Guyana, sourced and in the open

Berbice Uprising of 1763 The 1763 revolt of enslaved Africans in Berbice, led by Cuffy, and why 23 February is Republic Day. Border controversy with Venezuela Venezuela's claim to the Essequibo region, from the 1899 Paris award to the case now before the International Court of Justice. British Guiana (British rule, 1796 to 1966) How Britain took the Dutch colonies, united them as British Guiana in 1831, and ruled until independence in 1966. Demerara rebellion of 1823 The August 1823 rising of 9,000 to 13,000 enslaved people in Demerara, led by Jack Gladstone and Quamina. Dutch colonisation of Guyana How the Dutch built the colonies of Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara between 1616 and 1814. Guyana since 1999 From the Jagdeo presidency to the oil boom, the disputed 2020 election and President Irfaan Ali's re-election in 2025. Indentureship (Indian, Portuguese and Chinese) How indentured workers from Madeira, India and China came to British Guiana after emancipation, and the communities they built. Indigenous peoples of Guyana Guyana's first peoples, the nine recognised nations, their history under colonial rule and their place in Guyana today. Jonestown (1974 to 1978) A factual account of the Peoples Temple settlement in north west Guyana and the deaths of 918 people on 18 November 1978. National symbols of Guyana The Golden Arrowhead flag, the coat of arms, the national anthem, motto, bird and flower, and what each one means. Road to independence (1945 to 1966) From the founding of the PPP in 1950 to independence on 26 May 1966, including the 1953 suspension of the constitution and the unrest of 1962 to 1964. Slavery and emancipation Enslaved Africans in the Guyana colonies, the end of slavery in 1834 to 1838, and the village movement that followed. The Burnham and Jagan eras (1964 to 1999) Two decades of PNC rule under Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte, the return of free elections in 1992, and the presidencies of Cheddi and Janet Jagan. The Co-operative Republic (1970) Guyana became a Co-operative Republic on 23 February 1970, ending its ties to the British monarchy. Mashramani celebrates the day. The oil era (2015 to present) The 2015 Liza discovery in the Stabroek Block, first oil in December 2019, and how oil is changing Guyana. Timeline of Guyanese history Key dates in the history of Guyana, from the first peoples to the ICJ border hearings of 2026.

Doing business in Guyana A plain-language starting point for opening a business in Guyana. Which office does what, the usual order of steps, and links to every official page. General information only, not legal or tax advice. Registering a business name or a company The two common ways to register a business with the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA), with the documents, published fees and timelines. Also covers foreign (external) companies. TIN and VAT registration How to get a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the Guyana Revenue Authority, online or in person, what it costs, and when a business must register for VAT. NIS and employing staff Registering as an employer with the National Insurance Scheme, the contribution rates, the private sector minimum wage, PAYE, and where to find Guyana's labour laws. Business licences and sector permits Trade licences from GRA, sanitary and food handler requirements, environmental permits, petroleum, mining and gold dealing, liquor licences, food imports and customs. What each office asks for, with published fees where we could verify them. Trademarks in Guyana How to register a trademark with the Commercial Registry at DCRA, what you need, how long it takes, and the fees DCRA lists. Support for businesses, investors and oil and gas suppliers What the Small Business Bureau, GO-Invest and the Local Content Secretariat do, who qualifies, and what they ask for. Opening a business bank account What Guyanese banks typically ask for when you open an account for a sole trader, partnership or company. General information only. Each bank sets its own list.

Public holidays in Guyana Guyana's public holidays, how the moveable religious holidays are fixed each year, and the 2026 dates. The 10 administrative regions of Guyana Guyana's ten administrative regions, their main administrative centres, rough size and population, and how regional and local government is organised. Getting an ID card, passport or driver's licence Where and how to get Guyana's main identity documents: the GECOM National ID card, the new Digital Identity Card (e-ID), the passport, and a driver's licence, with published fees. Income tax and NIS for individuals How personal income tax works in Guyana in 2026, what is deducted from your pay, when to file, and what NIS contributions cover. Moving back to Guyana (re-migrant scheme) Who qualifies as a re-migrant, how to apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for tax concessions on personal effects and a vehicle, the conditions, and where to ask about house lots. Your rights as a consumer Key rights under Guyana's Consumer Affairs Act 2011, such as receipts, displayed prices, warranties and "no refunds" signs, and how to complain to the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC). Getting electricity and water connected What Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) ask for when you need a new connection for a home or business. Floods and weather safety Where to get official weather forecasts and warnings in Guyana, how to reach the Civil Defence Commission in an emergency, and simple steps to prepare for flooding. How Parliament and elections work A neutral, plain-language guide to Guyana's National Assembly, how members and the President are elected, and how you can follow Parliament's work.