Guyana
Business dress is moderately casual, befitting Guyana's tropical climate. Work attire usually consists of guayabera (shirtjac) or shirt and tie for men and light business suits for women. English is the primary and official language of Guyana. Guyanese Creole, a dialect of English, is spoken in some parts of the country. Calling cards are useful. The pace of business and general attitudes are very Caribbean-orientated. Working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for most government offices. Business Office hours are usually 0800-1130 and 1300-1630 Monday to Friday.
Serious crime is concentrated in the more populated areas of the country, and the crime rate in urban centers continues to be a major problem. Returning Guyanese and foreigners are favorite targets.
Georgetown in particular suffers from violent crime, including home invasions, kidnappings, carjackings and shootings. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, assaults and thefts occur in all areas of Georgetown. The Tiger Bay area, and the areas adjacent to the sea wall and the National Park, although frequented by joggers, have been the scenes of violent crimes ranging from pickpocketing to armed assaults including rape. The risk increases significantly after dusk. Travelers should exercise extra care in visiting these areas. Pickpockets and thieves also frequent Stabroek and Bourda, the two major markets, and great care should be taken to safeguard personal property. Criminals also focus on the major hotels most frequented by foreigners.
Remain vigilant when visiting the city of Linden; the bauxite mines are essentially closed and unemployment is very high.
Avoid stopping in or traveling through the village of Buxton, which lies along the road between Georgetown and New Amsterdam.
Kidnapping for ransom, with random targeting of persons who are viewed as wealthy targets of opportunity is also a threat. In April 2003, an American was the victim of a kidnapping and held for a short time until a ransom was paid. The victim appeared to have been randomly selected.
When approached by a police officer, always ask to see identification. Criminals may act brazenly, and police officers themselves have been the victims of assaults and shootings. The response of local law-enforcement authorities to the increase in violent crime has been largely ineffectual; the police are cooperative, but lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Avoid displaying expensive-looking jeweler, cameras, and other signs of affluence.
Do not hail taxis from the roadside. Use hotel or airport-approved taxis; they are inexpensive and reliable. Avoid public minibuses, for safety as well as security concerns. Avoid traveling alone. Vehicle occupants should keep their doors locked and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
There are some good hotels in Georgetown, of which the Forte Crest Hotel conforms to international standards. Others of a reasonable standard include the Tower Hotel, the Park Hotel and the Woodbine Hotel, Cara Lodge, Cara, Embassy Club, Guyana Pegasus, Ocean View Hotel and the Queenstown Inn. Single room rates for these hotels range from $50 to $125/night.
Telephone IDD service is available to main towns and cities. Country code: 592. Outgoing international code: 001. Fax facilities are available at the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, the Bank of Guyana Building in Georgetown and some hotels. Telephone service is available in Georgetown and throughout the settled coastal areas, but generally not in the interior. Many firms operating in the interior access cellular satellite links or operate their own radio nets.
Electricity is 110 volts AC, 60Hz. Frequent power outages occur in many areas of the country.
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The food in hotels and restaurants reflects the range of influences on Guyanese society. On the menus of most restaurants you will often 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. National specialties:
• Curry, especially mutton, prawn or chicken.
• Foo-foo (plantains made into cakes).
• Metamgee (dumplings made from cornflour, eddews, yams, cassava and plantains cooked in coconut milk and grated coconut).
• Portuguese garlic pork.
• Amerindian pepperpot. National drinks:
• Local rum.
• Demerara Rum.
• Banks is the local beer. Tipping:
10 per cent at hotels and restaurants.Nightlife
There are numerous nightclubs and bars in Georgetown.
