Guyana, A tropical paradise which is located at the top of South America. Guyana is an AmerIndian word meaning-The land of many Waters. The AmerIndians were the first people to live in Guyana. There are presently six different races living in Guyana: AmerIndians, Blacks, Chinese, East Indians, Portuguese and Europeans. An interesting fact about Guyana is that we are the only English Speaking country in South America.Why you may ask? Because Guyana became a colony of Britain in 1831 and was known as British Guiana until we became independent on May 26th,1966 and changed our flag from The Union Jack to The Golden Arrowhead. On February 23rd, 1970 we became known as The Co-operative Republic of Guyana not to be confused with Ghana in Africa.

The Five Colors of THE GOLDEN ARROWHEAD are symbolic:

GREEN -OUR VEGETATION AND FORESTRY

WHITE -OUR WATER RESOURCES

YELLOW -OUR GOLD AND DIAMOND RESOURCES

RED -THE ZEAL OF THE PEOPLE

BLACK -THE STRONG ENDURANCE OF THE PEOPLE

OUR COAT OF ARMS

The AmerIndian Chief's headdress symbolizes the indigenous (first) people of the country. The diamonds at the side of the headdress represent the diamond mines. The helmet symbolizes the Monarchy. The two jaguars holding a pick axe, sugar cane and a stalk of rice are symbolic of our main industries--sugar and rice. Finally, the small shield showing the National Flower--The Victoria Regia Lily, which is to protect the nation, three small blue wavy lines represent our water and the National Bird also known as the Hoatzin or Canje Pheasant. Our Motto on the bottom says One People, One Nation,One Destiny symbolizing the Unity and focus of the Guyanese.

Map of Guyana(circa 2001)

THE NATIONAL PLEDGE

I pledge myself to honor always the Flag of Guyana, and to be loyal to my country, to be obedient to the laws of Guyana, to love my fellow citizens, and to dedicate my energies towards the happiness and prosperity of Guyana.