Guyana Georgetown Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

Guyana's culture is a rich blend of African, Indian, Amerindian, and European influences, reflected in its diverse cuisine, such as pepperpot and roti. The country is known for its vibrant art scene, including traditional music like calypso and chutney, and dance forms like the folk dances of the indigenous peoples. Festivals like Mashramani celebrate Guyanese independence with colorful parades and performances. The local heritage is also evident in the architectural styles of Georgetown's wooden buildings and colonial-era structures.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region boasts diverse topography with the Atlantic coastline, the Demerara River, and the lush green hills of the Pakaraima Mountains.

CLIMATE

Georgetown experiences a tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F), high humidity, and a significant likelihood of rain during the wet seasons from May to August and November to January.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken are English and Guyanese Creole.

RELIGIONS

The three largest religious denominations in the area are Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam.

INDUSTRIES

Agriculture: Agriculture, particularly rice and sugar production, is significant, with companies like GuySuCo excelling in these areas.

Mining: Mining is a major industry, focusing on gold and bauxite extraction, supported by companies such as Bosai Minerals Group.

Oil and Gas: The oil and gas sector is rapidly growing, with major employers like ExxonMobil leading the industry.

LOCAL EVENTS

Major local celebrations include the vibrant Guyana Carnival, the Phagwah (Holi) festival, and the Diwali festival.

TOURISM

Popular tourist attractions include the historic St. George's Cathedral, the natural wonder of Kaieteur Falls, and the picturesque Botanical Gardens.

RECREATION

Favored recreational activities include bird watching in the Iwokrama Forest, exploring the trails at Kaieteur National Park, and visiting the scenic Shell Beach.

MISSION HISTORY

Missionaries held the first sacrament meeting in Guyana in September 1988. Among those who attended was the Majid Abdulla family, which had been baptized previously in Canada.

The Church gained recognition in February 1989, and a small branch (a small congregation) in Georgetown was organized in March with about 23 in attendance.

In March of 1991, additional missionaries were sent to Guyana and the branch membership soon numbered more than 100 members. Later that year, Guyana became part of the newly created Trinidad Tobago Mission. By the end of 1993, there were about 270 members. By 1996, membership grew to about 500, and another branch was organized.

Guyana is part of the West Indies Mission.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission. Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!