Location: Mahdia, Region 8 (5° N and 59° W) Date: November 27 - 29, 2003 Duration: 11:00 hrs November, 27 - 15:15 hrs November, 29 Weather: Day 1: Fair to cloudy
Day 2: Very fair with heavy showers
Day 3: Fair No. of persons present: Eight (8) Ways of Transport: Road and water
INTRODUCTION
Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni) gets its name from Potaro and Siparuni
rivers which are tributaries of the Essequibo river. The Ireng and
Echilebar rivers mark its southern boundary. Its western boundary is
outlined by the upper course of the Ireng river and its eastern
boundary by the Essequibo river while to the north is
the Kuribrong river. Most of this region can be found within the
forested highlands of the country with a small portion in the hilly
sand and clay area. There are
deep valleys which came about through the process of erosion.
The main economic activity is gold and diamond mining. The area is one
of the wettest in the country; this inhibits wider practice of
agriculture and sometimes hampers the mining industry.The population is
quite sparse and made up of mainly miners involved in the production of
gold and diamonds. The Mazda Mining
Company Ltd. has the largest operation in this region.
Wild vegetation abounds. There are many species of vines, ferns and
orchids. Very unusual pineapple-like plants grow on the top of Mt
Roraima. These plants
are said not to be found anywhere else in the world.
Some places of interest are the Kaieteur Fall (with a total drop of 822
feet/251 metres), Orinduik Fall, Kaieteur National Park and Iwokrama
Rain Forest Project (an area of 360,000 ha/900,000 acres) with a
small part extended into Region 9. Some communities to be found in the
region are: Velgrad, Sisepelin, Karisparu, Itabac, Kato, Konawaruk,
Kurukubaru and Kanapang. The region is administered by two centres --
Kato and Mahdia.
There are several flat-topped mountains and hills which are part of the
Pakaraima range of mountains -- Mahdiana and Eagle mountains are easily
visible.
The travelling distance from Georgetown to Mahdia Secondary School
including Mining town is 306 km (190 miles).
OBJECTIVES
To orientate educators of Mahdia and thereby establish the Region
8 Chapter of Evergreen Nature Study Club.
To acquire material information for further outreach educational
programmes in other parts of the country.
RATING OF TRIP
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