Grade Six Social Studies
Hello Boys and Girls!
Topic: Administrative Regions Sub-topic: Region 7- Cuyuni/Mazaruni
Specific Learning Outcomes:
1. Description of Region 7- Cuyuni/Mazaruni 2. Examining the Political Map of Region 7 3. Naming the main resources found Region 7 4. discussing the main economic activities 5. Finding landmarks found in the region.
Description of Region No. 7Cuyuni /Mazaruni
This region, which is situated in the western section of Guyana, fits between Region No. 1 to the North and Region No. 8 to the South. It has Venezuela as its border on the east and the mighty Essequibo River flows on its western side. To get to this region one needs to journey deep into the county Essequibo.
This region has an area of 18,400 square miles (47,650 square kilometers). It comprises a vast amount of forested hinterland and a smaller amount of Hilly Sand and Clay Region.
Political Map of Cuyuni Mazaruni
Fact/TIP: This region is divided into three sections: 1) The Upper Mazaruni
2) The Kartabo Triangle and
3) The Bartica Triangle
Did you know? Deposits of valuable minerals can be found in this region.
The Upper Mazaruni River basin is a region of steep slopes which flatten out at the top to form plateaus at the western end. The Kartabo Triangle can be found in the south-eastern section. There the population consists of many Amerindians who live in about eighty communities. Some coast landers can also be found in the region. They are engaged in gold and diamond mining.
Public servants have been assigned to government duties mainly in the Kamarang and Imbaimadai localities.
Mazaruni Permanent Settlements in Region Seven- Cuyuni
• Chinowieng • Kaikan • Kako • Jawalla • Pippilipai
Settlements are found mainly on the riverbanks as this allows for easy movement by water transport, because there are very few accessible roadways in the region. However, settlements are linked by trails and footpaths as well.
Gold Mining
Suction-dredging and missile-blasting are two of the main methods used to collect deposits of gold. Hydraulicking and recovery by hand are other methods used in the gold-mining industry.
Missile-blasting tends to destroy the beauty of the environment. The water in the rivers becomes discoloured, riverbanks are damaged, and there is a possibility of oil spills as well.
Diamond
There are also diamond deposits in many areas such as Kurupung and Issano.
Semi-precious stones, such as the black pearl, though not as popular as gold and diamonds, can be found in the Cuyuni area. These stones have a beautiful sheen when polished. They make beautiful jewellery.
Timber Resources
There is a wealth of timber resources that can be found in Region 7 Cuyuni Mazaruni for example: •
• • • •
Greenheart Purple heart Crabwood Wallaba Dukali
By Ulanie Prass-Akinde
Fun Fact: GREENHEART (Chlorocardium rodiei), also known as Demerara Greenheart, is the strongest and stiffest wood in the world; and Guyana has the distinction of being its native country. Greenheart is perhaps the stiffest wood in the world, with an average modulus of elasticity of an astounding 3,716,000 lbf/in2!
What is Greenheart used for?
Greenheart lumber is a widely used hardwood species found predominantly in South America. It is also popularly known for its durability – being the main reason behind a common preference for heavy-duty and marine construction.
Fact/Tip: Charcoal production is another source of income. It is used for fuel.
Mountains
• The Pakaraima range of mountains is found in this region. It extends into the neighbouring countries of Venezuela and Brazil, two peaks within this range are Roraima and Ayanganna.
Ayanganna is the mountain peak from which the national army (Guyana Defence Force) named its base in Georgetown the capital city; Roraima, the highest peak in the region, is located where three countries meet.
Mount Ayanganna is a sandstone tepui in the Pakaraima Mountains of western Guyana and located 85 kilometres east of Mount Roraima. With a height of 2,041 metres it is the easternmost tepui taller than 2,000 metres. It is part of the Guiana Shield and Guyana Highlands.
Fact/ Tip: Tourist Attraction
Region 7- Cuyuni/Mazaruni has beautiful cliffs, glorious sunrises and sunsets, densely forested gorges, swift, swirling rapids and towering waterfalls.
Vocabulary Building What is a gorge?
A gorge is a narrow cleft with steep, rocky walls, especially one through which a stream runs.
What Is A Cliff?
In geography and geology, a cliff is an area of rock which has a general angle defined by the vertical, or nearly vertical. Cliffs are formed by the processes of weathering and erosion, with the effect of gravity.
Important Note: While rivers and waterfalls are natural attractions, they can sometimes make navigation by boats very difficult and dangerous.
Villages in Region Seven- Cuyuni/Mazaruni
Some villages which can be found in this region of forested highlands are:
• Winiperu
• Makapa
• Peter’s Mine
• Waramadong
• Aurora
• Sand Landing
• Eterinbang
• Chi Chi
Important Places
• Pakaraima Mountain Range • Kamarang (Amerindian village) • Bartica (town)
• Mount Ayanganna
• Mount Roraima