Some Nostalgic Reflections and Lessons of East Indian Immigration by Dr. Martin Jagdeo Boodhoo 2010

ADDRESS ON OBSERVANCE OF INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY- 5 MAY, 2010 BERBICE INDIAN CULTURAL COMMITTEE Plantation Highbury, East Bank Berbice , Guyana TOPIC: Some Nostalgic Reflections and Lessons of East Indian Immigration By Dr. Martin Jagdeo Boodhoo* PLANTATION HIGHBURY IS THE VERY FIRST AREA on which the FIRST GROUP OF EAST INDIAN IMMIGRANTS LANDED ON 5TH MAY 1838 . I make this presentation with humble gratitude, and trust that the sentiments and views to be expressed would be of interest; and hopefully provoke some salient reminders of the contributions of our ancestors to socio-economic but more importantly RELIGIOUS Development, wherever the waters of the oceans took them. I like to congratulate the members of the Indian Cultural Committee of East Berbice, for the excellent work they have been doing, over the years. Like our forefathers, you as the descendents of immigrants have also made, and continue to make, your contributions to the promotion of Hindu Culture and social development activities in our country. On this memorable occasion let us pay homage to our ancestors and pray that their legacy will continue to energies us to follow in their footsteps with determination and courage. Human migration is an historical phenomenon from time immemorial. It is said that Migration is as old as Man, as from the very dawn of human civilization human beings have moved over the face of the Earth, in spite of seemingly insurmountable difficulties. The barriers of space, time and physical geography may have inhibited but never prevented the movement of men and ideas over the ages. These movements have had and continue to have significant impact on the course of human history and behavioural patterns in the political, social, economic and other fields. Every civilisation has experienced the Migration Syndrome in one form or another. The evidence in the literature indicates that the principal motivating factors of migration have been economic, political, and religious or visions of a better life in another environment. The grass invariably seems greener on the other side though it is not always so. In order to put this presentation into a historical perspective it would be useful to review briefly the origins of and motivations for East Indian Immigration. In the case of East Indian Emigration to the Caribbean and Guyana in particular, the principal factors have been economic with both “pull” and “push” effects in the process. The pull effect is clearly evident in the period immediately after the emancipation of slaves in 1838 that resulted in an acute labour shortage on the sugar plantations. A pertinent example of the dilemma in which the colonial masters found themselves is exemplified in the case of British Guiana when the Court of Policy on 11th February 1834 passed an Ordinance for the classification and registration of Slaves to become ‘Apprenticed Labourers’. The Apprenticeship period which ran from 1834 to1838 had the following major objectives: 1. to enable the slaves to prepare themselves for full freedom. They were now required to work only eight hours per day and NOT on Sundays as obtained during Slavery. 2. to facilitate the plantation owners (planters) to supplant their slaves after Emancipation with alternative sources of labour; and more importantly 3. to give the planters some time to ameliorate the conditions of work and take steps to improve the standard of living of the ‘apprentices’. According to Cecil Clementi “ ....the dislocation of labour conditions in British Guiana consequent on this law led in the first instance to a vigorous attempt by private employers of labour to procure immigrants without the aid of the State” (1). In pursuit of this objective, the planters first turned to the overpopulated colonies in the West Indies . This was followed-up by recruiting immigrants from Madeira, the Azores, Malta , Southern United States, Europe, China , West Africa and India eventually, with the most satisfying success. The landowners were desperate and tried whatever means were available to obtain labourers from abroad- as the days for slave labour were now over. The alternative was to abandon their estates and return to Europe ! The situation in British Guiana was not dissimilar to that of Trinidad , Jamaica , Guadeloupe and other islands in the West Indies . The implications of ‘abandonment of the plantations would have had a disastrous socio-economic impact on the owners and investors. The following would have been the likely effects: a severe setback to Colonisation; possible abandonment of a British territory; loss of fixed capital in machinery, buildings and land; loss of cheap Colonial sugar produce; detrimental damage to those who invested in shipping, insurance, financing, banking and related connections. It should be noted that between 1834 and 1838, the importation of “free” labourers was undertaken as a private enterprise. The several experiments and trials with agricultural labourers from various parts of the world, with the exception of those from India , did not evidently bear the anticipated expectations of the Colonial planters. They therefore placed their hopes, and possibly their bets, on immigration from the Sub-Continent. 1. Clementi, Cecil: “A Constitutional History of British Guiana”; London , 1937. Dwarka Nath in his “A History of Indians in Guyana ” indicated that the first two chartered ships that brought East Indian emigrants to Guyana were the Whitby and the Hesperus. The Whitby left India on January 13 with 249 emigrants and the Hesperus left on January 29 with 165 - a total of 414 emigrants but 18 died on the voyage. Paradoxically, both ships landed on the same day -5th May 1838- the Hesperus in Georgetown and the Whitby at Highbury, Berbice. The Whitby off-loaded 164 emigrants at this very area on which we are today observing East Indian Arrival Day -172 years afterwards! In accordance with the indentureship arrangements those immigrants were dispersed to various estates in the Colony. The atrocities that marked the first experiment led to its suspension in 1839 until 1845, when various safety measures were imposed by the British Government to safeguard against inhuman conditions and the treatment meted out to the immigrants. Indian immigration did not commence in a systematic basis until 1845; and continued practically every year up to April 1917 when it ceased, with the exception of the period 1849-1850, because of a deadlock between the Government and the elective section of the Combined Court over financing arrangements. During the 79 years from 1838 to 1917, a total of 238,979 East Indians arrived in the Colony; thus saving the Sugar Industry from likely ruin and ensuring it continuance until today! Those were the stalwarts who, with hard work and determination and in spite of many difficulties and suffering, were in search of a niche, in a new bewildering environment. This could be regarded as the “push” factor in the economic equation. The level of unemployment, poverty and the then bleak economic future as well as the prevailing social conditions in India , especially discrimination in the caste system, created an avenue through emigration as a ‘safety valve’, in an “over-populated” country. Like the African slaves, the indentured labourers were forced to live in abominable conditions. Their working hours were long and the rewards were meagre. The historical evidence is replete with several accounts of inhuman conditions in which they lived and worked. In spite of all of this, they persisted with hope of returning to their Homeland at the end of their Indentureship as well as the expectation of a better life in the future. Mr. Chairman and friends, detailed accounts of Indian Immigration and the associated statistics of the number of ships and migrants to the Caribbean and elsewhere are well documented. Likewise the trial and tribulations coupled with the legacy of suffering, perseverance and the will to succeed in the uncertain future have become inspiring guideposts to millions all over the developing and industrialised world. To them, we the descendants owe a debt of gratitude, which we cannot hope to repay. We can endeavour, however, to uphold their integrity, moral and religious values in order to build better communities wherever we happen to live. The question that has been posed and continues to be explored by scholars, researchers, descendants and sometimes even strangers is: “How did these immigrants manage to survive in the challenging and demanding environment; and actually achieved a reasonable standard of living; and at the same time, provided a better platform for posterity? In this Presentation I do not intend to go over the beaten track but to present some insights on the factors that have influenced and motivated the Survival Of East Indian Immigrants; and in the process examine the Lessons that could be learnt in order to co-exist in a constantly changing world. It is hoped that the conclusions drawn would have relevance to other parts of the world; and generally speaking not necessarily confined to Indian Immigration. In a dynamic globalized environment, there is a major dilemma of preserving ones cultural and historical identity, while at the same time, endeavoring to become a full-fledged citizen in the country of the newly acquired nationality. I am of the view that the impact of cross-cultural forces which sometimes appear as threats, could be harnessed to formulate viable strategies for peaceful co-existence. Finally, a challenge will be issued to qualified and experienced Indians located overseas- in the professions, business and academia as well as religious and social organizations- to explore avenues of service to enhance socio-economic and humanitarian development in Developing Countries and of course, Guyana , in particular. SURVIVAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EAST INDIAN IMMIGRANTS Without doubt, and with only minor exceptions, the most significant and enduring heritage of Indian migrants is their pastoral and agricultural background with a deep and sacred faith in a Divine Creator coupled with hard -work, perseverance and determination to succeed. Their belief and dedication in a Supreme Being who is perceived to possess the power to guide spiritual and material progress in life is underpinned by values such as Truth, Honesty, Humility, Tolerance and Mutual Respect, as expounded in the Holy Scriptures, especially the Ramcharitmanas, the Bhagwat Gita, the Koran and the Bible. . WHAT ARE THE CORE ELEMENTS OF THE FIVE-POINT HYPOTHESIS OF SURVIVAL AND GROWTH? I would posit the view that the socio-economic and Cultural development of East Indian immigrants have been sustained principally by the following Five Factors. 