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SOCIAL STUDIES

Grade Six

Study Package

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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

GRADE 6 STUDY PACKAGE

SOCIAL STUDIES - NOTES

TOPIC: Politeness

SUB-TOPIC: Rules for better living

Definition

Politeness means having or showing good manners or respect for other people. Being polite helps you to have appropriate and considerate behaviour which will enable you to form good manners and become more socially attentive when you grow up.

Breaking of rules:

1. Rules broken at home and school result in punishment of some form.

2. Rules broken at work place can result in one being disciplined or fired.

3. Rules broken at societal or country level result in one being punished by the courts.

4. Rules broken while playing games can lead to disqualification.

5. Rules broken when travelling can result in an accident.

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School rules are important for the effective management of the

school.

Some school rules are:

- Attend school regularly & punctually.

- Pupils must always be dressed in uniforms.

- Pupils must obey the bell etc.

Some home rules are:

- Obey your parents.

- Show respect for older relatives.

- Be courteous to your friends and relatives.

Some rules when among elders:

- Show respect for elders

- Greet elderly people.

- Help elderly people.

Some rules for travelling:

-Wear seat belts, helmets or life jackets.

- Do not smoke.

- Do not carry firearm, weapons or explosive.

Some rules for the road:

-Walk on the right-hand side of the road.

- Use the pedestrian crossing.

- Drivers must use speed limit.

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Some rules for sports and games:

-Obey decisions made by the referee or umpire.

- Follow given instructions.

- Be friendly to your opponent.

SUB-TOPIC: Showing respect for public infrastructure.

Infrastructure refers to permanent structures found in our community

and country. Some infrastructures found in our community are roads,

bridges, landmarks, properties, private and public buildings,

monuments, water systems, utility posts (such as telephone and

electricity), bus sheds, water hydrants, pump stations, sluices and

kokers, play grounds and parks.

All infrastructures in our community must be protected because they

are of service to the people in the community.

Some ways by which infrastructure can be protected are:

• Putting up signs such as No trespassing, No bills.

• Do not:

-sit on rails of bridges, culverts

-throw stones on building, post bills, litter, tie animals on

posts.

• Follow the instructions of road signs.

• Keep animals off the road.

Pictures of infrastructure in your community

Community Play Parks Traffic Lights Fire Hydrant

SUB-TOPIC:

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Desirable behaviours

Respect for leaders and visitors.

Courtesy rules and maxims.

Some desirable behaviours children must have are:

Being courteous to all elders and peers. Being kind to everyone. Greet or welcome everyone. Being polite. Be helpful to all. Show care and concern.

Showing respect for leaders and elders: 1. Answer verbally when spoken to. 2. Say excuse me if you have to interrupt. 3. Remember to say please, thank you and sorry in different

situations. 4. Greet elders and visitors. 5. Address elders and visitors appropriately. 6. Enquire from visitors if they need help.

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TOPIC: Guyana’s Natural Regions.

SUB - TOPIC: What is a Natural Region?

Guyana has different landforms called Natural Region.

A Natural Region is an area, which has similar features such as soil,

built of land, plants or vegetation and climate.

The Four Natural Regions are:

Low Coastal Plain

Hilly Sand and Clay Region

High Land Region

Interior Savannah

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TOPIC: Guyana’s Natural Regions.

SUB - TOPIC: The Low Coastal Plain

The Low Coastal Plain is a narrow flat strip of land, stretching from

Northern tip of Point Playa to the Corentyne River, to a distance of

approximately 432 kilometres (270 miles). Its width is about 16 to 64

kilometres (10 to 40 miles).

The Low Coastal Plain is about 2 to 4 metres (6 to 8 feet) below sea

level. During high tide, most of the coastline is below sea level. To

keep the tide out, concrete sea-walls, dams and groynes (a

structure built to interrupt water flow and limit movement of

sediments, e.g. sluices and kokers) have been built. The climate of

this coastal region consist of two (2) wet (rainy) and two (2) dry

seasons.

Soil

There are three types of soil on the Coastal Plain.

Silty clay or mud forms our rice and sugar lands.

Pegasse soil, which is soft and spongy, found especially in the

Essequibo. Coffee, fruits and vegetables grow well in this type of soil.

Sandy soil, called reef lands found on the Corentyne Coast, where

coconuts grow.

Vegetation

The vegetation (plant growth of any country or region) of the

Coastal Plain is affected by soil, climate and land formation. The

natural vegetation (flora) on the mudflats of the Essequibo, Berbice

and Demerara River is the mangrove and courida trees. Their roots

help to hold the soil together and prevent erosion. Other natural

vegetations include the Troolie Palm, the Ete Palm, Manni, White

Cedar and Crabwood.

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Resources

The build of the land, its clayey soil and the wet and dry climates

make it suitable for the growth of, sugarcane, rice, coconuts, ground

provisions, green vegetables and fruits. The rearing of poultry,

livestock and fishes in some areas of this region, make agriculture the

main economic activity on the Coastal Plain.

Population

Most of the population of Guyana, live on the Coastal Plain earning

their living on the sugar estates, on the rice fields and other

agricultural areas. Some also work in towns or other nearby villages

as public servants.

Important Places

Some important places on the Coastal Plain:

1. Five towns of Guyana are found on the Coastal Plain. These are:

Georgetown – the capital city and chief port.

Anna Regina

New Amsterdam

Rose Hall

Corriverton

2. The Tapakuma Irrigation Project on the Essequibo Coast.

3. Chief Lakes Also on the Essequibo Coast. These are:

- The Tapakuma Lake

- The Quakabuka or Mainstay Lake

- Capoey Lake and Ituribisci Lake

4. The Agricultural Project

- The Mahaica Mahaicony Abary, Agricultural Development

Authority. (MMA/ADA)

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TOPIC: Guyana’s Natural Regions.

SUB - TOPIC: The Hilly Sand and Clay Region

The Hilly Sand and Clay Region is found south of the Low Coastal

Plain. It covers about one quarter of Guyana and extends from the

Pomeroon River, arcs inland to the Mazaruni and Potaro Rivers, then

eastward to the Corentyne, the border at Suriname.

This sandy region has hills of various heights, with valleys and many

black water creeks. The days are hot and the nights are cold, with

some relief rainfall.

Soil

In the Hilly Sand and Clay Region, the soil is made up of white or

reddish sand and red clay.

Vegetation

In the red and clayey areas, some agricultural farming is carried out

in this region. The sandy soil is covered is by valuable forest of

Greenheart, Mora, Crabwood, Wallaba, and other timbers.

Resources

Bauxite, which is mined at Linden (Mackenzie), Ituni and

Kwakwani and then exported to be converted into aluminium.

Timber is cut from the Bartica Triangle and Mabura Hill.

Dairy products from Moblissa.

Mining of sand.

Making of Charcoal.

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Population

This region is not densely populated, as the Coastland. The

population which is mainly loggers, bauxite workers, commercial

workers, public servants and Amerindians are found mainly where

bauxite mining is done, timber is cut or logging is done and where

there are Missions or Amerindian Reservations are found – e.g.

Orealla, Calcuni, Epira.

Important Places

Some important places on the Hilly Sand and Clay Region:

Two towns of Guyana are located here. They are:

- Bartica – situated at the confluence of the Cuyuni, Mazaruni

and Essequibo rivers. Bartica is referred to as “ the gateway to

the hinterland” Linden.

- Mining Communities such as Mackenzie (Linden), Ituni,

Kwakwani.

- The Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.

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TOPIC: Guyana’s Natural Regions.

Sub – Topic: Interior Savannah

A savannah is tropical grassland with scattered trees. The savannahs

of Guyana are named after the Rupununi River and are situated in

the south – west. The forested Kanuku Mountain range divides the

area into two:

The North Savannah

The South Savannah

Soil

The soil is made up both sand and clay with rolling grass land with

scattered trees, because of the grass this region is also known as

cattle country.

Population

The population comprises mainly of Guyana’s Indigenous people.

There are 9 tribes of Amerindians who are farmers and vaqueros i.e.

people who look after cattle. The North Savannah, is the home to

the Macushi Tribe. The South Savannah, where the Wapisiana’s live,

is more hilly. Mountains like Shiriri, Marudi and Bat, rise sharply from

the general level of the plains.

Important Places

Some important places are:

Lethem

Dadanawa

St. Ignatius

The Kanuku Mountain Range

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Economic Activities

The main Economic Activities are:

Cattle ranching

Farming of peanuts and ground provision and

balata bleeding.

TOPIC: Guyana’s Natural Regions.

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SUB - TOPIC: The Forested Highland Region

This Natural Region is highland is very mountainous. This is the largest

region and the main source of our forest wealth. The highland is also

important because:

-Some of the largest gold and diamond fields in Guyana are

found in this natural region.

-The highland region experiences heavy rainfall. Rain falling in

this region collects in streams which run off in all directions to

form the sources of the country’s main rivers.

-The majestic waterfalls e.g. Kaieteur, and other falls such as

Orinduik form the scenic beauty which attract tourists from

other countries.

Vegetation

The vegetation consists of dense forests which provide Guyana with

timber – a valuable resource which earns foreign exchange when

exported.

Resources

The main resources are timber gold and diamond. However they

also produce beef, peanuts, maize (corn), cassava, yam,

vegetables, fishing and balata bleeding. These resources make

cattle ranching and farming the main economic activities of the

Interior Savannahs.

Population

This region is sparsely populated mainly with loggers, pork knochers,

balata bleeders and native Amerindians.

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Important Places

The Mazaruni – Potaro area – the largest gold and diamond

producing area in Guyana.

The Majestic Kaieteur Fall on the Potaro River.

The Bartica – Potaro Roadway.

Mount Roraima

Mountain Ranges

Imataka Pakaraima Kanuka

Kamoa Sierra Acarai

TRANSPORTATION LINK BETWEEN AND AMONG ADMINISTRATIVE

REGIONS.

Transportation is the movement of goods, services and people from

one place to another.

Various forms of transportation can be used to get from one place

to another.

Land eg. road ways and trails.

Water ways eg. rivers and canals.

Air eg. using helicopter, aeroplane and sky van.

Links: region 3 & 4 Georgetown/Vreed en Hoop movements can be

done via boats or motor vehicles.

Region 4 & 7 Georgetown/Bartica movements can be done via

boat or aeroplane.

Region 6 & 8 Berbice/Mahdia movements can be done via buses or

aeroplane.

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TOPIC: FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS

SUB-TOPIC: RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

Religious Holidays in Guyana

Good Friday is observed at the end

of Lent- a season of forty days, during

which Christian fast and pray. It is the

most solemn season in the Christian

calendar. It is remembered by

Christians as the day Jesus was crucified on a cross to save mankind.

Every year Christians attend service, where Christ’s death is

remembered by singing hymns and saying prayers of thanksgiving.

Easter is celebrated three days after

Good Friday. It is a joyous festival. It

signifies the resurrection of Jesus

Christ. Kites are being flown in open

spaces such as parks, beaches etc.

