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Social Profile
Food & Drink: The food in hotels and restaurants reflects the range of influences on Guyanese society. From India came curries, especially mutton, prawn or chicken, and Africa contributed dishes such as foo-foo (plantains made into cakes) and metemgee (edows, yams, cassava and plantains cooked in coconut milk and grated coconut). Portuguese garlic pork and Amerindian pepperpot are specialities. On the menus of most restaurants one may find chicken, pork and steak and, most of the time, shrimp. The best Chinese food in the country can be found in Georgetown.
It is best to drink bottled water in Guyana. Local rum, known as Demerara rum, is well worth trying, while the local beer is Banks.
Nightlife: There are numerous nightclubs and bars in Georgetown.
Shopping: Stabroek Market in Georgetown has local straw hats, baskets, clay goblets and jewellery. Other shops sell Amerindian bows and arrows, hammocks, pottery and salad bowls. Government-run shops sell magnificent jewellery, utilising local gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones. Prices are very low for the quality of goods. It is absolutely essential to ensure that receipts and correct documentation are retained, otherwise visitors may experience difficulty when clearing customs. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1130 and 1300-1600, Sat 0800-1130.
Special Events: The following is a list of some of the events taking place in 2003: Feb 23 Annual Carnival, celebrations coincide with Mashramani (Republic Day). Mar Phagwah (Hindu-Festival). Apr Traditional Regatta, Essequibo River in Bartica. Jul 31 Pre-Emancipation Celebration (festivities to mark the 165th Anniversary of Emancipation). Aug 9-17 13th Scouts Caribbean Jamboree. Sep Amerindian Heritage Month. Dec Christmas Village, National Exhibition Centre, Sophia.
For more information about events in Guyana contact the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (see Contact Addresses section).
Social Conventions: Hospitality is important to the Guyanese and it is quite common for the visitor to be invited to their homes. Informal wear is widely acceptable, but men should avoid wearing shorts. Tipping: Ten per cent at hotels and restaurants.
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