1. First, an unfailing adherence to a religious conviction in the Almighty- whether the immigrant was a Hindu, Muslim or Christian or of other sect. Each religious group in its unique setting demonstrated this conviction or belief through regular ritualistic ceremonies and observance of Festivals, Music or other Art forms; and more importantly respecting each other’s right to do so. These practices fostered social cohesion and mutual respect in spite of the varied and distinct forms of religious worship. Over the Immigration period, the number grew and social conditions improved because of protests –sometimes violent- followed by legislatives and other reforms including Education. With due deference to the estate owners, they did not inhibit religious worship and in fact, provided, as the immigration cycle progressed, land for the erection of Mandirs, Mosques and Churches. Guyana can boast as being the only country where three or more religious leaders are invited to say prayers at the commencement of public (state) functions. This is a unique feature of Guyanese Culture. 2. Second, whatever the immigrant’s religion, the quest to discover or know one’s self, for the liberation of his or her soul or atma, was a powerful driving force for both material and spiritual enlightenment. The commonality of all religions is in fact reflected in the personal search for inner peace and solace and the avoidance of ‘Damnation’, as this is based on one’s action and way of life i.e. the “Law of Retribution”. This is a major focus of most religions that prevailed over the ages, and continues to be the principal guiding tenet. For the Hindu it is the Law of Karma, for others it is the day of ‘Judgement’. As the Bible puts it “....by thy works thou shall be judged and by thy works thou shall be condemned”. The goal for the Hindus is Sat, Chit and Anand (Truth, Knowledge and Bliss) and eventually Moksha; whilst it is Peace and ultimately Salvation for the Christian, Muslim and other Faiths. This belief or concept, as some would put it, fuelled the desire to improve one’s physical, mental and intellectual capabilities to cope with the heavy burdens of livelihood in an adverse environment. It is in fact similar to the Protestant ethic of the Pilgrim Fathers and other groups in search of a more rewarding and less oppressive environment. The development of skills for higher levels of earnings was, therefore, a predominant concomitant motivation. It should be noted that the onward and return passages were free. The entitlement of a full return passage was also, a strong sustaining factor since at the end of the contract, the immigrant would choose whether to repatriate or settle. This was accompanied with a strong desire to be thrifty and accumulate funds to return home at the end of the indentureship period, to demonstrate that their transmarine experience was successful. This continues to be one of the principal motivational factors among immigrant communities the world over. 3. Third, the closely-knit family unit that was largely influenced by tradition and the need to stick together for survival was an equally significant factor - moreso, as the communities became larger in various parts of the colony. Though the modalities of relationships were seemingly paternalistic, the mother has always played a central role in holding the family together socially, materially and spiritually- more often than not exercising maternal dominance behind the purdah! The historical inheritance of the ‘Extended Family’ provided a strict order of hierarchical family relationships but yet flexible enough to take care of each other –especially the elderly- in spite of competing demands to feed, clothe and educate the family. In this context, elders were treated with profound respect and as the repository of knowledge, leadership and cultural values. This is in stark contrast to the ‘Nuclear Family’ in most industrialised societies where, almost invariably, senior members are left to fend for themselves or referred to a ‘Home for the Elderly’. 4. Fourth, the love and care of one’s neighbour is enshrined in oriental civilisations and more particularly indigenous communities such as the Aborigines in the Americas and Australia as well as African societies. The East Indian migrant cultivated the concept and practice of “Jahaji” (brotherly friendship) during the long-suffering voyage to the Caribbean and elsewhere. This principle was maintained long after the end of the journey and proved to be a viable vehicle to foster ‘good neighbourly’ attitudes not only with fellow Indians but the community at large, even after the Indenture System terminated in 1920. Those who grew up and lived in multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural communities have attested to the value and need for the “Jahiji” principle to enhance social relationships and build lasting bonds of friendship in plural societies. Many of us who were nurtured by these mixed influences know of the importance of Mutual Respect and Teamwork to build stability and peace, which are the fundamental prerequisites for socio-economic development. This continues to be a challenge for the new stream Caribbean migrants to Europe, North America and elsewhere. 5. Fifth, the final element in the Five-Point Framework is the care of the Environment. Poverty is not a necessary inhibitor to healthy living in pleasant surroundings. Though the immigrants lived in logies with mud floors and bare necessities, hygiene was a predominant consideration in their daily lives. They realised and appreciated that without a healthy body they could not have a stable mental state to eke out their existence and take care of their families. On the other hand, to ensure a healthy, regular and dependable workforce, the Planters provided housing, hospital care and other facilities on the sugar plantations to stabilise the labour force and at the same time protect and enhance their investments. These were salutary measures for the immigrants and enabled them, later on, to augment their incomes through small-scale farming in rice cultivation, cash crops, fishing and cattle rearing on land made available, on a gratuitous basis, by the sugar Planters. Involvement in these activities promoted the development of skills, teamwork, and management discipline, which proved, in later years, to be valuable assets in enhancing their standard of living largely through their joint and individual efforts, during their spare time. The dedication of the immigrants in creating a pleasant and healthy environment is evident during and after the re-housing programmes from the logies to the new “Extra-Nuclear” Housing Settlements, which gave them a sense of independence, pride of ownership and reinforced self-help efforts. Furthermore, their monetary contributions and voluntary services in enhancing the accommodation in temples and the flora in the adjoining gardens, as well as in mosques and churches, is testimony to the creation of healthy surroundings. EVALUATION AND CONCLUSION Without doubt these five elements were fundamental factors in enhancing the performance capabilities of immigrant workers in an environment that was NOT conducive to equitable socio-economic development but skewed heavily in favour of the Planters. Through perseverance and commitment to the principles previously outlined, they managed to survive and grew in stature, as is abundantly visible in the Indian Diaspora the world over. It is accordingly posited that these five factors have provided and can furthermore strengthen a solid platform to energise the process of socio-economic development in multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies. The Lessons engendered in the Indian immigration experience can be stepping-stones to the creation of stability and peaceful co-existence for higher levels of welfare in any society. Indeed, in a globalised (world) village, we are all in a melting pot. The world is changing and our historic and traditional identity is simultaneously being influenced. In trying to pinpoint the characteristics of being “INDIAN”, Swami Ranganthananda stated that: “To me an Indian is one who has got a Vedantic brain which probes deep and soars high; an Islamic body that is valiant and vibrant; a Buddhistic heart overflowing with compassion and kindness; and Christian limbs of service and sacrifice.” (New India Digest: No. 79, Nov.-Dec. 2000). Similarly, in my view, a loyal Guyanese is someone who embodies the silver threads of our six ethnic groups woven into a golden national tapestry. This is an apt reminder of the need for us to work together to maintain ‘Unity in Diversity’, in spite of the efforts of many to undermine peace in our country. Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, let me issue a challenge to our colleagues in the Indian Diaspora. Many have achieved distinction in their respective fields of endeavour. The time has come, may be long past, for them to utilize the knowledge and experience gained in the course of their careers, to enrich the process of Development and Good Governance by rendering some measure of assistance to the developing world- through voluntary service or at a minimal cost. Such services would go a long way in under-scoring the fact that our ancestors did not only survive and prevail BUT their descendants, now internationally distinguished in many fields, can make a significant contribution to enrich the lives of the less fortunate, especially in the developing world.