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Christmas is a festival that

celebrates the birth of

Jesus Christ on December

25 every year. Christians

throughout the world hold

special church services to

give thanks for the birth of Christ. It is a time of merry- making, feasting

and giving. The spirit of goodwill and peace towards men was the

message of the angles who brought the good news of Jesus’ birth.

Every year people cook special meals, bake cakes, decorate homes

with Christmas tree with fairy lights, and carol singing.

Everyone enjoys Christmas, regardless of his or her religion.

Eid ul-Adha is important festival in the Muslim calendar. Some Muslims

may regard this as the most important festival as it remembers the

prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as proof of his love for

Allah (God). At this time Sacrifices are made and the meat are shared

with family and friends.

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Youman Nabi This is the celebration of

the birth and death anniversary of

the prophet Muhammad, to

whom the Holy Quran was

revealed. Muslims go to the

mosque and give thanks

afterwards they celebrate with

family and friends sharing sweet meats such as mettai ,burfee,

vermicelli etc

Phagwah .

This is the festival of colours.

It signifies the victory of good over evil

and is celebrated as a day of

spreading happiness and love. On the

eve of Holi, prayers are done after

which Holika (bonfires) is lit. The King’s evil sister, Holika tried to kill

Prahlad because he refused to worship King Kashyapu and his riches.

Holika sat with Prahlad in her lap on the pyre. In the end she was burnt

to death and Prahlad miraculously escaped alive.

In Guyana, this festival is celebrated by the squirting of coloured liquid

called abeer, drenching each other with water and sprinkling of

abracks and colourful powder. Also, the singing of chowtals and Holi

songs can be heard in homes and streets.

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Diwali is the festival of light. It signifies

light over darkness, the return of Lord

Rama to Ayodhya, after his 14 years of

exile and the victory over Ravana. On

Diwali eve, there is a motorcade

procession which passes through the

streets of the city and some villages. Boys and girls are dressed

depicting Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Vehicles are all brightly lit with

decorative lights.

On Diwali day prayers are made to Goddess Laxmi and in the evening

diyas (earthen lamps) are lit, sweet meats are distributed among

friends, families and neighbours.

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Non-Religious National Holidays in Guyana

Mashramani Day is celebrated in

observance of Guyana’s Republic

status, which was gained on

February 23, 1970.

On February 22 there is usually a

Flag – raising ceremony where the

President of the Republic addresses

the nation. For Guyanese, Republic

Day includes float parades, music,

steal pan, costume, Masquerade

bands and calypso competitions

games and cooking. It is an

Amerindian word meaning

celebrations after hard work.

Labour Day or Workers’ Day is

celebrated on the first of May

every year. It celebrates the

achievements of the working

people. It recalls their sacrifices

and struggles for freedom and

fair employment. It salutes trade

unions and their stewardship for

the workers' well-being.

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Non-Religious National Holidays in Guyana

Arrival Day

Guyana observed May 5 as the

beginning of the arrival of the first

batch of Indentured immigrants.

Caricom Day is a public holiday in

Guyana, observed on the first

Monday in July each year.

The day marks the signing of the

Treaty of Chaguaramas in the year

1973. The treaty established the

Caribbean Community.

Emancipation day is celebrated

on the 1st August every year to

recognize the abolition of slavery.

At the National Park, there is a day

filled with lots of

cultural activities including African

drumming, dancing, foods, arts

Independence Day is a national

holiday in the Co-operative

Republic of Guyana. It is

celebrated on May 26 every year

with activities such as a flag-raising

ceremony, the president and

other national leaders address the

public. Concerts, performances,

and firework displays take place in

different administrative regions of

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and craft, and literature.

the country.

Boxing Day (St. Stephen's Day)

December 26 is referred to

as Boxing Day. This national

holiday commemorates the

Christian martyr who was stoned

to death. In remembrance,

people partake

in all kinds of games and sports.

New Year's Day is a national

holiday as part of celebrations

that start on New Year's Eve and

reach a high point with the turning

of the clock from 11:59pm on 31st

December to midnight on 1st

January.

The Christian community attend

Church service on the night of

New Year’s Eve.

TOPIC: FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS

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SUB-TOPIC: NATIONAL AND INTER -NATIONAL EVENTS CELEBRATED IN

GUYANA

Events Activities

Remembrances Day-

Guyana and other countries around

the world celebrates Remembrance

Day. Remembrance Day (also known

as Poppy Day or Armistice Day) is

commemorated on the 11th

November each year, and marks the

end of World War I in 1918.

• A two-minute silence is

held at 11am

to remember the people

who have died in wars

• Poppies are worn

• The day is marked by

parades within towns in

Guyana

• There is a service on

remembrances where

Wreaths are laid at the

Cenotaph

Commonwealth Day

A holiday observed in parts of

the Commonwealth of Nations

formerly on May 24 as the anniversary

of Queen Victoria's birthday and now

on the second Monday in March.

The aim is to celebrate the unity,

diversity and links of the

modern Commonwealth and to foster

greater understanding of

• An Anglican Service

attended by the Head of the

Commonwealth, Secretary-

General and High

Commissioners. The service is

broadcast live throughout the

world.

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the Commonwealth's achievements

and role.

United Nation Day-

Is celebrated on the 24th October by

united Nations (UN) that aims to

maintain international peace and

security.

• An annual concert is

usually held in the

General Assembly Hall.

Road Safety week

The Guyana National Road Safety

council campaign in partnership with

Guyana Police Force Traffic

Department and other Road Safety

Stakeholders to observe road safety

week during the month October-

November

• Church Services are

held.

• Videos are aired to

remind us of

consequences of

disobeying traffic rules.

• More traffic sign are

being mounted

• Recognizing drivers who

use road correctly.

• Traffic Police patrol the

road ways regularly and

maintaining the flow of

traffic.

Fire Prevention Week

During the month of October

• Fire Safety Fair and

Exhibition.

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Fire Service will host activities to help

the public be aware of how they can

save life in case of a fire

SOME OBSERVANCES ARE:

1. Commonwealth Day - is observed on the second Monday in March.

This day is not a holiday. The day is celebrated with activities planned

by each member country.

2. Youth week – this week is observed during Independence Anniversary

week. It is dedicated to the youths of the country. This week gives

them an opportunity to participate in activities, which will help to

develop them and the communities in which they live.

3. Enmore Martyrs’s Day - This day is in honour of the sugar workers. A

monument was erected in honour of the five heroic sugar workers,

Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi and Harry, who were

killed during a massive working class protest against the social and

economic conditions on the East Coast sugar estates.

4. Fire Prevention week - During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults,

and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters

provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically

decrease casualties caused by fires.

5. Remembrance Day - Armistice Day is on 11th November and is also

known as Remembrance Day. It marks the day World War One

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ended, which is actually 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in

1918. Nowadays, people remember those who were lost in the war

by holding a two-minute silence and by wearing a red poppy.

6. Education Month- this is observe in the month of September.

Guyana's Education Month is a celebration of the nation's young

people. It aims to promote learning and the importance of

education, not just on an individual level, but in terms of benefiting

society as a whole. Education Month is celebrated with activities

across Guyana.

During this month world Literacy Day is also observed on September

8th. This observances have taken place annually around the world to

remind the public of the importance of Literacy. Children participate

in reading, singing, drama, art competions, impromptu speech, quiz,

etc.

7. Indigenous Heritage Month -The one month celebration is

observed every September. Guyanese become increasingly

aware of the contributions of the Indigenous Peoples in the Arts

and Development. A Village host is chosen annually . A pageant

is held and the sashing of the queen.

8. Agriculture Month – this is observed in

October. Guyana's annual Agriculture Month is an opportunity for

people to learn more about the current state of agriculture in the

country, celebrate recent achievements and successes, and get a

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sneak peek at the future of the industry. During this month we also

observe World Food Day.

World Food Day (October 16) promotes global awareness and action

for those who suffer from hunger.

9. Breast Cancer Awareness Month - The Breast Cancer Awareness

Month, marked in countries across the world every October, helps to

increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection

and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease.

10. Tourism Awareness Month - Tourism Awareness Month is observed in

the month of November. It puts the country’s tourist destinations on

the spotlight. The tourism and hospitality sector promotes events to

highlight the country’s observance.

ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS

SUB-TOPIC: NAMES OF ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS

Guyana was divided into Administrative Regions in 1980.

The 10 Administrative Regions are:

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Region 1 – Barima – Waini

Region 2 – Pomeroon – Supenaam

Region 3 – Essequibo Islands – West Demerara

Region 4 – Demerara – Mahaica

Region 5 – Mahaica – Berbice

Region 6 – East Berbice – Corentyne

Region 7 – Cuyuni – Mazaruni

Region 8 – Potaro – Siparuni

Region 9 – Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo

Region 10 – Upper Demerara – Upper Berbice

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TOPIC: ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS

SUB-TOPIC: ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND TOWNS FOUND IN THE

ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS.

Regions Towns Economic Activities

1.Barima- Waini Mabaruma logging

gold and diamond

mining

growing of ground

provision

2. Pomeroon

Supernaam

Anna Regina rice cultivation

logging

3.Essequibo Islands-

West Demerara

- rice cultivation

sugar production

4.Demerara –

Mahaica

Georgetown rice cultivation

sugar cultivation

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farming

manufacturing

coconut cultivation

5.Mahaica-Berbice

- rice cultivation

sugar production

coconut cultivation

cattle ranching

6.East Berbice -

Corentyne

New Amsterdam

Rose Hall

Corriverton

rice cultivation

sugar production

7.Cuyuni-Mazaruni Bartica gold and diamond

mining

charcoal production

semi- precious stones

mining

8. Potaro- Siparuni Mahdia gold and diamond

mining

logging

9. Upper Takutu-

Upper Essequibo

Lethem cattle ranching

peanut farming

tobacco cultivation

mining of semi-precious

minerals

10. Demerara -

Berbice

Linden bauxite mining

logging

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cash crop farming e.g.

pineapples, peanuts

• The name of each Administrative region tells of its boundaries.

• The boundary of each region was determined by population,

physical size, geography and economic resources.

• The division of the region aids in the governance of the country.

• Each Administrative Region is controlled by a RDC-Regional

Democratic Council headed by a Regional Chairman

• The Regional Democratic Council is responsible for the overall

management and administration of the region.

• The councillors are elected at the same time as the members of the

National Assembly at Regional Elections every 5 year.

TOPIC: ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS

SUB-TOPIC: RESOURCES FOUND IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS

Demerara -Mahaica – this is the region with the largest human resource.

This may be as a result of:

• Most of Guyana’s manufacturing industries are located there.

• The capital city can be found in this region.

• More jobs opportunity are available.

• More educational and health facilities are available.

• The seat of government is located there.

Region 4 is Guyana most populated region followed by Region 6 -East

Berbice Corentyne.

Most of Guyana’s mineral wealth is found in Regions 7 and 8.

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There are three hundred sixty-five small islands found in the Essequibo

River. Three of the largest islands can be found at the mouth of the

Essequibo, these are Hogg Island, Wakenaam and Leguan.

