (Poetry Blog) - To the Land of the Six Races:
https://www.shobanagomes.live/2026/07/to-land-of-six-races.html
Wildsound Festival presents A Poetry Reading, The Long Road, by Shobana Gomes