The Arrival of East Indians to British Guiana

Despite the recruitment of West Indian, African and Portuguese and other European labourers, this did not help very much to ease the labour shortage. After the West Indian islands placed restrictions on emigration, the sugar planters in Guyana began to look further afield to obtain a large labour force. One of them, John Gladstone, the father of the British statesman, applied for permission from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to recruit Indians to serve in Guyana for a five-year period of indenture. Gladstone himself owned a sugar plantation in West Demerara.

Gladstone's proposed venture was supported by a number of other sugar planters whose estates were expected to obtain some of the Indians to be recruited. By this time Indians were being taken to Mauritius to work on the sugar plantations and were proving to be very productive. Gladstone's request was granted and he, Davidson, Barclay and Company, Andrew Colville, John and Henry Moss, all owners of sugar plantations in Guyana, made arrangements to recruit 414 Indians. Of these 150 were "hill coolies" from Chota Nagpur, and the remainder were from Burdwan and Bancoorah near to Calcutta. (The word "coolie", a corruption of the Tamil word "kuli", referred to a porter or labourer).

To transport these Indians, two ships, the Whitby and Hesperus were chartered. The Whitby sailed from Calcutta on the 13 January 1838 with 249 immigrants, and after a voyage of 112 days, arrived in Guyana on the 5 May. Five Indians died on the voyage. The ship immediately sailed to Berbice and 164 immigrants, who were recruited by Highbury and Waterloo plantations, disembarked. The ship then returned to Demerara and between 14-16 May the remaining 80 immigrants landed and were taken to Belle Vue Estate.

Of the total of 244 Indians who arrived on the Whitby, there were 233 men, 5 women and 6 children.

The Hesperus left Calcutta on the 29 January 1838 with 165 passengers and arrived in Guyana late on the night of the 5 May, by which time 13 had already died. The remaining 135 men, 6 women and 11 children were distributed between the 8-10 May to the plantations Vreedestein, Vreed-en-hoop and Anna Regina.