TOPIC: Weather and Climate

SUB-TOPIC: Difference between weather and climate

A weather pattern occurs when the weather stays the same for days or

weeks at a time. The patterns of weather are tied to the four seasons:

summer, winter, spring, and fall. There are a few different weather

patterns that you may already know about, such as hot and dry, wet and

rainy, or cold.

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Meteorologist is a person who study the weather. He/she works at the

meteorological station.

Meteorologist

Weather Patterns

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Seasons

Summer Winter

Autumn Spring

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Weather Ins t ruments

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TOPIC: Weather and Climate

SUB-TOPIC-Clothing Worn for the Different Seasons

People are required to wear different clothing for the different seasons.

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Spring Clothing

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TOPIC: Weather and Climate

SUB-TOPIC- Effects of Weather and Climate

There are many factors that will be affected by climate change including

rising sea levels, drought and loss of agricultural land.

• Increasing temperatures caused by climate change will make the

water of the oceans expand; ice melting in the Antarctic and

Greenland will also contribute to the rising sea level.

• Sea levels could rise by as much as 25 to 50 cm, by the year 2100.

Greater sea levels will threaten the low-lying coastal areas such as

the Netherlands and Bangladesh, millions of areas of land will be at

danger from flooding; causing people to leave their homes. Low

lying areas in cities will be hugely affected by the rising sea.

• Changes in weather will affect many crops grown around world.

Crops such as wheat and rice grow well in high temperatures, while

plants such as maize and sugarcane prefer cooler climates.

Changes in rainfall patterns will also affect how well plants and crops

grow. The effect of a change in the weather on plant growth may

lead to some countries not having enough food. Brazil, parts of

Africa, south-east Asia and China will be affected the most and

many people could be affected by hunger.

• All across the world, there is a big demand for water and in many

regions, such as the central and eastern Africa there is not enough

water for the people. Changes in the climate will change the

weather patterns and will bring more rain in some countries, but

others will have less rain, generally dry areas will become drier and

wet areas could become wetter.

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• As climate change takes place, our daily weather and normal

temperatures will change, the homes of plants and animals will be

affected all over the world. Polar bears and seals are examples of

animals that will be affected by climate change. They will have to

find new land for hunting and living, if the ice in the Arctic melts, but

the fact is more real that these species could become extinct.

• Climate changes will affect everyone, but some populations will be

at greater risk. Countries whose coastal regions have a large

population, such as Egypt and China, may have to move

populations inland to avoid flooding.

The effect on people will depend on how well we can adapt to the

changes and how much we can do to reduce climate change in the

world.

TOPIC: Natural Disasters

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Disaster is a sudden accident or a natural catastrophe that causes great

damage or loss of life.

A natural disaster is a major adverse event resulting from natural

processes of the earth. A natural disaster can cause loss of life or

damage to property. For example:

• Floods

• Hurricanes

• Tornadoes

• Volcanic Eruptions

• Earthquakes

• Tsunamis

Types of Natural Disasters.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are large, swirling storms with winds of 119 kilometers per hour

(74 mph) or higher. The storms form over warm ocean waters and

sometimes strike land. When a hurricane reaches land, it pushes a wall of

ocean water ashore. This wall of water is called a storm surge, which

along with heavy rain can cause flooding, especially near the coast.

Once a hurricane forms, weather forecasters predict its path and how

strong it will get. This information helps people prepare for the storm

before it arrives.

Stages of Hurricanes in the Caribbean.

Stage I: Hurricane Watch

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Hurricane watch means a hurricane may hit an area.

Stage II: Hurricane Warning means a hurricane is heading for an area.

Stage III: Radio and television help, “Radio and television keep people

informed about the weather conditions. The announcements tell the

people what to do. They may be told which areas to evacuate until the

winds or storms have ceased and which buildings are to be used as

shelters.

Hospitals and their Workers Help

Hospitals are very important. When people are hurt or injured, the

hospitals must be working well to take care of them. Every worker at the

hospitals should know exactly what he or she must do when disaster

strikes.

• Each hospital must be checked to make sure the building, roof and

windows are strong enough to withstand a hurricane.

• Announcements must be made so that the road to the hospital is kept

clear and free from parked cars, buses and vans.

• The hospital must also have extra stocks of foods, drugs and water

supplies. It should also have a generator for supplying electricity.

Rebuilding after a Tropical Storm

When a tropical storm hits an area, the lives of people are affected.

Communities are left without potable water, electricity supply, and

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transportation is disrupted. People are left homeless and without food.

Sometimes schools, offices and work-sites are forced to close after

destruction.

Aftermath of Hurricane

TOPIC: Natural Disasters

SUB-TOPIC: Volcanoes

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A volcano is an opening in the earth's surface through which melted rocks

known as lava, ashes and gases, escape through the opening with

explosive force. Volcanoes exist in three different states.

These states are active, dormant and extinct.

An active volcano can come to life or erupt at any time.

A dormant volcano is quiet or inactive for a period.

An extinct volcano can no longer come to life, or erupt.

In many parts of the world including the Caribbean volcanoes are active,

dormant or extinct.

Some of the volcanoes of the Caribbean are South Soufriere in

Monsterrat, Mount Pele of Martinique, Mount Soufriere of St. Vincent and

Soufriere of St. Lucia.

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Aftermath of volcanoes

Earthquakes

An earthquake is an intense shaking of the earth’s surface. The shaking is

caused by movements in the earth’s outermost layer.

Why Do Earthquakes Happen?

Although the earth looks like a pretty solid place from the surface, it’s

actually extremely active just below the surface. The earth is made of four

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basic layers: a solid crust, a hot, nearly solid mantle, a liquid outer core

and a solid inner core.

A diagram of earth's layers

Earthquakes have destroyed many Caribbean cities, towns and villages in

the last three hundred years; for example Port Royal, Jamaica in 1692,

Caracas Venezuela in 1812. In 1843 earthquake levelled buildings in

Guadeloupe and killed a third of the local population. In Guatemala in

1976, an earthquake left nearly 23,000 dead and billions of dollars in

damages.

Earthquakes usually take place in special areas of the earth. They

sometimes come without warning. If an earthquake occurs now, you

would be surprised. Some people would panic.

Here are some things your teacher could do to prepare you, for an

earthquake:

• Gather the pupils of her class

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.• Discuss what you could do if an earthquake strike.

• Select a place where everyone would meet to practice earthquake

drills.

• Name one or more safety spots in each room of your school.

• Practice first-aid and how to use a fire extinguisher,

• Make a list of essential things which should be kept in school. e.g. bottled

water, flashlights and radios (extra batteries too), essential medications.

What do you do when the shaking is over?

• Still remain calm

• Find out if anyone was injured

• Give first-aid

• Listen to the radio for instructions

Here are other things your teacher should do:

• Inspect the building for damages

• Listen to the radio or television for instructions

• Advise you if it is safe for you to go home alone.

• Assist you if you are told to evacuate the area.

• Assist you to go to a shelter, if your school and/or home is unsafe.

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Tsunamis are giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions

under the sea. Out in the depths of the ocean, tsunami waves do not

dramatically increase in height.

Aftermath of a Tsunami

Forest Fire

Fires occur in forests, causing shrub and grasslands to burn. The

uncontrolled wildfires started by lightning or human carelessness. When

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there is a forest fire it affects the animals living in the forest. It even caused

death and relocation of many animals and in some cases the extinction

of some animals. It also caused land pollution.

Forest fire

Floods

Flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry. Flood

is an area of study in the discipline of hydrology. It is the most common

and widespread natural severe weather event. Floods can look very

different because flooding covers anything from a few inches of water to

several feet. Floods are often caused by heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt or

a storm surge from a tropical cyclone or tsunami in coastal areas. Some

floods are caused by humans. When kokers are left open it can cause

flooding.

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Flood

Effects of floods

• In Guyana, flooding generally causes damage to property and

infrastructure, and agricultural losses.

• Flooding also increases the risk of waterborne diseases.

• However, the worst recorded flood event in Guyana in January, 2005

resulted in several deaths due to Leptospirosis.

• Lost of livestock due to drowning.

• Water is often contaminated during flooding making it difficult to get

potable water.

• The agricultural sector is mostly affected since there are damages to

crops and loss of livestock. This has a direct impact on the country’s

economy which is Agri-based.

• The issue of Flash Floods is exacerbated along coastal Guyana due

to a poorly maintained drainage system and the indiscriminate

disposal of solid waste into the drainage system.

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Chickens died from flooded waters

Picture of a flooded area on the Coastland.

Reducing flood by:

- Cleaning drain

- Planting trees

- Building kokers

- Stopping water pollution

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TOPIC: TRAFFIC RULES

SUB TOPIC: TRAVELLING BY LAND

Rules are there to protect us and keep us safe. When travelling on land

we must observe traffic rules.

TRAFFIC RULES TO OBSERVE ON LAND.

• Wear your seat belt.

• Observe road signs.

• Look out for pedestrians

• Do not use hand held devices while driving.

• Do not drink and drive.

• Observe speed limit.

• Pedestrians must observe the Kerb Drill and use the Pedestrian or

Zebra Crossing to get across the road.

• Always walk on the right hand side of the road. No more than two

abreast.

• Always wear white or light coloured clothing at nights to be easily

seen by drivers.

• Motorist must wear helmet when riding a motorcycle.

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CONSEQUENCES OF NOT OBEYING TRAFFIC RULES

If road users disobey the traffic rules the consequences are:

• Persons can lose their lives.

• There would be damage to vehicles and properties.

• Losing property will take a long time to repair and the cost

incurred can be devastating.

• Injuring self and others which can be permanent with an

expensive medical bill.

• Losing Driver’s license or disqualifying from driving for twelve

months.

• Paying fines.

• Being imprisoned for reckless driving and causing death, if

charged.

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BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING RULES WHEN TRAVELLING BY LAND

We must therefore appreciate our traffic rules. It keeps us safe.

By following the rules we are:

▪ ensuring that others road users are aware of rules.

▪ not liable for traffic violations.

▪ saving ourselves from fines.

▪ saving ourselves from injuries.

▪ saving lives.

▪ ensuring that our society is functioning smoothly.

TRAVELLING BY WATER

When travelling on water we must observe traffic rules.

➢ Don’t overload the boat.

➢ Don’t stand and move around in a moving boat.

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➢ Check the weather to make sure it is suitable to be travelling on

water.

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT OBEYING RULES WHEN TRAVELLING BY WATER.

➢ You can drown, if you fall into the water and are not wearing a life

jacket. Even if you are a good swimmer a fall can cause injury or

unconsciousness.

➢ If you do not wear life jacket properly (snug) it would not protect

you, if you fall into the water.

➢ If the boat operators do not check equipment regularly and follow

the rules a disaster can happen in the water. Rescuers or lifeguards

may be too late because of location.

➢ Drinking can affect judgement, vision, balance and

co-ordination causing you to injure yourself and others.

BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING RULES WHEN TRAVELLING BY WATER

We need to follow rules while travelling on water. Rules will keep us safe

and prevent accidents.

