Country profile: Guyana

Region:

Western Hemisphere

Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting introduced:

1922

Contact

Guyana Girl Guides Association

Chief Commissioner
106 Brickdam
Stabroek, Georgetown
Guyana

Age groups:

Ranger Guide 14-18 or 20

Guide 10-16

Brownie Guide 7-11

Girl Guide Promise

I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God
To serve my country and help other people, and
To keep the Guide Law

Brownie Guide Promise

I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God
To serve my country and help other people, and
To keep the Brownie Guide Law

Girl Guide Law

A Guide is loyal and can be trusted

A Guide is helpful

A Guide is polite and considerate

A Guide is friendly and a sister to all Guides

A Guide is kind to animals and respects all living things

A Guide is obedient

A Guide has courage and is cheerful in all difficulties

A Guide makes good use of her time

A Guide takes care of her own possessions and those of other people

A Guide is self-controlled in all she thinks, says and does

Brownie Guide Law

A Brownie Guide thinks of others before herself and does a good turn every day

MDG 7 in Guyana

Guyana is home to one of the world’s last intact tropical rainforests, which covers almost 90 per cent of the country, and is unique and very diverse. However, deforestation in the country is increasing rapidly. Trees are cut down to sell, but also to clear the way for plantations and mining, and to provide firewood and charcoal.

In 2009 the government o fGuyana signed a deal with the Norwegian government to try to save the rainforests. This deal was also part of a campaign to slow down climate change. Despite this, some experts think deforestation rates have increased since the agreement.

As with many countries,Guyanaproduces a lot of waste too, and this has resulted in problems with water pollution. This may become a health hazard for humans during the rainy season, when the country often has very bad flooding.

Environmental Indicators

• Nearly 5 per cent of land and marine areas are now protected as nature reserves
• One per cent of Guyana’s water sources are being used to provide water for people, industry and agriculture11 per cent of people use solid fuels, such as coal, to heat their homes
• 94 per cent of people have access to good quality drinking water
• Only 81 per cent have access to basic sanitation
• One in three people live in slums