On their arrival, the male adult Indians agreed with the estate owners to a contract, part of which (for Belle Vue plantation), stated:

1. We engage to perform willingly and diligently our duty as labourers, with the usual time allowed us for rest and food; and should we be, at any time during the period hereinafter named, unable to perform our duty, from sickness or other inevitable cause, we hereby agree to relinquish all claim upon our master for wages during the time we are absent, provided we are found in food and clothing while so absent from work.

2. As . . . the natives shall not be a burden to the colony in the event of their leaving their employment, one rupee per month shall be retained from the pay of each individual till there shall be sufficient sum to provide a passage for each to Calcutta, and should no such contingency take place, the money shall be restored at the end of five years.

Only the adult male immigrants - not the women and children - were bound by this five-year contract of indenture. Based on the contract, they received the following rate of pay:

Davidson, Barclay and Company, owners of Higbury and Waterloo estates in Berbice paid (per month) superintendents 24 guilders, headmen 10.10 guilders, labourers (men) 7.10 guilders, and boys 6 guilders. The other estates (in Demerara) paid superintendents 16 rupees, headmen 7 rupees, labourers (men) 5 rupees, and boys 4 rupees.

At that period the value of a guilder was 17 British pence when a British pound was made up of 240 pence. The value of a rupee was about 28 British pence.

The hours of work varied from estate to estate, but generally the working period was from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. with a two-hour rest period around midday.

On the estates, each immigrant received a weekly allowance of food. Some estates gave the following: 13 lbs. rice, 1½ lbs. dried fish, ¾ lb. onions and a small quantity of pepper and ghee (or butter). Other estates gave daily allowances of 28 ounces of rice, 4 ounces of dal (yellow split peas), 1 ounce of ghee or oil, half an ounce of salt, 2 ounces of dried fish, 2 ounces of tumeric or tamarind, and 1 ounce of onion and pepper.

The allowance generally included 2 blankets, a jacket, 2 dhotis, 1 cup, 1 wooden bowl and 1 cup (to be shared by four persons).

Within six months of their arrival, reports reached Britain that the Indians were adapting to their new living situation, but by January 1839 agents of the Anti-Slavery Society accused some planters in Demerara of ill-treatment, including whipping, and expressed concerns over the high death rate of the Indians. The Society, which kept a close watch on the plantations to ensure that slavery in another form was not re-introduced, claimed that because of bad treatment which included flogging and imprisonment, some Indians had run away from the plantations. It also reported that each indenture was paid an equivalent of less than a third of what they should be getting.

Shortly after, a three-man team led by the Secretary of the Anti-Slavery Society, John Scoble, visited Guyana to investigate the conditions under which the Indians worked and lived. After observing the conditions first hand they reported their concerns to the Governor, Sir Henry Light. In response to these charges, the Governor appointed a commission of inquiry and several African plantation labourers, who bravely gave evidence, supported the Society's accusations against the offending planters. The commission found that the Indians were indeed being ill-treated and the Governor ordered the prosecution of those who had brutalised them.

When news of the ill-treatment of the Indians reached India, the British authorities there immediately placed a ban on emigration to Guyana. The sugar planters in Guyana were very upset over this development since they were hoping that, if they continued to obtain a sizable labour force, they would be able to make fairly large profits.

Despite the bad treatment on some estates, other Indians, especially on the Berbice estates, were generally well treated.

Nevertheless, the death rate was relatively high. Of the 396 Indians who arrived in May 1838, 48 had died by January 1839. By the end of the indenture period in 1843, an additional 50 died. It was clear that the immigrants did not acclimatise well and fell sick very quickly.

At the end of 1843 when their period of indenture came to an end, 236 Indians (206 men, 12 women, 14 boys and 4 girls) departed for India in two ships, the Louisa Baillie and Water Ditch. Sixty others opted to remain in Guyana.

This document provides a list of all vessels (and voyage year) which brought Indentured Laborers under contract from India to British Guiana.

 

PAGE ONE ..

1 Jason 1865  2 Apelles 1865 - 1866  3 Copenhagen 1865 - 1866  4 Clarence 1865 - 1866  5 Janet Cowan 1866  6 Atalanta 1866  7 India 1866 - 1867  8 Clarence 1866 - 1867  9 Assaye 1866 - 1867  10 Canning 1866 - 1867  11 British Trident 1866 - 1867  12 Indus 1866 - 1867  13 Belvidfra 1866 - 1867  14 Tincelles 1866 - 1867 Lincelles

 

15 Racehorse 1866 - 1867  16 Oasis 1867  17 Orient 1867 - 1868  18 Harkaway 1867 - 1868  19 Ganges 1867 - 1868  20 Clarence 1867 - 1868  21 Trevelyan 1867 - 1868  22 Jason 1867 - 1868  23 Winchester 1868 

 

PAGE TWO 

24 Bengal 1868 - 1869  25 Walmer Castle 1868 - 1869  26 India 1868 - 1869  27 Ganges 1868 - 1869  28 Howrah 1868 - 1869  29 Himalaya 1868 - 1869  30 Trevelyan 1868 - 1869  31 Syria 1868 - 1869  32 Salamanea 1868 - 1869  33 Adamant 1868 - 1869  34 Adamant 1869  35 Shand 1869  36 St. Kilda 1869  37 Sir Robert Sale 1869  38 Michael Angels 1869  39 Arima 1869 - 1870  40 Ganges 1869 - 1870  41 Far East 1869 - 1870  42 Howrah 1869 - 1870  43 Arcot 1869 - 1870  44 S. Joaquim 1869 - 1870  45 Devonshire 1869 - 1870  46 Clive 1869 - 1870 

 

PAGE THREE 

47 Medea 1869 - 1870  48 Colombo 1869 - 1870  49 British Monarch 1869 - 1870  50 Shand 1869 - 1870  51 India 1869 - 1870  52 Ganges 1870  53 Wellesley 1870  54 Medea 1870 - 1871  55 Philosopher 1870 - 1871  56 Clive 1870 - 1871  57 Adamant 1871  58 Trevelyan 1871- 1872  59 Neva 1871- 1872  60 Adamant 1871- 1872  61 Poonah 1871- 1872  62 Medea 1871- 1872  63 St. Kilda 1871- 1872  64 Golden Fleece 1872  65 Gainsborough 1872  66 Neva 1872  67 Enmore 1872  68 Sankar 1872 Soukar