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➢ Wearing a life jacket can keep a victim’s head above the water so

they can breathe and be rescued easily.

➢ If you notice a sudden change in weather play it safe and avoid

travelling on water.

➢ Exercising good judgement by not drinking will save lives and

prevent injuries.

➢ Checking equipment to make sure everything is in good working

conditions will make safe travel; no worries of being stranded.

➢ In case of an emergency, a First Aid Kit will be useful.

A passenger wearing his lifejacket floating in water after falling off a

boat.

TRAVELLING BY AIR

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Pre-flight briefing by flight attendant.

RULES TO OBSERVE WHEN TRAVELLING BY AIR

➢ Listen to the flight attendants’ instructions.

➢ Keep your seat belt fasted while taking off and landing.

➢ Keep your seat belt fastened while you are seated.

➢ Don’t bring any hazardous material on a flight.

➢ Pay attention to preflight briefing.

➢ Let the flight attendant pour your hot drink.

➢ Use ear plugs or chewing gum when taking off and landing.

➢ Keep the overhead storage bin free of heavy articles and closed at

all times.

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT OBEYING SAFETY RULES IN THE AIR

➢ If you do not wear seat belt you can get injuries from flight

turbulence.

➢ If you do not listen to the flight attendant you can miss important

safety tips in case there is an emergency.

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➢ Heavy bags falling out of an overhead bin can cause serious

injuries.

➢ Even though there is a list of prohibited items, you still need to take

note of hazardous materials which can cause fires or explosion.

➢ You can get burn or injure someone, if you pour hot drink by

yourself.

➢ You can get temporary hearing loss.

BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING RULES TRAVELLING BY AIR

The only way to travel to some destination is by air. We travel for different

reasons and it is necessary that we follow rules or guidelines while

travelling by air. Even though people may have fear to travel by air they

cannot avoid it.

When we follow safety rules we are:

➢ Safe and we keep others safe.

➢ In case of emergency we know what to do and how to use

oxygen, parachute, and lifejacket after listen to flight attendant.

➢ We avoid getting burn by hot liquids.

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➢ Avoid causing an explosion or starting a fire.

➢ Avoid having to experience difficulty in hearing loss after flights.

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TOPIC: Weather and Climate (Natural Regions of Guyana)

SUB-TOPIC: Natural Regions and their Climatic Conditions.

• There are four Natural Regions of Guyana.

• One of the main reason for the country to be divided in Natural Regions is

because of the different climatic conditions they experience during the year.

The Natural Regions are:

• The Low Coastal Plain

• The Hilly Sand and Clay Region

• The Forested Highland Region

• The Interior Savannahs

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Map showing the Natural Regions of Guyana.

Natural Regions Climate Other Patterns

The Low Coastal Plain 2 wet and 2

dry seasons

Enjoys the cooling breezes of

the North-East trade winds

all year round.

The Hilly Sand and Clay Region

One dry & one

wet season.

Hot days and cold nights.

The Forested Highland Region Rainfall all year

round.

Hot wet

climate.

Hotter days and Cooler

night.

.

The Interior Savannahs 6 months

rainfall and

6 months

sunshine.

Cool throughout the day.

Facts about weather and climate.( Additional Reading)

• Weather is used to describe the conditions of the atmosphere over a short

period e.g. a day or a week.

• Climate is used to describe the average conditions of the atmosphere for long

periods e.g. a number of years.

• Climate is an important factor in the daily life of every person in Guyana.

• The people in every Natural Region in Guyana is accustomed to the climatic

condition all year around and build their livelihood around it.

• Lying near the equator, Guyana has a tropical climate, and temperatures do

not vary much throughout the year.

• The year has two wet seasons, from December to early February and from late

April to mid-August.

• Although the temperature never gets dangerously high, the combination of

heat and humidity can at times seem oppressive.

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• The entire area is under the influence of the northeast trade winds, and during

the midday and afternoon sea breezes bring relief to the coast.

• Temperatures in Georgetown are quite constant, with an average high of 32 °C

(89.6 °F) and an average low of 24 °C (75.2 °F) in the hottest month (July), and

an average range of 29 to 23 °C (84.2 to 73.4 °F) in February, the coolest month.

• Humidity in the interior is also slightly lower.

• Rainfall is heaviest in the interior. Annual averages on the coast near the

Venezuelan border are near 2,500 millimetres (98.4 in), farther east at New

Amsterdam, between 2,000 and 1,500 millimetres (78.7 and 59.1 in) in

Guyana’s Rupununi Savannah.

• Areas on the northeast sides of mountains that catch the trade winds average

as much as 3,500 millimetres (137.8 in) of precipitation annually.

• Coastal areas have a second rainy season from November through January.

• Guyana is not affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or volcanoes

and although the rains are sometimes delayed, prolonged or severe droughts

are relatively rare.

Changes in weather patterns due to climate change

• Over the last century, Guyana has experienced significant changes in its

climate.

• The records suggest an increase by 1.0°C of the mean annual temperature

within the last century.

• In recent years, there has been many extreme weather events that have

resulted in high levels of flooding especially along the coast and in some inland

areas.

• In Guyana, it is projected that by the end of this century, temperatures can

increase by up to 4°C and weather patterns will become more extreme.

• Sea level is projected to rise at a rate of 1cm per year, about 40cm-60cm by the

end of the 21st century.

• Such rise in sea level will flood wetlands and lowlands; accelerate coastal

erosion; increase coastal flooding; threaten or destroy coastal structures; raise

water tables etc.

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Flooding Coastal Erosion

Destruction to Coastal Sea Defense Structure

Adapting to Climate Change

• Adapting to climate change is one of the biggest challenges for Guyana.

• Guyana’s challenges are further enlarged with 90% of its population residing on

the low coastal plain; main agricultural lands; and all major administrative,

economic, services and infrastructure facilities.

• The coast is also relatively flat, which favours rapid accumulation of rainfall

runoff, and which makes natural drainage into the ocean very difficult. This

situation presents severe challenges to the drainage and irrigation system.

• Over the years, high levels of flooding were observed in the country especially

along the coast and in some inland areas.

• Climate change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of flooding

events.

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• Approximately 75% of the country’s economic activities are located on the

coastal area, where the major economic activities, such as agriculture, fisheries

and industries are found. These sectors are extremely sensitive to extreme

weather conditions and rise in sea-level and are therefore highly vulnerable to

climatic change.

• The country has already suffered greatly over the last decade from weather

related disasters.

• In December 2004 and January 2005, an unusual weather system produced

heavy rains which led to major flooding resulting in severe physical damage and

economic loss to the country, leading to the worst flooding event ever recorded

in Guyana’s history.

• The 2005 flood was concentrated in the most heavily populated regions of the

country, resulting in some 274,774 persons or 37% of the national population

being severely affected by the flood waters.

• The flooding event claimed the lives of persons.

• Although the country is very rich in natural resources, its economic base is very

narrow with a strong dependence on a very small range of primary products for

export. Nevertheless, despite its high vulnerability to the impacts of climate

change, Guyana has been undertaking significant efforts at the national and

international level to ease the effects.

• In 2010, the Government of Guyana launched the Guyana’s Low Carbon

Development Strategy (LCDS).

• The LCDS is an approach to address climate change. The LCDS aims to protect

and maintain the forests in an effort to reduce global carbon emissions and at

the same time attract payments from developed countries for the climate

services that the forests provide to the world.

• Payments will be invested to foster growth and development along a low

carbon emissions path.

TOPIC: Weather and Climate (Natural Regions of Guyana)

SUB-TOPIC: Weather and Related Activities

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Natural Regions Crops/Resources Activities done during

the wet/dry season.

Low Coastal Plain Rice, sugar-cane, etc. Agriculture, poultry

rearing

Hilly Sand and Clay

Region.

Pine-apple, citrus fruits,

ground nuts, etc.

Agriculture, logging,

mining, etc.

Forested Highland

Region.

Timber, balata, minerals

etc.

Logging, balata

bleeding, mining etc.

Interior Savannahs Cattle, ground

provisions, peanuts etc.

Cattle rearing, peasant

farming, etc.

Low Coastal Plain.

• On the Coastal Plain during the dry seasons farmers have to get water for their

crops. Irrigational canals have to bring water to the land in the dry season.

• In the wet season the excess water has to be drained from the land by pumps.

• Rice cultivation depends heavily on the knowledge of the weather. Farmers

must know when to reap and sow their crop.

• During the period of the wet season planting is done while reaping is done during

the dry season.

Draining the land

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Reaping rice Sowing the seeds (paddy)

Forested Highland Region

• On the Forested Highland Region the heat, along with heavy rainfall influences

forest growth. Plant life is highly favoured by this type of climate.

Forest growth

Interior Savannahs

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• In the Interior Savannahs the rainfall pattern helps to determine the types of plant

which can be grown in this area.

• High temperature causes tropical vegetation/forests.

• Lack of moisture during the dry season results in grasslands – clumps, wiry and

tough.

• In the dry season, wetland areas recede and the landscape becomes open

savannahs.

• Soils in the open savannahs are poor in nutrients and therefore not well suited for

large-scale agriculture.

• Getting crops to produce sufficient food would require the application of

massive amounts of fertilizers and other chemicals, which could lead to pollution

of freshwater.

Wetlands.

• The Southern Rupununi Savannah undergoes a remarkable transformation

during the rainy season.

• Permanent wetlands expand reaching their fullest and vast areas flood,

becoming huge seasonal wetlands. These wetlands absorb, filter and store

vast amounts of freshwater.

Clumps

Hilly Sand and Clay Area

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• The Hilly Sand and Clay Region is mostly covered in scrub, medium height

vegetation and hardwood due to the climatic conditions they experience.

TOPIC: Weather and Climate (Natural Regions of Guyana)

SUB-TOPIC: Effects of weather conditions on the Natural Regions.

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Natural Regions of

Guyana

Effects of weather

conditions

Picture

Low Coastal Plain

-People’s lives are

affected by flooding

and high temperature.

-High temperature is

reduced by the use of

fans or by air

conditioning units.

However, this would

lead to higher

electricity bills.

People have to wear

clothing made from

cotton materials that

are loosely fitting to

keep them cool from

the hot weather.

Flooding

Fans use in homes

Hilly Sand and Clay

Region.

People, crops and

livestocks are affected

by floods, and forest

fires.

Movement is restricted.

Forest fires

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Animals are removed

to higher ground for

safety.

Forested Highland

Region.

-. Large swamps, dense

forest and high lands

which make the

construction of roads

difficult and expensive

to build.

-Makes the movement

of goods and services

difficult due to poor

and inadequate trails,

etc.

Construction of roads is difficult

and expensive.

Hilly Sand and Clay

Region.

-Floods, rivers overflow,

swamps and rapid

growth of vegetation.

-Pollution of rivers.

-Restricted movement.

-Threat of diseases e.g.

malaria from the

mosquitoes.

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Poisoning from drinking

polluted water.

