Guyana history is very fascinating; it has been fought over by many parties and countries, all of which wanted to put their stamp on Guyana. Guyana is not an island, like many other Caribbean places, but is in fact part of South America. It lies along the top of the country on the North Coast. So what tale does Guyana's story have to reveal?

This may be a familiar story if you know much about the history of other Caribbean islands but Guyana history begins with the tribes of America; notably the Arawak tribes. In yet another similar twist, the Arawak tribe was displaced by a much more forceful and advancing Carib tribe.

European Colonization and Slavery

Christopher Columbus discovered the country in his voyage of 1498, yet he failed to claim it for the Spanish. The Dutch managed to be the first to seize the country and take control before the British made a move in the 18th century, painting the Guyana history with the English language and membership to the British Empire.

African slaves had their part to play in Guyana history and were brought to the island in the 16th century. Almost all of the slaves were treated in a very bad way. Perhaps the worst treatment of slaves could be found in Guyana history as they were repeatedly raped, maimed and killed. Both male and female slaves suffered this and there was not much of a let up; slavery went on until the 19th century. Most of these cases were performed in front of other slaves as an example of possible punishment; slaves were completely subservient as a result.

Slaves were replaced by imported labor when the slave trade was abolished in 1833 and were left in their own communities; they remained exceptionally poor even though they had played a huge part in Guyana history and economics. The work done by the salves had proved almost invaluable in changing the face of the country and creating a better economic climate. This wealth was, however, shipped back out of the country to the British Empire and the slaves were not paid at all. Even after the abolition of slavery, plantation owners imported labor as they were too proud to pay the slaves for what they used to do for nothing.

Contrary to claims from Venezuela, the territory was granted to the British in 1899 and it remained in British possession for over half a century. Guyana history took a diversion in 1966 when it was granted its independence from the United Kingdom.

Jonestown Tragedy and Flooding

In the 1970s, Jim Jones, leader of the People's Temple of Christ, moved more than 1,000 of his followers to Western Guyana and created a community called Jonestown. After a US congressman was shot and killed by members of the People's temple, things turned for tr worse. Jones and more than 900 of his followers died in a mass murder/ suicide. Investigations by the international community led some to accuse members of the Guyanese government to have links this fanatical group.

This nation faced more difficult times in January 2005.  Severe flooding following six weeks of torrential rainfall wreaked havoc. The downpour caused the reported deaths of 34 people, ruined the rice and sugarcane crops, and affected over 275,000 Guyanese.

Guyanese People

The citizens of modern Guyana are very diverse. The African Guyanese make up more than one third of the population while the largest group comes from east India. They are descendants of the sugarcane estate workers who traveled to Guyana between 1838 and 1917. The Chinese and Portuguese make up the remaining population.

As you can see, Guyana history and culture are very vibrant and makes it a beautiful and interesting place to visit.