 

69 Kate Kellock 1872 - 1873 

 

PAGE FOUR 

70 Syria 1872 - 1873  71 Trevelyan 1872 - 1873  72 North 1872 - 1873  73A Gainsborough 1873  73A Ganges 1873  74 Rohilla 1873  75 Poonah 1873  76 SS Enmore 1873 - 1874  77 Clyde 1873 - 1874  78 Hereford 1873 - 1874  79 Sir Henry Rawrence 1873 - 1874 Sir Henry Lawrence

 

80 Pandora 1873 - 1874  81 Buckinghamshire 1873 - 1874  82 Aisla 1873 - 1874  83 Surrey 1873 - 1874  84 Mofussilite 1873 - 1874  85 Hyderbad 1873 - 1874  86 Neva 1873 - 1874  87 Sussex 1873 - 1874  88 Golden Fleece 1873 - 1874  89 Dinapore 1873 - 1874  90 India 1873 - 1874  91 Rohilla 1873 - 1874 

PAGE FIVE 

 

92 Atalanta 1874 - 1875  93 Clarence 1874 - 1875  94 Ailsa 1874 - 1875  95 Forfarshire 1874 - 1875  96 Rohilla 1874 - 1875  97 Artist 1874 - 1875  98 Dacca 1874 - 1875  99 Syria 1874 - 1875  100 Berkshire 1874 - 1875  101 Atalanta 1874 - 1875  102 Syria 1874 - 1875  103 Rohilla 1875 - 1876  104 King Arthur 1875 - 1876  105 Ailsa 1875 - 1876  106 Tinguist 1875 - 1876 Linguist

 

107 Botanist 1875 - 1876  108 Pandora 1875 - 1876  109 Rohilla 1876 - 1877  110 Artist 1876 - 1877  111 Neva 1876 - 1877  112 King Arthur 1876 - 1877  113 Tinguist 1876 - 1877 Linguist

 

 

PAGE SIX 

114 Ailsa 1876 -1877  115 Jura 1876 -1877  116 Jura 1877 - 1878  117 Hesperides 1877 - 1878  118 Pandora 1877 - 1878  119 Boyne 1877 - 1878  120 Ailsa 1877 - 1878  121 King Arthur 1877 - 1878  122 Howrah 1877 - 1878  123 Naturalist 1877 - 1878  124 Sheila 1877 - 1878  125 Neva 1877 - 1878  126 Senator 1877 - 1878  127 Artist 1877 - 1878  128 Ballochmyle 1877 - 1878  129 Sussex 1877 - 1878  130 Philosopher 1877 - 1878  131 Pandora 1877 - 1878  132 Rohilla 1878 - 1879  133 Lightning 1878 - 1879  134 Silhet 1878 - 1879  135 Suffolk 1878 - 1879  136 Tassa 1878 - 1879 

 

PAGE SEVEN 

137 Howrah 1878 - 1879  138 Malabar 1878 - 1879  139 Newcastle 1878 - 1879  140 Poonah 1878 - 1879  141 Berar 1878 - 1879  142 Ellora 1878 - 1879  143 Plassey 1878 - 1879  144 North 1878 - 1879  145 Berar 1878 - 1879  146 Newcastle 1879 - 1880  147 Tassa 1879 - 1880  148 Howrah 1879 - 1880  149 Malabar 1879 - 1880  150 North 1879 - 1880  151 Plassey 1879 - 1880  152 Poonah 1879 - 1880  153 Ellora 1879 - 1880  154 Rohilla 1880 - 1881  155 Poonah 1880 - 1881  156 Plassey 1880 - 1881  157 Ellora 1880 - 1881  158 Berar 1880 - 1881 

 

PAGE EIGHT 

159 Lightning 1880 - 1881  160 Newcastle 1880 - 1881  161 Bengollyun 1880 - 1881  162 North 1880 - 1881  163 Ellora 1881 - 1882  164 Newcastle 1881 - 1882  165 Howrah 1881 - 1882  166 Plassey 1881 - 1882  167 North 1881 - 1882  168 Bayard 1881 - 1882  169 Berar 1882 - 1883  170 Plassey 1882 - 1883  171 Rohilla 1882 - 1883  172 Silhet 1882 - 1883  173 North 1882 - 1883  174 Ellora 1882 - 1883  175 Ganges 1883 - 1884  176 Bann 1883 - 1884  177 Foyle 1883 - 1884  178 British Peer 1883 - 1884  179 Bruce 1883 - 1884  180 Foyle 1884 - 1885 

 

PAGE NINE 

181 John Davie 1884 -1885  182 Newnham 1884 -1885  183 Bruce 1884 -1885  184 Jorawur 1884 -1885  185 Bann 1884 -1885  186 Boyne 1884 -1885  187 British Peer 1884 -1885  188 Grecian 1884 -1885  189 Allanshaw 1884 -1885  190 Foyle 1885 -1886  191 Jorawur 1885 -1886  192 Allanshaw 1885 -1886  193 Hereford 1885 -1886  194 Ganges 1885 -1886  195 Shannon 1885 -1886  196 Main 1885 -1886  197 Bayard 1885 -1886  198 Bann 1885 -1886  199 Hereford 1886 - 1887  200 Allanshaw 1886 - 1887  201 British Peer 1886 - 1887  202 Main 1886 - 1887 

 