TOPIC-Health and Safety

SUB-TOPIC-Keeping Our Environment Healthy

All of man’s activities whether in the homes, factories or on the farms, produce some

amount of wastes. We must manage these wastes so as to maintain a healthy

environment.

Ways in which wastes are generated.

• When mother prepares meal, she gathers wastes from vegetables,

condiments and processed foods.

• When seamstress and tailors sew, there are always left –overs or pieces of cloth

and ends of thread.

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• The farmers after cleaning and preparing their garden plots, gather tree

trimmings. These can be used as firewood for cooking.

• Even the smoke which comes from the baker shop’s chimney is waste.

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Managing Refuse.

• In most villages and scattered rural communities, the households may be

responsible for the disposal of their own refuse.

• Quite often it is burnt or buried.

• In cities, towns and some villages, the Town Council or Village Council provides

the service of refuse disposal. In communities such as these, the refuse is

collected and disposed of, by means of incinerating or land filling.

Garbage collection in City

Using the Incinerators

• Incinerators are mostly found in the city and other towns. They could be large

or small.

• Refuse from households, factories, hospitals, abattoirs, markets and other

places around the city is taken by special vehicles to the incinerators where

they are burnt regularly.

• Public Health Laws require that refuse from institutions such as health centers,

hospitals and abattoirs must be burnt in an incinerator. This is necessary to

prevent the spread of infectious and harmful diseases.

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Incinerator

Using Landfills

Using a landfill for refuse disposal serves a double purpose:

(1) It is a way of getting rid of refuse.

(2) It could be means of building up low-lying surface.

• In low – lying areas the surface is graded to a certain dept.

• The refuse is dumped and compressed. When there is enough refuse, the

dump is covered.

• From time to time the dump is treated with chemicals.

• When completed, this area is planted with grass.

• If properly prepared, this method of refuse disposal is free from dust, flies and

other nuisance.

Landfills

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Ways to Keep the Environment Clean

Ways to Keep the

Environment Clean

Description Example

Stop pollution Ensure that you do not

pollute the environment.

Make sure your

wastes go to the

right place.

Do your best to ensure

the wastes you dispose of

ends up where it should.

Recycle materials in your

area.

To prevent your garbage

from ending up in the

environment keep a lid

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on your trash can when it

is outside.

Make a Compost. Composting at home

reduces the volume of

garbage sent to landfills

and reduces the chance

of some products

becoming marine debris.

Plant trees

Volunteer in

cleaning up

Planting trees will beautify

the environment. It will

also reduce the carbon

dioxide in the

environment.

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exercises in the

community.

Volunteer to be a part of

cleaning up exercises in

the community.

Reuse Materials.

Remember to bring

reusable bags to the

grocery stores or for any

other shopping activities.

This will help to reduce

the consumption of

disposable bags.

Acquiring a reusable

water bottle would not

only greatly reduce the

amount of single-use

plastic you use, but it

would also save you

money in the long run.

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TOPIC-Health and Safety

SUB-TOPIC-Pollution

Pollution happens when the environment is contaminated by wastes, chemicals, and

other harmful substances. The main forms of pollution are land, water, air and noise.

Air Pollution

• Air pollution is the contamination of the air.

• Wildfires, volcanoes, and industrial chemicals cause air pollution.

• Most air pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels. These include coal, oil,

and natural gas. Factories, electrical plants, and automobiles burn these fuels

for power.

• The burning of fossil fuels may release solid particles, such as ash and soot, into

the air. It also may release harmful gases.

• This type of pollution may be seen in the form of smog over big cities. Smog-

filled air is hazy, or hard to see through.

• Air pollution may cause diseases such as cancer, bronchitis and asthma. Air

pollution also leads to acid rain, or polluted rain that can harm living things.

• In addition, air pollution may be a cause of global warming, which is a steady

rise in Earth’s average temperature.

• Finally, air pollution damages a part of the atmosphere called the ozone layer.

• The ozone layer is important because it protects Earth against harmful rays

from the sun.

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Water Pollution

• Water pollution occurs when harmful substances such as chemicals or

microorganisms contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, or other body of

water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the

environment.

Causes of water pollution

• Some causes of water pollution are easy to see. People dump garbage and

sewage into creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans. Factories or cities

sometimes release oils, poisonous chemicals, and other wastes into water.

• Other causes of water pollution are not so direct. The use of chemicals in

farming is one example. Farmers use chemicals such as fertilizers, or any other

substance to the soil to help crops grow. They also use other chemicals such as

pesticides or herbicides. These are substances that kill pests or weeds. When

these chemicals seep into the ground, they may make the groundwater unfit

to drink.

• Chemicals also may drain into rivers and lakes, where they can harm fish and

other aquatic life.

• Toxic household and industrial wastes released into water bodies also pollute

the water.

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• Other sources include oil spills and marine dumping in sea water causes

pollution and affects marine life.

Effects of water pollution.

• It may lead to a number of diseases like cholera, diarrhea and typhoid.

• It may cause harm to fishes and other aquatic life.

Land Pollution

• Littering, or tossing garbage on the ground, is a form of land pollution. Litter is

unpleasant to look at, it can also destroy the habitats / homes, of plants and

animals.

• The buildup of dangerous chemicals in the ground is another form of land

pollution. The chemicals may come from farms or factories. These chemicals

can spread to plants and animals. They may even harm people who consume

the contaminated plants and animals.

• Dumping of solid wastes such as plastic bags, glass bottles and metal

containers.

• The soil gets polluted by chemicals in pesticides and herbicides when used for

agricultural purposes along with waste matter being littered in urban areas

such as roads, parks and streets.

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Noise pollution

• Noise pollution is a threat to health and a nuisance to quietness and happiness.

It is a destroyer of peace and poison to a healthy existence. Noise can be

defined as any undesirable sound. Noise is measured in decibel units (dB).

Causes of noise pollution

• Traffic build up – when there is a long stream of traffic motorists tend to honk

their horns constantly. This behaviour can result in noise pollution.

• Aircraft – noise pollution occur at landing and taking off time.

• Industrial operations can cause noise pollution, factory equipment, generators,

electric saws, drills and other machines when in use produce loud sounds that

are unpleasant to the ears.

• High volume of music from stereo sets and motor vehicles.

Effects of Noise pollution

• It can cause damage to the microscopic cells in the inner ears, thus resulting in

deafness.

• It can also cause tension headaches.

• People can become irritable and often behave irrationally.

• It can cause stress and sets people’s nerves on edge both physically and

emotionally.

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Controlling Pollution

• Many governments, environmental groups, and ordinary people are working to

control pollution.

• Governments have passed laws to keep people from releasing dangerous

chemicals into the environment.

• Government imposed fines for littering.

• Some companies and people are trying to use fewer fossil fuels. Instead they

are getting power from sunlight, wind, water, and other energy sources that

produce less pollution.

• Many communities use recycling to reduce pollution. Recycling is the process

of making new products out of used paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, or other

materials.

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TOPIC: - Health and Safety

Sub-Topic-Drugs

• A drug is a substance which, when taken into the body, modifies the body’s

function either physically or psychologically. Drugs affects your mind and body.

Some drugs are beneficial, while others are harmful.

How drugs are taken

People take drugs in different ways. Some Common methods include:

• Swallowing tablets or drinking liquids — the body absorbs the drug through the

stomach lining.

• Inhalation — the body absorbs the drug through the lining of the lungs.

• Snorting into the nose — the body absorbs the drug through the thin nasal

lining.

• Injecting — the user injects the drug directly into the bloodstream

• Through the skin — the body slowly absorbs the drug from a cream or patch.

Type of drug Effect on the body Example

Depressant Slows down nerve and brain

activity.

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Type of drug Effect on the body Example

Alcohol

Hallucinogen Alters what we see and

hear.

Salvia

Painkiller Blocks nerve impulses.

Aspirin, paracetamol

Performance

enhancer

Improves muscle

development.

Anabolic steroids

Stimulant Increases nerves and brain

activities. Nicotine, caffeine, ecstasy

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Type of drug Effect on the body Example

Classification of drugs

Drugs are classified as:

➢ legal drugs

➢ Illegal drugs

Legal drugs

Drugs are of two types- legal and illegal drugs.

Legal drugs can either be bought over-the-counter or with a prescription from a

medical doctor. Some prescription drugs are misused and taken for recreational use,

rather than for medical reasons.

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Examples prescription drugs

Examples of Over-the Counter Drugs

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs cannot legally be manufactured, bought or sold.

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Some examples of illegal drugs are:

• Cannabis (Marijuana)

• Cocaine

• Ecstasy

• Hallucinogens

• Heroin

• Ketamine

• Methamphetamine

Why people use drugs

People use drugs for several reasons. These are:

✓ Wanting to fit in

✓ Peer pressure

✓ Curiosity and to experiment

✓ Relaxation

✓ To be in control

✓ To rebel

✓ Misinformation or ignorance

✓ To enhance performance

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What is addiction?

'Addiction' is a mental disorder characterized by compulsive consumption or

behaviours despite the negative consequences.

When someone first starts to use drugs, it is

called substance abuse. We say someone is an

addicted to drugs when they have no control over

whether they want to use the drug or not. That

person feels that they must have that drug.

Types of addiction

There are two types of addiction.

• Physical addiction is when a person's body becomes

dependent on something.

• After a while that person's body craves more and

more for it, so he/she can just feel and function

normally.

• Trying to give up can make that person suffer

withdrawal symptoms which can last for quite a long

time, but slowly get less as the body gets used to

doing without the drug.

• Psychological addiction is when someone craves something which will change

his/ her mood or feelings.

• They may not get physical withdrawal symptoms, but they may feel lonely,

depressed or anxious if they can't get the things they desire.

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A depress drug addict.

What can be addictive?

People can become addicted to a wide range of things.

➢ Drugs - legal and illegal drugs. Examples:

• Alcohol

• tobacco

• marijuana

➢ Some medications inhalants. Examples:

• sniffing glue or petrol.

➢ People can also become addicted to negative behaviours, which take over

their lives. Examples:

• harmful or risky behaviours - such as breaking things, vandalism, stealing.

• hurting themselves - like cutting their bodies.

• compulsive behaviours (compulsive means that they feel they have to do it to

feel better about themselves).

Compulsive behaviours can include:

• eating disorders, like bingeing on food and then making themselves vomit.

• compulsive exercise, where they are constantly exercising to make themselves

feel good, but are really harming their bodies.

• gambling, video games, mobiles and SMS, and chatting on the internet

unnecessarily.

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Addiction to games on the internet

Signs of addiction

If someone you care about is showing several of these signs, then they could be

suffering from an addiction and needs help. Some signs are: when someone uses

drugs or alcohol to get away from problems or as a usual way to relax.

1. When someone seems to 'drop out' of life among family and friends.

2. When someone loses interest in something that used to be a big interest.

3. Lagging behind with school work, or getting behind with workload.

4. Avoiding friends, or hanging out with children

who use drugs.

5. Selling their stuff or stealing yours.

6. Being very moody and behaving in ways which

are unlike their usual behaviour.

7. Getting upset, anxious or really depressed.

8. Having problems with sleeping or getting out of

bed.

