Guyana

Georgetown

Guyana. One of the least known countries of South America. And a country with a bad reputation. On my way there I told myself to watch it. Now that I’ve left I wonder why this country deserves this image. Of course, the country has problems. But compared to its neighbors I don’t see why things are worse in Guyana. It might be poorer. But I found the people very friendly, the capital quite relaxed and the country, as far as I have seen it, beautiful.

The biggest issue in Guyana is the mix of people with African backgrounds - brought over extensively by the Dutch, not something to be proud of - and people of an Indian background. In the past these two groups have had serious troubles which are still remembered by older Guyanese today. A brutal history is not easily forgotten nor forgiven. Politics for a large part also revolve around this theme although parties are mixed. The next elections are in November 2011. Let’s see what happens this time. But the country is developing, that's for sure.

I’ve been standing in this street for several mornings. In the background there’s a hindu temple, around the corner a church. In the time that I’ve spent waiting in this spot I’ve seen the school kids pass by. Walking between the typical wooden houses I see Africans and Indians playing and laughing together. Some holding hands in a youthful love affair. They wouldn’t be the first to have a mixed marriage in mystical Guyana.