FIELD TRIP REPORT - AUGUST, 2005
TRIP TO BARTICA SETTLEMENT
|
|
Date: August 22 - 24, 2005
Duration: 06:00 hrs August, 22 - 10:30 hrs August, 24
Weather:
Day 1: Sunny
Day 2: Fair with heavy showers
Day 3: Fair
No. of persons present: Ten (10)
Ways of Transport: Road and water
INTRODUCTION
Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) is situated in the western section of Guyana and fits between Region 1 to the north and Region 8 to the south. It has Venezuela as its border on the west and the mighty Essequibo River flows on its eastern side. The Cuyuni is a tributary of the Mazaruni River and the Mazaruni is a tributary of the Essequibo River. In order to get to this region one needs to journey deep into the county of Essequibo.
This region may be divided up into three (3) sections:
* The Upper Mazaruni which is an essential part of the Essequibo River and covers a wide area of steep slopes which flatten out at the top to form plateaus.
* The Kartabo Triangle is situated in the south-eastern part of the region and rich in mineral resources.
* The Bartica Triangle is a wide area rich in forest resources.
The population in this area consists mainly of Amerindians, Coastlanders who work as miners, and public servants who look after government business. The Regional Administration's main office is at Bartica and the other is at Kamarang in the Upper Mazaruni.
Bartica Settlement is known to many as the most important hinterland mining settlement and known as the venue for the annual Easter Regatta. The settlement is located at the point where the Mazaruni River meet the Essequibo River. The layout follows a pattern of lots with avenues - first to seventh avenue - oriented north to south, and streets as well - oriented east to west. The name Bartica means 'red earth'. The colour of the soil in the area is reddish by nature. Bartica is sometimes referred to as the 'Gateway' to the interior because persons who wish to travel to any area in the interior to engage in gold mining first stop at Bartica before moving to their destination.
There are other permanent settlements. Some of these include Chinowieng, Imbaimadai, Kaikan, Kakao, Kamarang, Jawalla, Pipilipai, Waramadong and Wineperu. The inhabitants of these villages are engaged in subsistence agriculture, mainly ground provisions, including cassava and peanuts. The women use straw, balata and bamboo to make craft items such as mats, jewel boxes, bags, hammocks and hats for marketing. Other economic activities in the region are diamond and gold mining (with Omai Gold Mines Ltd. being the largest operation), logging and charcoal production.
The Pakaraima range of mountains with its highest peak, Mount Roraima (2772 m) is the point of meeting between Guyana and two of its continental neighbours - Brazil and Venezuela.
Another peak within this mountain range is Mount Ayanganna (2043 m). This is the peak after which the Guyana Defence Force named its Georgetown base.
Bartica is fast emerging as a town with increased economic activities and improved social services.
The travelling distance from Georgetown to Bartica is 45 km + 63 km (28 statute miles + 34 nautical miles).
OBJECTIVES
To orientate educators of Bartica and thereby strenghten the Region 7 Chapter of Evergreen Nature Study Club
To acquire material information for further outreach educational programmes in other parts of the country
To encourage members of the community towards the use of nature-based products and services.
RATING OF TRIP
Excellent
Very Good
Good 
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory