Grade Six Social Studies
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Topic: Administrative Regions
Sub Topic: Region Five: Mahaica-Berbice
In our last lesson, we discussed extensively Region Four- Demerara-Mahaica. We learned that this region is bordered by regions Three, Five and Ten. The Atlantic Ocean is to the north. In most cases the borders are rivers, two of which are the Demerara and Mahaica rivers.
Fact/Tip: The capital of Guyana and chief port- Georgetown is located in Region Four
This week’s lesson we are going to learn about Region Five - Mahaica-Berbice.
We are going to:
• Describe the Region
• Examine the political map of the Region • Identify main resources
• Discuss the main economic activities • Important landmarks found in the Region
Let’s Describe Region Five - Mahaica-Berbice
Region No.5 can be found between two rivers-Mahaica and Berbice, the Atlantic Ocean and the northern portion of Administrative Region No. 10. The region has an area of 1472.47 square miles (3813.67 square kilometers). It comprises of the Low Coastal Plain, the Hilly Sand and Clay Region and the Hinterland Forested Regions.
A large portion of this region falls within the natural region, Low Coastal Plain. In the southern section of the region, a small portion of the Hilly Sand and Clay area can be found. Unlike many of the other Administrative Regions, this one has a number of rivers. Two rivers are Mahaicony and Abary Rivers. They all flow in a northerly direction and empty their waters into the Atlantic Ocean.
Fact/Tip: One part of this region is found in the country of Berbice. The portion east of the Abary River to the West of the Berbice River falls within the county of Berbice, while the portion between the Mahaica and West Abary rivers falls in the county of Demerara.
The major food crops of the county grow in abundance in Region Five. There is a river development scheme. This scheme crosses the Abary, Mahaicony and Mahaica rivers and is referred to as the MMA/ ADA Project. With the scheme in place, it is intended that the rice agricultural lands will be irrigated, and that flooding will not occur during the rainy season. The scheme began when the swamp lands at the back of the villages on the west coast of Berbice were reclaimed. The first phase of the scheme was extended to the Mahaica River with the point of control being at Onverwagt.
Economic Activities
• • • •
Rice and sugar production
Coconuts
Dairy cattle rearing
Vegetables, ground provisions and fruits
Rice and Sugar Cultivation
Rice and sugar cultivation benefit from this conservancy scheme. At Blairmont, both products are processed. There is a large rice complex owned by
Kayman Sankar Holdings and a large sugar estate can also be found there. Both rice and sugar are exported in bulk shipments from the factory to the wharf. The sugar is then pumped into the holds of vessels for shipment to CARICOM neighbours and other markets further afield.
Let’s Talk About Coconuts Plants
By Ulanie Prass-Akinde
The region abounds with coconut plants. The nuts are used in many forms. Small businessmen use the green nuts by vending them mainly for their water which is a refreshing drink. The dried nuts are opened and the kernel is put in the sun to dry. The resulting copra is sold to factories which produce soap and margarine.
In many households, the grated kernels are used for various purposes.
Fact/Tip: One of Guyana’s national dishes - Metagee or Metem- comprises a mixture of ground provisions and plantains cooked up with the juice from dried coconuts.
Let’s Talk About Cattle Ranching in Region Five
At Kabower at the back of the Blairmont sugar estate and Kayman Sankar holdings, can be found a large cattle ranch where cattle are reared for beef and milk. There are other areas in the region where cattle are reared and milk is sold to private home-owners.
Let’s Look at Some Important Offices in Region Five
The Regional Democratic Office can be found at Fort Welllington where the work of various departments goes on. Sections of the ministries of Health and Education, the Post office, the Police Station and the Administrative Centre are located there. There is a sub-office at Mahaicony which operates on a smaller scale.
• Hospitals
The sick and injured are attended to at the region’s hospitals at Fort Wellington and Mahaicony. These hospitals, however, refer, major health cases to the urban hospitals in Georgetown and New Amsterdam.
At Rosignol there is a large fish complex. Residents are able to access fresh fish on a daily basis.
Fact/Tip: Important!
The terminus of the main highway ends at Rosignol. The highway is the East Coast Demerara/West Berbice Highway and links Georgetown with Rosignol. Did You Know?
Commuters can cross the Berbice River from two points-Rosignol by steamer or pontoon and Blairmont by launch. Vehicles can only cross from Rosignol by the steamer or pontoon.
Amerindian Settlements
Amerindians live in inland settlements up the Mahicony and Mahaica Rivers. The former St. Francis Missionon the Mahaicony river was renamed Moraikobai. The former St. Cuthbert’s Mission, now called Pakuri, is found on the the Mahaica River. A large number of Amerindians live in these two settlements. They plant ground provisions and produce firewood, wallaba poles and wallaba staves.
The women there produce beautiful nibbi furniture, tibi siri mats, baskets and bags, other craft items from the resources are found in the settlements. Those items are sold mainly to craft shops in and around the capital city- Georgetown.
Let’s Look at Some Villages found in Region Five
▪ Hope Town ▪ Ross ▪ Belladrum ▪ Bath