PAGE TEN 

203 Foyle 1886 - 1887  204 Bruce 1886 - 1887  205 Avoca 1886 - 1887  206 Bruce 1887 - 1888  207 Allanshaw 1887 - 1888  208 Ganges 1887 - 1888  209 Rhine 1887 - 1888  210 Foyle 1887 - 1888  211 Allanshaw 1888 - 1889  212 Foyle 1888 - 1889  213 Main 1888 - 1889  214 Sheila 1888 - 1889  215 Volga 1888 - 1889  216 Brenda 1889 - 1890  217 Sheila 1889 - 1890  218 Foyle 1889 - 1890  219 The Bruce 1889 - 1890  220 Allanshaw 1889 - 1890  221 Rhine 1889 - 1890  222 Brenda 1889 - 1890  223 Brenda 1890  224 Avoca 1890 - 1891  225 Sheila 1890 - 1891 

 

PAGE ELEVEN 

226 Bann 1890 - 1891  227 Elbe 1890 - 1891  228 Rhone 1890 - 1891  229 Main 1890 - 1891  230 Jura 1890 - 1891  231 Foyle 1890 - 1891  232 Grecian 1891 - 1892  233 Sheila 1891 - 1892  234 Jura 1891 - 1892  235 Elbe 1891 - 1892  236 Ganges 1891 - 1892  237 Bann 1891 - 1892  238 Brenda 1891 - 1892  239 Allanshaw 1891 - 1892  240 Foyle 1891 - 1892  241 Grecian 1892 - 1893  242 Main 1892 - 1893  243 Volga 1892 - 1893  244 Jura 1892 - 1893  245 Brenda 1892 - 1893  246 Elbe 1892 - 1893  247 Avon 1892 - 1893  248 Sheila 1892 - 1893 

 

PAGE TWELVE 

249 Sheila 1893 - 1894  250 Avon 1893 - 1894  251 Elbe 1893 - 1894  252 Brenda 1893 - 1894  253 Jura 1893 - 1894  254 Ganges 1893 - 1894  255 Main 1893 - 1894  256 Avoca 1893 - 1894  257 Bann 1893 - 1894  258 Lena 1893 - 1894  259 Lena 1894 - 1895  260 Brenda 1894 - 1895  261 Grecian 1894 - 1895  262 Avoca 1894 - 1895  263 Bann 1894 - 1895  264 Mercey 1894 - 1895  265 Jura 1894 - 1895  266 Rhine 1894 - 1895  267 Avon 1894 - 1895  268 Sheila 1894 - 1895  269 Elbe 1894 - 1895  270 Jura 1895 - 1896  271 Lena 1895 -1896 

 

PAGE THIRTEEN 

272 Ems 1895 -1896  273 Lena 1896 - 1897  274 Brenda 1896 - 1897  275 Ems 1896 - 1897  276 Lena 1896 -1897  277 Sheila 1896 -1897  278 Jura 1897 - 1898  279 Mercey 1898  280 Brenda 1898  281 Jura 1898 - 1899  282 Lena 1899 - 1900  283 Avon 1899 - 1900  284 Erne 1899 - 1900  285 Forth 1899 - 1900  286 Mercey 1899 - 1900  287 Moy 1899 - 1900  288 Clyde 1899 - 1900  289 Forth 1899 - 1900  290 Ems 1900  291 Main 1900  292 Lena 1900 - 1901  293 Forth 1900 - 1901  294 Mercey 1900 - 1901 

 

PAGE FOURTEEN 

295 Elbe 1900 - 1901  296 Forth 1901 - 1902  297 Ems 1901 - 1902  298 SS Fazilka 1901 - 1902  299 Rhone 1901 - 1902  300 Main 1901 - 1902  301 Warda 1901 - 1902  302A Arno 1902 - 1903  302B Moy 1902 - 1903  303 Forth 1902 - 1903  304 Moy 1903 - 1904  305 Elbe 1903 - 1904  306 Mercey 1903 - 1904  307 Erne 1903 - 1904  308 Clyde 1903 - 1904  309 Mercey 1903 - 1904  310 Moy 1904 - 1905  311 Lena 1904 - 1905  312 Clyde 1904 - 1905  313 Elbe 1905 -1906  314 Forth 1905 -1906  315 Arno 1905 -1906  316 Rhone 1905 -1906  317 Clyde 1905 -1906 

 

PAGE FIFTEEN 

318 Ganges 1906 -1907  319 Erne 1906 -1907  320 Forth 1906 -1907  321 Mercey 1906 -1907  322 Ems 1907 -1908  323 Mercey 1907 -1908  324 SS Ganges 1907 -1908  325 Mutlah 1908 - 1909  326 Ganges 1908 - 1909  327 Sutlej 1908 - 1909  328 Ems 1908 - 1909  329 Sutlej 1909  330 Ganges 1909 - 1910  331 SS Indus 1909 - 1910  332 Sutlej 1910 - 1911  333 Sutlej 1910 - 1911 2nd Voyage  334A Indus 1910 - 1911  334B SS Ganges 1911  335 SS Chenab 1911 - 1912  336 SS Chenab 1911 - 1912 2nd Voyage  337 SS Indus 1911 - 1912  338 SS Indus 1911 - 1912 2nd Voyage  339 SS Indus 1911 - 1912 3rd Voyage  340 SS Sutlej 1911 - 1912 

 

PAGE SIXTEEN 

341 SS Sutlej 1912 -1913  342 SS Sutlej 1912 -1913  343 Chenab 1912 -1913  344 Mutlah 1912 -1913  345 Indus 1913  346 Indus 1913 Second Voyage Records Missing  347 SS Mutlah 1913 - 1914  348 Dewa 1913 - 1914  349 Dewa 1915  350 Sutlej 1914 - 1915  351 SS Chenab 1914 - 1915  352 SS Chenab 1915 - 1916  353 SS Dewa 1915 - 1916  354 Ganges 1915 - 1916  355 Sutlej 1915 - 1916  356 Mutlah 1916 - 1917  357 Chenab 1916 - 1917  358 Ganges 1916 - 1917

I was looking for a map of Br. Guiana circa 1951 and found this web site:

 

Guyana

1616 - 27 Feb 1781;

1784 - 22 Apr 1796;

27 Mar 1802 - 20 Sep 1803 

 