9. Being sick or shaky.

10. Changes in eating - maybe too much or not enough, or eating at 'different' times.

11. Putting on weight or rapidly losing weight.

12. Checking their phone, messaging or talking on it even when they are with other

people.

13. Spending a lot of time playing games on their computer or tablet or phone so they

don't get to be with 'real people.

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What can you do about addiction?

If someone you care about is suffering from an addiction you can:

• Tell that person that you care about them and are worried about what they are

doing.

• Tell someone you trust about it.

• Do some research on whatever they are using or doing and show them or tell them

what you have found.

• Think about your trusted adults and talk to them until something is done.

• Encourage them to be more active and join in with others.

How you can keep yourself safe?

Keep yourself safe by:

o asking smokers not to smoke near you.

o avoiding being around someone who is addicted to alcohol or drugs.

o telling someone if you feel unsafe.

o not being around with that person or their friends.

o not making the mistake of thinking what that person is doing must be cool because

they are older than you.

o never try whatever drug they are using.

TOPIC: Caricom

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SUB TOPIC: Definition

Objective

Structure

➢ Caricom is an acronym meaning Caribbean Community and

Common Market.

➢ Caricom has four main objectives:

• economic integration

• foreign policy coordination

• human and social development

• security

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Structure of Caricom

➢ Caricom consists of several councils and committees.

➢ The committees and councils work together to ensure the

objectives of Caricom are achieved.

➢ The highest decision making forum of Caricom is the Heads of

Government Conference.

➢ This Conference is presided by a Chairman who is the head of a

Caricom member state. The Chairmanship rotates among heads of

member states.

➢ There is also a Caricom Secretariat which oversee the day – to –

day management of the organisation.

➢ The secretariat is head by a Secretary General.

➢ The secretariat of Caricom is located at Liliendaal, Georgetown,

Guyana.

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Organizational Structure of Caricom

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SUB-TOPIC: Development

Founder Members

Member States ➢ CARICOM was established after CARIFTA came to an end in 1973.

➢ The Caribbean Community /Caricom was established on July 04,

1973 with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas.

➢ However, The CARICOM movement came into effect on August 01,

1973.

➢ The treaty was signed by the Heads of Government of: -

• Barbados - Errol Barrow

• Guyana- Linden Forbes Burnham

• Jamaica – Michael Manley

• Trinidad & Tobago – Eric Williams

➢ These four countries are the founding members of Caricom.

➢ Subsequently, eight other territories joined CARICOM. The Bahamas

became the 13th member state on July 04, 1983 and Suriname 14th

member in July 1995. In July 1997, Haiti was welcomed into the

community.

➢ The CARICOM Secretariat is located in Georgetown, Guyana and is

organized Trade and Agriculture, Economics and Industry,

Functional Co-operation, Legal Division, General Services and

Administration.

➢ A revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean

Community including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy

(CSME) was signed by Heads of Government on 5th July 2001.

➢ The revised Treaty includes the establishment and implementation

of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ ).

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Diagram above shows the development that lead to the establishment

of CARICOM.

➢ The member states of CARICOM are: -

• Antigua and Barbuda

• The Bahamas

• Barbados

• Belize

• Dominica

• Grenada

• Guyana

• Haiti

• Jamaica

• Montserrat

• St. Kitts and Nevis

• St. Lucia

• St. Vincent and the

Grenadines

• Suriname

• Trinidad and Tobago

➢ Associate member states of CARICOM: -

• Anguilla

• Bermuda

• The British Virgin Islands

• The Cayman Islands

• Turks and Caicos

Note

➢ All of the associate member states are British Overseas Territories.

West Indian Federation

• Jan,1958-May,1962

CARIFTA

• 1968 - 1973

CARICOM

• 1973 - Present

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SUB-TOPIC: Country Profile

Communication in CARICOM

The role of communication in CARICOM

Communication in CARICOM

Flags of Member States of Caricom

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Map of showing Caricom Member States

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Heads of states of CARICOM

Antigua and Barbuda: Gaston

Browne

Bahamas: Hubert Minnis

Haiti: Jovenel Moïse

Barbados: Mia Mottley Belize: Dean Barrow Guyana: Mohamed Irfaan Ali

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Dominica: Roosevelt Skerrit Grenada: Keith Mitchell Saint Kitts and Nevis: Timothy

Harris

Jamaica: Andrew Holness

Montserrat : Joseph Easton

Taylor Farrell

Saint Lucia: Allen Michael

Chastanet

Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines:

Ralph Gonsalves

Suriname: Chan Santokhi

Trinidad and Tobago: Keith Rowley

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Caricom Country Profile

Caricom

Countries Capital Airport

National

Festival Imports Exports

Political

Status

Antigua &

Barbuda St. John’s

Vere Bird

international

Summer

Carnival

Foodstuff, machinery

Transport equipment

Cotton, Rum,

Tourism

Independent /

Nov 1, 1981

The Bahamas

Nassau Nassau International

Freeport

Junkanoo Machinery Clothing

Fresh meat

Crayfish, Tourism, Cucumber, Tomatoes,

Coconuts, Sponges, Lumber

Independent / July 10, 1973

Barbados Bridgetown Grantley Adams International

Crop Over

Foodstuff

Fuels Lubricants building materials textiles

Sugar, Clothing,

Electrical Equipment, Rum, Molasses

Independent / Nov 30, 1966

Belize Belmopan Phillip Goldson International

Garifuna

Vehicles textiles Machinery Building materials petroleum Foodstuff

Sugar,

Molasses, Clothing, Mahogany, Citrus Fruits, Fish, Shrimp, Lobster

Independent / Sept 21, 1981

Dominica Roseau Melville Hall Canefield

Domfesta

Foodstuff Manu-factured Goods, machinery

and equip-ment

Coconuts and Coconuts Products, Citrus Fruits

Independent / Nov 3, 1978

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Caricom

Countries Capital Airport

National

Festival Imports Exports

Political

Status

and Citrus

Fruit Products, Bananas

Grenada St. George Point salines International

Carnival Beverages Tobacco

Fuel equipment

Nutmeg and Species, Cocoa,

Bananas, Mace

Independent / Feb 7, 1974

Guyana Georgetown Cheddi Jagan International Airport

Mashramani

Fuel lubricants Machinery Transport

Equipment Manufactured goods fertiliser

Bauxite, Alumina, Sugar, Rice,

Timber, Citrus Fruits, Gold, Diamonds, Shrimp, Prawns

Republic / Feb

23, 1970 Independent / May 26, 1966

Haiti Port – au – Prince

Port – au- Prince Carnival

Foodstuff

Manu-factured goods fuel

Coffee,

Sugar, Rice, Bananas

Independent /

Dec 31, 1804 (Republic)

Jamaica Kingston

Norman Manley International DonaldSangster International

Jamaica Festival

Fuel machinery

Transport equipment Electrical equipment fertilizer

Alumina, Bauxite, Sugar, Rum,

Molasses, Bananas, Citrus Fruits and Citrus Fruit Products, Cement

Independent / Aug 6, 1962

Montserrat Plymouth Blackbourne Airfield Gerald Heliport

Christmas Festival

Food Machinery

Hot Peppers, Tomatoes, Cotton, Limes

Colony of Great Britain

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Caricom

Countries Capital Airport

National

Festival Imports Exports

Political

Status

Transport

equipment

Saint Kitts & Nevis

Basseterre Robert Bradshaw International

December Carnival

Manufactured goods machinery transport equipment mineral

fuels lubricants

Beer, Ale, Cotton, Lobster

Independent / Sept 19, 1983

Saint Lucia Castries

Hewanorra International Vieux Forte George Charles International

Flower

Festival La Rose

Beverages Foodstuff Tobacco Fuels

Manufactured goods Machinery And transport equipment

Bananas, Unrefined and Refined Cotton Oil,

Cardboard Boxes, Fruits, Vegetables, Coconut Meal, Cocoa

Independent / Feb 22, 1979

St. Vincent & Grenadine

Kingstown

Ebenezer Joshua James Mitchell International

Carnival

Foodstuff

Beverages Machinery Transport equipment

Banana, Arrowroot, Sweet Potatoes

Independent / Oct 27, 1979

Suriname Paramaribo Johann Adolph Pengel

International

Carnival machinery

Minerals E.G.

Bauxite, Gold, Petroleum, Kaolin; Rice, Oilpalm, Bananas; Fisheries E.G. Prawns

Independent / Nov 25, 1975

(Republic)

Trinidad & Tobago

Port – of – Spain

Piarco International

Carnival Machinery Cocoa, Crude

Independent / Aug 31, 1962

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Caricom

Countries Capital Airport

National

Festival Imports Exports

Political

Status

Crown Point

International

Fabricated metals

transport equipment manufactured goods

Petroleum,

Petroleum Products, Ammonia, Methanol

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CARICOM Member States Currency

Countries Currency Countries Currency

Antigua and

Barbuda

East Caribbean

Dollar

Guyana Guyanese dollar

The Bahamas Bahaman Dollar Jamaica Jamaican dollar

Belize Belize Dollars Montserrat East Caribbean Dollar

Dominica East Caribbean Dollar

St. Kitts and Nevis East Caribbean Dollar

Grenada East Caribbean Dollar

St.Lucia East Caribbean Dollar

Countries Currencies Countries Currencies

St. Vincent East Caribbean Dollar

Haiti Haitian Gourde

Suriname Suriname Dollar Barbados Barbados Dollar

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago Dollar

The role of communication in CARICOM

➢ Communication is vital to the success of the Caribbean

Community.

➢ It is through the sharing of information that member states can:

• Learn of employment opportunities

• Discuss ways of cooperating

• Learn of issues affecting member states

• Share successes of member states.

➢ Caricom member states have to be in constant contact with

each other if they are to achieve the objectives of this

organisation.

➢ Some organisation of communication within Caricom are:

• Caribbean News Agency (CANA) - Barbados

• National Communication Network (NCN) – Guyana

• News Talk 93.7 Jamaica

• Trinidad Express

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TOPIC: LEADERS

SUB TOPIC: WHO IS A LEADER?

A Leader is a person who is willing to take charge and lead.

A leader is the one in charge, the person who convinces other

people to follow. A great leader inspires confidence in other people

and moves them to action.

WAYS PEOPLE BECOME LEADERS

People become leaders by selection, election, by the job they do,

volunteering or by hierarchical structure.

WAYS PEOPLE BECOME LEADERS EXAMPLES

Elected leaders

President, Prime Minister,

Opposition Leaders, Mayors,

Chairman, Chief,

Captain/Touchau etc.

Hierarchical structure

King/Queen

Volunteering These leaders may belong to

groups.

Examples are Lions Club, Rotary

Club

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By the job they do Education Officers, Managers,

Head teachers, Supervisors,

Chief, Commander, Directors.

Selection Pandit, Priest, Prefect

DUTIES OF POLITICAL LEADERS

President

His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali

Some duties of the President are:

• He is the Head of State.

▪ He serves as Commander-

in - Chief of the Armed

Forces.

