Grade Six Social Studies
Hello Boys and Girls!
Topic: Administrative Regions of Guyana Sub Topic: Region Four: Demerara/Mahaica
Today we are continuing with our topic Administrative Regions. We will explore the beautiful Region Four- Demerara/Mahaica. We are going to:
◊ Describe the Region
◊ Examine the political map of the Region.
◊ Identify main resources.
◊ Discuss the main economic activities.
◊ Identify important landmarks found in the Region.
Let’s Describe Region Four: Demerara Mahaica
The Demerara/ Mahaica Region extends from the East Bank of the Demerara River to the West Bank of the Mahaica River along the coast and the South by the Moblissa River. The region has an area of 835 square miles (2165 square kilometers). It is predominantly the Low Coastal Plain, with a small portion of the Hilly Sand and Clay Region in the South.
It experiences different weather patterns, particularly rainfall. This is so because the two natural regions identified as part of the region, have unique rainfall patterns. Differences can also be noted in the various crops which are produced. Because of the flat coastal soil, rice and sugar grow well.
This is the smallest and most populated of all the administrative regions. Georgetown, the capital city, is divided into wards. There are also many villages in the region. Lacytown and Ruimveldt are wards while Golden Grove and Plaisance are villages.
Guyana’s administrative and commercial activities are concentrated in this Region, especially around Georgetown, the main port. There are many sugar estates, such as Enmore and La Bonne Intention, owned and controlled by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). Cattle are reared in small amounts for beef and dairy purposes.
FACT/TIP: The Capital City of Guyana is located in Region Four ● Georgetown (Capital city and main port of Guyana)
Physical Features of Region Four √
Fertile soil √ The north-east trade winds
√ Courida and mangrove
√ It is mainly Low Coastal Plain and a little Hilly Sand and
Clay Region further inland.
Let’s Look at Some Important Places Found In Region FourDemerara/Mahaica
√ Georgetown (Capital city and main port of Guyana) √ Cheddi Jagan International Airport √ The University of Guyana and Cyril Potter College of Education √ Parliament Building √
Stabroek Market √ The National Library √ St. George’s Cathedral √ The Supreme Court of the Judicature √ The Botanical Gardens and Zoological Park √
The Light House √ The Museum √ The Promenade Gardens √ The Bank of Guyana
Fact/ Tip: In the region, there are still several buildings whose architectural designs date back to the time of European rule in the country. One which could be mentioned is St. George’s Cathedral, an Anglican church. This is among the tallest wooden buildings in the world.
Fact/Tip: The Umana Yana- a conical palm thatched hut (benab) structure was built by the Wai-Wai Amerindians. The building was erected to be a VIP lounge for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers’ Conference in 1972.