27 Feb 1781 - Feb 1782; 

1796 - 27 Mar 1802;20 Sep 1803 - 1875

 

 

 

                             1875 - 1906

 

 

 

 

 

                          1906 - 8 Dec 1954

 

 

 

                     8 Dec 1954 - 26 May 1966 

 

 

 

                  Adopted 26 May 1966 

 

 

 Map of Guyana

 Hear National Anthem

"Dear Land of Guyana,

of Rivers and Plains"

 Text of National Anthem

Adopted 1966

Constitution

(6 Oct 1980) 

Capital: Georgetown

(Stabroek 1784 - 5 May 1812)

Currency: Guyanese Dollar

(GYD) 

National Holiday: 23 Feb (1970)

Republic Day Population: 770,794 (2008) GDP: $3.01 billion (2008)

Exports: $736 million (2008)

Imports: $1.62 billion (2008) Ethnic groups: East Indian 43.5%, black (African) 30.2%, mixed 16.7%, Amerindian 9.1%, other 0.5% (2002)

Total Active Armed Forces: 1,100 (2006)

Merchant marine: 8 ships (2008)

 

Religions: Hindu 28.4%, Pentecostal 16.9%, Roman Catholic 8.1%, Anglican 6.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 5%, Methodist 1.7%, Jehovah Witness 1.1%, other Christian 17.7%, Muslim 7.2%,

other 4.3%, none 4.3% (2002) International Organizations/Treaties: ACP, ACS, ACTO, AOSIS, APM, BTWC (signatory), C, Caricom, CDB, CTBT, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, ICSID, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISA, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, KP, LAES, MIGA, NAM, NPT, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCLOS, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFCC, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Guyana Index <p>Chronology</p> <p> </p>

1499                       Discovered by Alonzo de Ojeda and Amerigo

                             Vespucci.

1595                       Explored by English under Sir Walter Raleigh.

1598                       First known Dutch expedition to coast of Guyana

                             by Capt. A. Cabeliau.

1620 - 1620                English settlement at Oyapock.

1616                       Dutch settlement of Essequibo.

1657                       Dutch settlement at Pomeroon.

1666                       Dutch settlement at Berbice.

1750                       Dutch settlement of Demerara (subordinate

                             to Essequibo).

27 Feb 1781 - Feb 1782     British occupation of Demerara, Essequibo, and 

                             Berbice (subordinated to Barbados).

Feb 1782 - 1784            French occupation.

1784                       Restored to Netherlands.

22 Apr 1796 - 27 Mar 1802  British occupation

27 Mar 1802                Restored to Batavian Republic (Netherlands).

20 Sep 1803 - 13 Aug 1814  British occupation.

13 Aug 1814                British colonies of Berbice and 

                             Demerara-Essequibo.

20 Nov 1815                Officially ceded to Britain by the Netherlands.

21 Jul 1831                Demerara-Essequibo, and Berbice united as 

                             British Guiana.

26 Aug 1961                Self-rule achieved.

26 May 1966                Independence from Britain (Guyana).

23 Feb 1970                Republic of Guyana (in occasional official, but 

                             not constitutional, use: Co-operative Republic

                             of Guyana). 

 

 6 Oct 1980                Co-operative Republic of Guyana

<p>Guyana</p> <p>(from 1831)</p> Oyapock (1620) Berbice (1666-1831) <p>Demerara-</p> Essequibo (1624-1831) Pomeroon (1657-1689)          

Oyapock

1620 - 1620                English settlement at Oyapock (on Wiapica River in Guyana).

 

Governor

1620                       Roger North                          (b. 1585 - d. 1652)

Berbice

 

1666                       Dutch settlement of Berbice.

15 Nov 1712                Briefly occupied by French under Baron de Mouans.

Apr 1781 - Feb 1782        British occupation of Berbice

                             (subordinated to Barbados).

Feb 1782 - 20 Feb 1784     French occupation of Berbice.

20 Feb 1784                Restored to Netherlands.

22 Apr 1796                British occupation.

27 Mar 1802                Restored to Battalion Republic (Netherlands).

20 Sep 1803                British occupation.

13 Aug 1814                Berbice a British colony.

20 Nov 1815                Formally ceded to Britain by the Netherlands.

21 Jul 1831                United with Demerara-Essequibo as British Guiana.

 

Commanders

1666 - 1671                Matthijs Bergenaar

1671 - 1683                Cornelis Marinus

1683 - 1684                Gideon Bourse

1684 - 1687                Lucas Coudrie

1687 - 1712                Matthijs de Feer 1712 - 1714                Steven de Waterman

1714 - 1733                Anthony Tierens

Governors

22 Apr 1733 -  6 Apr 1740  Bernhard Waterham

 6 Apr 1740 -  2 May 1749  Jan Andries Lossner

 7 May 1749 - 1755         Jan Frederik Colier

 5 Dec 1755 - 21 Sep 1759  Hendrik Jan van Rijswick             (d. 1759)

 4 Apr 1760 - 1764         Wolfert Simon van Hoogenheim         (b. c.1730 - d. ....)

 6 Sep 1764 - 23 Nov 1767  Johannes Heijlinger, Jr.

 7 Apr 1768 -  2 Jul 1773  Stephen Hendrik de la Sabloniere     (b. 1714 - d. 1773)

16 Nov 1773 -  4 Jul 1774  Johan Christoffel de Winter          (d. 1774)

15 Dec 1774 -  1 Dec 1777  Isaac Kaecks                         (d. 1777)

19 Jun 1778 - 27 Feb 1781  Peter Hendrik Koppiers (1st time)

27 Feb 1781 - Feb 1782     Robert Kingston 

 9 Feb 1782 - 15 Jul 1782  Armand Guy Simon de Coëtnempren,     (b. 1742 - d. 1793)

                             comte de Kersaint (1st time)

15 Jul 1782 - 15 Sep 1782  Louis Antoine Dazemard de Lusignan,  (b. 1726 - d. 1782)

                             marquis de Lusignan

15 Sep 1782 - 1783         Armand Guy Simon de Coëtnempren,     (s.a.)

                             comte de Kersaint (2nd time)