▪ He supervises the Executive

Branch of Government.

▪ Appoints and removes

Executive Officials.

Prime Minister

Some duties of the Prime Minister

are:

▪ Determines the general

direction of Government's

activities.

▪ Ensures coordinated and

purposeful work of the

Cabinet of Ministers.

▪ The Prime Minister leads

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▪ Receives ambassadors.

▪ Grants amnesties and

pardons.

the work of the Cabinet of

Ministers.

▪ Functions in the position of

the president in his

absence.

Some Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman

Leaders of our Region

• Guyana has ten Administrative regions.

• These regions are run by a special body of leaders called the

Regional Democratic Council (R.D.C).

• This council is usually headed by the Regional Chairman or

Chairwoman.

• They look after the affairs of the region they represent.

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• They make Central Government aware of problems in the

region.

• They ensure that decisions arrived at, are carried out.

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Mayor and City Councillors

Leaders of our city and towns are the Mayor and Councillors.

Some of their duties are:

• Keeping the environment of the towns clean by providing

garbage disposal services.

• Repairing streets and bridges.

• Maintaining market and abattoirs.

• Maintaining parks, avenues and other recreational facilities.

• Inspecting restaurants and other eating houses.

• Maintaining services such as potable water and drainage

facilities.

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DUTIES OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS

Religious Leaders

Imam

Pastor

Priest

Pandit

Religious Leaders are very important to our community.

• They help to raise awareness.

• Influence attitudes, behaviours and practices of its members.

• The followers listen to their teachings and adopt healthy

lifestyles and practices.

• They help the government to reach out to the people in

difficult times.

• The people look to their leaders for direction and guidance.

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DUTIES OF OTHER LEADERS.

Other Leaders

Chief of Staff of the

Defence Force

Directing, managing

and overseeing all

policy development,

daily operations, and

staff activities for the

President

Business Manager

Supervises and leads a

company's operations

and employees.

Director of

Organisation

Makes the strategic

and operational

decisions of the

company and

ensures that the

company meets its

statutory obligations.

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Rotary Club

Plans and

leads club meetings,

sets goals,

encourages

communication

between clubs.

Leaders of GTU

Communicates and

negotiates on behalf

of the teachers' for

better salaries and

working conditions and

for the improvement of

teachers’ welfare.

Teacher

Inspires, motivates,

encourages and

educates learners.

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TOPIC: Our Community

SUB-TOPIC: Guyana’s Immediate Continental Neighbours

COUNTRY CAPITAL OFFICIAL

LANGUAGE

MAIN

EXPORT

CURRENCY

Brazil Brasilia Portuguese Coffee and timber

Real Previously used Cruzeiro and Cruzado

Suriname Paramaribo Dutch Javanese, Hindi and English are also spoken

Alumina and rice

Suriname dollar

Venezuela Caracas Spanish Petroleum and petroleum products

Bolivar (named after Simon Bolivar, a national hero of Venezuela)

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TOPIC: Our Community

SUB-TOPIC: Guyana’s Continental Neighbours

Map showing the continent of South America

South America is the 4th largest

continent.

It is made up of 13 countries.

All of the countries are independent

except French Guiana.

It has the world’s largest rainforest.

There are 9 Spanish speaking

countries, Guyana is the only

English-speaking country in South

America.

Brazil is the largest country in South

America and the 5th largest in the

world.

Guyana’s other Continental Neighbours

Country Capital

Argentina Buenos Aires

Bolivia La Paz

Chile Santiago

Colombia Bogota

Ecuador Quito

French Guiana Cayenne

Paraguay Asuncion

Peru Lima

Uruguay Montevideo

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TOPIC: Our Community

SUB-TOPIC: Guyana’s Continental Neighbours (Continued)

Country Capital Currency Main Export Language

Argentina Buenos Aires

Peso Wheat Corn Soybean

Spanish English Italian

Bolivia La Paz Bolivian Peso, Boliviano

Natural gas Gold Silver Tin

Spanish Aymara Quechua

Chile Santiago Peso Petroleum Natural gas Copper

Spanish

Colombia Bogota Peso Coffee Minerals- such as emerald

Spanish

Ecuador Quito Sucre Banana Spanish Quechua

French

Guiana

Cayenne French

franc

Bauxite French

Paraguay Asuncion Paraguayan Peso

Cotton fiber Soy beans Processed meat

Spanish Guarani

Peru Lima Nuevo Sol Copper Lead

Spanish

Uruguay Montevideo

Uruguayan new Peso

Textile Textile products Wool

Spanish

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TOPIC: The Family

SUB-TOPIC: The People Who Came

The family is made up of one race which is the human race. The

human race was first divided into three main groups:

Negroid (black)

Mongoloid (yellow)

Caucasoid (white)

Over the years, these groups have inter-married, causing the world

to have varying ethnic groups. In Guyana, there are six main ethnic

groups:

Amerindians

Europeans

Africans

Portuguese

East Indians

Chinese

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There is a seventh ethnic group, made up of any two or more of the

above, to form the mixed race.

THE AMERINDIANS

The Amerindians were the first set of people to live in Guyana.

The Amerindians are the Indigenous people of Guyana (first

people)

Amerindians were also called the American Indians

The Amerindians came from Asia, in a place called Mongolia

The Amerindians crossed the Bering Strait to reach North

America

Alaska is the first part of America the Amerindians reached.

The Bering Strait is a narrow body of water which was frozen at

that time

The frozen body of water was also called the Ice Bridge

The Ice Bridge connected Asia and North America

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They crossed the Ice Bridge/ Bering Strait by following animals

and as a result they eventually reached North, Central, and

South America and the Caribbean in search of food.

The Amerindians left Asia during the Ice age, following animals

(buffalo and seals) as they moved from one feeding ground to

another (continent or country).

Guyana is a part of the continent of South America

They are nine Amerindian Tribes in Guyana. FOUR main tribes

and FIVE sub tribes that settled in Guyana

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The Four main Amerindian tribes were

The Arawaks

Caribs

Warraus

Wapishanas

The Five sub tribes

Patamonas

Makusi

Wai Wais

Akawaios

Arecunas

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The Amerindians came to Guyana in search of:

warm climate.

The Amerindians depend on the animals for their food and as

the animals moved, they moved also.

THE WAY OF LIFE

The Amerindians were hunters and fishermen.

They knew how to trap animals for food.

They were skillful in making weapons out of stones and bones.

They used their stone and bone knife to scrape the skin of

animals to make clothing.

They later learned how to cultivate the land and produce food

from plants.

Therefore, we can say that the Amerindians obtained their food from

Farming

Hunting

Fishing

Some foods that they plant (food from roots):

Yams

Cassava

Sweet potatoes

Food from seed:

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Maize

Peanut

They use these foods as their main diet (staples)

Cassava is used to prepare food such as cassava bread,

casreep, farine etc.

Casreep is used to make pepper pot.

Farine is used to make drink such as alcoholic beverages like

piwari and cassiri.

DANCE

Mari Mari

Baboon

Carrion crow

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BELIEFS

Each Amerindian tribe has its own beliefs and customs, for example, Patamonas believe in Mokanaima who is their God or the supreme being.

The Amerindians believe in spirit Gods, for example;

Makonama- the supreme God of heaven and earth.

Pujaikma- mountain spirit of diseases such as influenza etc.

Maigok- a forest spirit who is invisible (who you cannot see)

when he attacks, he causes vomiting, fever and fits

Kanaima- an evil male spirit which goes around killing other

Amerindians for some wrong they did him/her or members of

his/her family.

Massacuraman

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Bush dai dai

CONTRIBUTION TO GUYANESE SOCIETY

Amerindians contribution to the Guyanese Society:

They named rivers (Cuyuni Mazarun)

Water falls (kaieteur Fall, Amatuk water fall)

Guiana (Guyana) is an Amerindian word meaning” Land of

many waters” or watery country.

Mashramani – means celebration after hard cooperative work.

Food (tasso, pepper pot, cassava bread)

CRAFTS

The following are made by the Amerindians.

Hammocks which is used by many Guyanese

Nibbi furniture

Baskets

Tibisiri mat

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Ornaments

Jewellery which are made from beads

Amerindian settled in places like:

Mahaica

Mahaicony

Abary river

Mazuruni river

Orealla

Pakaraima

Pomeroon

The head of an Amerindian settlement or reservation is called

CAPTAIN or TOUCHAU.

Amerindians traditional homes are called benabs.

Their homes are made out of:

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*Troolie palm

*Eta palm

*Shingle

*Wood bark

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THE EUROPEANS

The Europeans were the second set of people to arrive in British

Guiana. (Guyana)

Four (4) groups of Europeans came to British Guiana (Guyana), there

are:

Dutch from the Netherlands

Spanish from Spain

French from France

English from England

These groups all came from the continent of Europe.

Reason why the Europeans came to Guiana (Guyana):

They came in search for the golden city of Eldorado.

They came in search of new lands.

Reasons why the Europeans settled:

They came to cultivate the soil.

To trade with the Amerindians.

The Europeans traded with the Amerindian through a system called

Barter.

Bartering is the exchange of goods and services without the use of

money.

The Europeans exchanged with the Amerindians:

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Knives

Axes

Lengths of cloth

Coloured beads

The Amerindians exchange with the Europeans:

Hemp (used for making rope for ships)

Annatto dye (dye cloth)

Food stuff (butter, cheese)

In order for the Europeans to trade with the Amerindians they had to

setup trading post, where the two groups could meet to barter.

The Europeans built forts to protect themselves from invaders.

The Dutch were the first to set up trading post and built forts.

Some forts were:

Fort Kyk-over-al (see overall) can be found at the confluence (where

two or more rivers meet) of the Essequibo River, Cuyuni and

Mazaruni River.

Fort Zeelandia (Flag Island) can be found at the mouth of the

Essequibo River.

Fort Nova Zeelandia can be found up the Pomeroon River.

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Fort St. Andries which was built at the confluence (where two or

more rivers meet) of the Canje and Berbice River.

Fort Nassau was built fifty miles up the Berbice River.

The European recognized that the soil was suitable for cultivating

tobacco and other crops.

Due to the demand for tobacco in Europe the Europeans decided

to plant tobacco in British Guiana, then later planted cotton and

sugar.

Sugar was also needed for making cakes, biscuits and sweetener for

beverages.

In order to meet the demand for sugar the European enslaved the

Amerindians.

Many of the Amerindians ran away into the forest because they

were not accustomed to hard work on the plantation, while many of

them died from diseases brought by the Europeans.

In order to continue the cultivation when the Amerindians ran away,

the Europeans decided to use Africans as slaves.

After slavery was abolished, they used the Portuguese, East-Indians

and Chinese as indentured labourers.

CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY THE EUROPEANS

• Language- English

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Guyana was a colony of the English- speaking country of Great

Britain.

