In 2002, Guyana was a South American nation located on the northern coast of South America. With a population of approximately 750,000 people, it had an economy based primarily on agriculture and mining. The literacy rate was high at 94%, and the majority of the population lived in poverty. The economy had transitioned from an agrarian economy to one based on industry during the late 20th century and relied heavily on exports to other countries. According to computerannals, Guyana had adequate infrastructure with well-maintained roads, reliable electricity and efficient telecommunications networks. Healthcare services were available; while universal healthcare coverage existed, access to quality medical care was not always available throughout the country. Education levels were also high; most adults had completed secondary school, while tertiary enrollment rates hovered around 10%. Despite its many advantages, Guyana still faced economic challenges due to its reliance on exports and its large public sector debt levels. In addition to economic issues, Guyana faced social problems such as drug trafficking and crime.

Yearbook 2002

Guyana. Desmond Hoyte, leader of the opposition party People’s National Congress (PNC), which is largely supported by black Guyanese, in March interrupted the talks since last year’s election with the People’s Progressive Party, PPP, the Indian Guyanese party. According to Hoyte, the election results were manipulated by PPP.

According to Countryaah website, national day of Guyana is every May 26. The break in the talks led to new mutual accusations, against the PNC for its congressmen still receiving salaries and other benefits despite the party boycotting parliamentary meetings, and against the PPP for discrimination against black and excessive police violence.

The conflict between the parties also caused a general wave of violence in the country. By December, 140 people had been killed in the Georgetown area. The climax was reached on July 4, when the Caribbean States’ CARICOM cooperative organization opened its summit in Georgetown and two protesters were killed and another fifteen injured in confrontation with police.

Guyana Country Overview

Visa
Finns do not need a visa to Guyana. The passport must be valid for 6 months after the trip.

Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and yellow fever vaccines and, based on a risk assessment, anti-malarial medication are recommended. A yellow fever vaccination certificate must be presented upon arrival in the country if arriving from the risk area. Also check that your basic vaccinations according to the national vaccination program are valid (tetanus, polio and diphtheria). Please check vaccination requirements at the health center. For more information, see the Department of Health and Welfare’s Tourist Health Guide.

• According to ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG, GUY stands for Guyana.

Insurance
Everyone participating in the trip must have a valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the event of illness or other similar need. Please check the validity of your own insurance and the terms and conditions of the insurance cancellation cover.

Please pay attention to the special nature of your trip and check the coverage of the insurance in that respect as well. In many locations, the insurance must also be valid when moving at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, in which case it also covers mountain sickness.

Many hiking or diving trips require more extensive insurance, which covers, for example, diving or moving on a glacier. Please check the contents of your insurance with your insurance company.

Climate
The climate is tropical warm all year round. Guyana’s two rainy seasons take place in November-January as well as May-August. The best time to travel is in Finland in autumn and spring.

Electric current
240 volts, 60 Hz. An adapter is required for devices used in Finnish sockets.

Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GYD). You should include US dollars. Credit cards are accepted as a method of payment in hotels and finer restaurants. However, cash is the most common means of payment. There are ATMs in the cities, and some hotels exchange money.

Tips
10-15% dropping is common if the bill does not include a service fee.

Time difference Time
zone UTC-4. Daylight saving time is not used.