• Food such as pastries, puddings, pies

• clothing- dress, suit and tie, aprons

Places that were named by the English

Bourda

Lethem

Kingston

Victoria

Wales

Anna Regina

Charity

Georgetown

Places named by the Dutch

Stabroek Beterverwagting

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Uitvlugt

Vreed-en-Hoop

Soesdyke

Places named by the French

La Repentir

La Resouvenir

Chateau Margot

Malgretout

La Grange

Places named by the Spanish

Santa Rosa

El Dorado

The Europeans were the first to build churches and schools.

The first church was the Roman Catholic Church.

The Dutch divided Guyana into three counties and each county

had its own capital at that time.

Europeans made crafts out of pottery:

Vase

Mug

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THE AFRICANS

The Africans who came to the Caribbean and Guyana came from

off the coast of West Africa in the continent of Africa.

They were the third ethnic group who came to British

Guiana.(Guyana)

Some countries Africans came from are:

The Congo

Cameroon

Togo

Mali

Gambia

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Slavery was existing in Africa before the Europeans brought it here in Guyana.

Africans came to Guyana as slaves to work on the sugar

plantations.

A slave is someone who works very hard without being paid.

The system under which the slaves worked and lived was called

SLAVERY.

They came by ships and had to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

The journey from Africa to the Caribbean and Guyana was called

the Middle Passage.

It was a horrifying experience for the slaves which lasted from six

to ten weeks.

The journey of the Europeans from Europe to Africa and the

Caribbean and back to Europe was called the Triangular Trade.

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The Europeans obtained slaves by:

Capturing them and luring them into ships.

Capture through tribal wars.

Raiding parties.

Slaves experienced some difficulties during the middle passage

The men were chained with iron shackles around their ankles and

joined by chains looped to the shackles of their neighbours.

The women and children were packed below deck.

There were food shortages, many Africans died from hunger while

many others killed themselves in the Atlantic Ocean.

When the Africans reached Guyana, they were exchanged for

goods since there was no common currency existing in West

Africa.

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Some of the goods were:

Pieces of cloth

Gold dust

Copper bars

Knives

Glass beads

Cutlass

Liquor

Life on the plantation for the Africans

The homes the Africans lived in was called adobe which was

made of very flimsy materials.

It was very low and had no chimney ventilation.

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Each family had an iron pot and a blanket for each individual to

sleep on at night.

Africans were given clothing once a year or twice in every

eighteen months. (18)

The men received a coarse woolen jacket, hat and canvas which

made trousers.

The women were given the same kind of clothing while those who

had young children were given a hammock called baba.

Their food consisted of vegetables and salted fish. Whenever

plantain, cassava and yam were grown, they formed the main

diet of the slaves.

Difficulties faced on the plantation

Some difficulties the Africans faced on the plantations were:

They had to work for very long hours (6am to 6pm daily)

They were given their first meal at midday.

They were beaten or flog with a whip.

Some slaves were branded with hot iron, hung on wheels and had

parts of their bodies chopped off.

Types of slaves:

House or Domestic slaves.

Field slaves who worked in the cane fields.

Factory slaves who worked in the factory.

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Due to harsh punishment slaves rebelled.

Some rebellions or revolt by the slaves were:

Berbice Slave Rebellion- took place on the 23rd February 1763 on

plantation Magdalenenburg, led by Cuffy

East Coast Slave Insurrection- took place in August 1823 on

plantation Le Resouvenir.

In remembrance of these slaves, monuments were erected

1763 monument- located at Square of the Revolution in

Georgetown

Damon’s Monument-located in Anna Regina on the Essequibo

Coast

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Ending of Slavery/Abolition

The period of transition called Apprenticeship lasted 6 years for

field slaves and 4 years for house slaves.

During this time Africans worked for fixed number of hours each

week and received small wages/money.

After the apprenticeship period, slaves were emancipated or

freed.

Slaves were no longer forced to work on the plantation under

harsh conditions.

Slaves could decide whether to work or not.

Ex-slaves pooled their wages/money and bought abandoned

plantations.

The first plantation slaves bought was plantation Northbrook now

called Victoria.

Ex-slaves also bought the first community found in Essequibo

called Queenstown.

Buying of villages and communities by the ex-slaves was called

Village Movement.

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Some people who started the campaign to end slavery were:

Thomas Buxton

Thomas Clarkson

Granville Sharp

George Canning

James Ramsay

William Wilberforce

Some villages bought by ex-slaves are:

Buxton

Friendship

Peter’s Hall

Plaisance

Ithaca

Bushlot

African contributed to the Guyanese society in many ways:

Food

cook-up-rice

yam and plantain foo-foo

conkie

Dress:

Dashikis

Wraps

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Headties

Jewellery:

Legbands

Armbands

Chains of beads

Musical instruments:

Drums (bongos,kittles and great talking drums)

Marimbas

Marracas

Festival and beliefs:

Cumfa

Masquerade

Obeah

Voodoo

Crafts:

Weaving of mats

Baskets

Pots and jars (made from clay mud, carvings)

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PORTUGUESE

-The Portuguese were the fourth 4th group of people who came to

Guyana.

-The Portuguese came from Madeira.

-The first batch of Portuguese came to Guyana on the 3rd of May

1838.

-The name of the ship that bought the first batch of Portuguese to

Guiana was Louisa Baillie.

-The Portuguese worked on the plantation under the system called

indentureship.

-They were the first group of indentured immigrants to arrive in

Guyana.

-Indentured ship lasted for the period of five years.

-After the five years were over many of the Portuguese left the

plantation and opened businesses, eg, groceries

-They also did small scale trading.

The reasons why Portuguese came to Guyana were:

To replace the Africans on the sugar plantation.

To increase the white population.

Some plantation were the Portuguese were sent are:

Plantation La Patience

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Plantation Liliendaal

Plantation Thomas now known as Thomas Lands in Georgetown

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Portuguese contribution to Guyana society

Food

Garlic pork

Beef stew

Red bean soup

Pancakes

Music or musical instruments

Rajas (a type of banjo)

Braggs (small Portuguese guitar)

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Customs or beliefs

They believed in the holy spirit of Pentecost

Christmas brass

Businesses –J.P Santos, Banks DIH Ltd, John Fernandes, Fogarty’s

Ltd

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THE EAST INDIANS

-East Indians were the fifth ethnic group to arrive in British Guyana.

-They came from India which is found in the continent of Asia.

-The first group of East Indians came from the hilly districts of

Chota, Nagpur, Burdwan and Bancoorah, which all were close to

Calcutta.

-They were called East Indians because they came from the

eastern side of the world.

-The East Indians came to Guyana by ships or vessels:

• The Whitby

• The Hesperus

The Whitby sailed from India on January 13, 1838 with 249

immigrants. The vessel took 112 days to arrive in Guyana on May 5,

1838. Five persons died on the voyage (journey) which took place

on the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Hesperus leave Calcutta on January 29, 1838 and journeyed

the Indian and Atlantic Ocean with 165 persons on board. The

journey took about 96 days to arrive in Guyana on May 5. Thirteen

persons died on that voyage.

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The East Indians immigrants were sent to different plantations such

as:

Highbury and Waterloo in Berbice.

Bel Vue and Vreed-en-hoop in Region three.

Some difficulties during the journey:

- Overcrowded ships.

- Some of the Immigrants got sick and died because there

was a shortage of medicine.

- Shortage of food.

Reasons for coming

They came to work on the sugar plantation as indentured

immigrants/servants

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They signed an agreement to work on the plantation for a period

of five years.

They were given:

Food /ration

Lodging

Clothing

Medical attendance and supplies

Wages for their labour.

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Life on the plantation

- Life was very difficult for both young and old.

- They worked for long hours, from 6am to 6pm.

- The children between the ages of 5 to 10 had to work in the

creole gang.

They had to:

- Clear drains and trenches.

- Carry water to the cane cutters.

- Put manure/mold on the young sugar cane plants.

- Take care of animals.

- The East Indians’ homes were called logies.

- East Indians were free to return to India after the five years

period.

- Those who stayed were given land in exchange for their

passage.

- The East Indians used the land to build homes and places of

worship.

- Land development schemes were set up by the government

to encourage the East Indians to stay.

Places where the Land development scheme were set up were in:

- Essequibo – Vergenoegen, Huis’t Dieren and Anna Regina.

- Demerara – Cane Grove, La Bonne Mere, Helena and

Nooten Zuil.

- Berbice – Bush Lot, Whim and Black Bush Polder.

- The East Indians used their scheme for farming.

- Rice was a major crop grown on the farm.

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- They were the first to develop the rice industry because rice

was planted on a large scale.

- There were many strikes and disturbances on the sugar

plantations during the Indian Indentureship. Many East

Indians lost their lives.

Some plantations where the strikes took place were:

The Devonshire Castle riots in September 1872.

The workers were protesting for high wages and five of them were

killed and seven were wounded.

On Plantation Friends in Berbice on May 6, 1903.

The protest was for inadequate payment for the work done by the

indentured immigrants.

Six of them were killed by police from the unruly crowd.

Plantation Lusignan on September 18,1912, one person was shot

on plantation Enmore on June 16, 1948.

The workers were protesting against the cut and load system.

They had to cut the canes and then load them on to the punts

with very little increase in pay. Five of the workers were killed and

injured.

A monument was erected in remembrance of the five workers

called Enmore Martyrs.

The names of the Martyrs are:

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Surujbally

Rambarran

Lalabajee

Harry

Pooran

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The East Indians’ contributed to the

Guyanese Society in the following

ways:

Food- dhal and rice, roti and

curry, dhal puri and sweet meats

Clothing – sari, orhni, shalwars,

kurtas and lahenga

Festivals - Eid-Ul- Adha, Eid- Ul-

Fitr, Youman Nabi, Phagwah,

Diwali

Jewellery- bacelets, bangles, brooches, anklets, finger ring

Musical Instruments - sitars, mandolins, tassa

Dances- kathak, nagara, odissi

Similarities between the Africans and the East Indians.

They both worked on the sugar plantation for long hours.

They both were beaten and treated badly.

Differences between the Africans and the East Indians are:

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The East Indians were paid while the Africans were not paid for

their labour.

The Africans slaves could be sold at any time to a new master but

the East Indians could not be sold.

The East Indians were contracted to work for five years and

returned to India if they chose to while the Africans had to stay

and work.

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THE CHINESE

The Chinese came from the continent of Asia

The first batch of Chinese immigrants came to Guyana on

January12, 1853.

The first ship to arrive in Guyana with 262 out of 305 passengers,

about 43 of them died during the voyage.

The ships which brought the Chinese to Guyana were:

-Lord Elgin

-The Glentanner

-Samuel Boddington

The Chinese came to work on the sugar plantation as indentured

immigrants.

Some sugar estates where the Chinese were sent to work were:

Blankenerburg

Pouderoyen

Union

La Jalousie

Schoonard

Stewartville

Anna Regina Hague

Harlem

Anna Catherina

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The Chinese contributions to the Guyanese society

Food – fried rice, wanton soup,

chop suey, sweet and sour

Relishes, chowmein.

Clothes- tunics, sarongs, cheongsams

Festival- Chinese New Year, each year is named after an animal.

Musical Instrument- Symbols

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Dance- Dragon dance

Craft- Embroidery