20 Jan 1783 - 20 Feb 1784  Georges Manganon de la Perrière      (d. 1789)

20 Feb 1784 - 23 Sep 1789  Peter Hendrik Koppiers (2nd time)

23 Sep 1789 - 27 Mar 1802  Abraham Jacob van Imbijze van        (b. 1753 - d. 1806) 

                             Batenburg (1st time)

                            (acting to 28 Feb 1794)

 

27 Mar 1802 - 20 Sep 1803  Provisional government

                           - J.C.W. Herlin 

                           - G. Kobus 

                           (acting)

 

20 Sep 1803 - Oct 1803     Greenfield

 1 Oct 1803 - Jun 1804     Robert Nicholson (acting)            (d. 1814) 

25 Jun 1804 - Dec 1806     Abraham Jacob van Imbijze van        (s.a.)

                             Batenburg (2nd time)

Lieutenant governors

Dec 1806 - Sep 1807        Robert Nicholson (acting)            (s.a.)

Sep 1807 - Mar 1809        James Montgomery

Mar 1809 - Jan 1810        William Woodley                      (d. 1810)

 

Jan 1810 - Dec 1810        Samuel Dalrymple (acting)            (b. 1760 - d. 1832)

Dec 1810 - Jun 1812        Robert Gordon (1st time)

Jun 1812 - Feb 1813        John Murray (1st time)(acting)

Feb 1813 - 13 Dec 1813     Robert Gordon (2nd time)

13 Dec 1813 - Jan 1814     Grant (2nd time)(acting)

Jan 1814 - Nov 1820        Henry William Bentinck               (b. 1765 - d. 1820)

Nov 1820 - Jan 1821        Thistlewayte (acting)

Jan 1821 - Mar 1821        Sir John Cameron (acting)            (b. 1773 - d. 1844)

Mar 1821 - Mar 1825        Henry Beard (1st time)

Mar 1825 - Jul 1826

       Sir Benjamin D'Urban (acting)        (b. 1777 - d. 1849)

Jul 1826 - 21 Jul 1831     Henry Beard (2nd time)

 

Demerara-Essequibo

 

1616                       Dutch settlement of Essequibo.

1665 - 1666                Brief English occupation.

1750                       Dutch settlement of Demerara (subordinate to Essequibo).

 3 Mar 1781 -  9 Feb 1782  British occupation of Demerara and Essequibo 

                             (subordinated to Barbados).

 9 Feb 1782 -  6 Mar 1784  French occupation of Demerara-Essequibo (subordinate Berbice).

 6 Mar 1784                Restored to Netherlands (Essequibo subordinated to Demerara).

22 Apr 1796 - 27 Mar 1802  British occupation of Deemerara-Essequibo.

27 Mar 1802                Restored to Batavian Republic (Netherlands).

20 Sep 1803                British occupy Demerara-Essequibo.

13 Aug 1814                Demerara-Essequibo a British colony.

20 Nov 1815                Formally ceded to Britain by the Netherlands.

21 Jul 1831                United with Berbice as British Guiana.

 

Governors of Essequibo

1616 - 1624                Adriaen Groenewegen  

1624 - 1627                Jacob Conijn

1627 - 1638                Jan van der Goes

1638 - 1641                Cornelis Pieterszoon Hose

 

1641 - 1644                Adriaen van der Woestijne 

1644 - 16..                Andriaen Janszoon

1657 - 19 Aug 1664         Aert "Amos" Adriaenssen

            (b. 1581 - d. 1664)

                             Groenewegen

1665 - 1666                John Scott

1666                       Abraham Crijnssen

                  (d. 1669)

1666                       Adriaen Groenewegen, Jr.

1667 - 1670                Baerland

17 Jul 1670 - 31 Mar 1676  Hendrik Rol (Roll)                  (d. 1676)

31 Mar 1676 - 1678         Jacob Hars

25 Jul 1678 - 30 Oct 1690  Abraham Beekman

 

1690                       J.P. de Jonge

 9 Dec 1690 - 10 Dec 1707  Samuel Beekman                      (d. 1707)

10 Dec 1707 - 24 Jul 1719  Peter van der Heyden Resen

24 Jul 1719 - 12 Oct 1729  Laurens de Heere                    (d. 1729)

12 Oct 1729 - Apr 1742     Hermanus Gelskerke                  (d. 1742)

Apr 1742 - 15 Aug 1750     Laurens Storm van 's Gravesande     (d. 1775)

                             (acting to 13 Apr 1743)

Directors-general

15 Aug 1750 -  2 Nov 1772  Laurens Storm van 's Gravesande     (s.a.)

 2 Nov 1772 - Mar 1781     George Hendrik Trotz                (d. 1804)

Commanders of Demerara

15 Aug 1750 - 1761         Jonathan Samuel Storm van 's        (d. 1761)

                             Gravesende

1761 - 12 May 1764         Laurens Lodewijk van Bergeijk       (d. 1764)

 

19 Aug 1765 - 24 Dec 1770  Jan Cornelis van den Heuvel         (b. 1742 - d. 1826)

 1 Jul 1772 - Mar 1781     Paulus van Schuylenburgh

Governor of Essequibo

 3 Mar 1781 - 1782         Robert Nicholson                    (d. 1814)

Governor of Demerara 

 3 Mar 1781 - 1782         Robert Kingston

Governors

 9 Feb 1782 - 15 Jul 1782  Armand Guy Simon de Coëtnempren,    (b. 1742 - d. 1793)

                             comte de Kersaint (1st time)

15 Jul 1782 - 15 Sep 1782  Louis Antoine Dazemard de Lusignan, (b. 1726 - d. 1782)

                             marquis de Lusignan

15 Sep 1782 - 1783         Armand Guy Simon de Coëtnempren,    (s.a.)

                             comte de Kersaint (2nd time)

20 Jan 1783 - Mar 1784     Georges Manganon de la Perrière     (d. 1789)

Directors-general

 7 Mar 1784 - Feb 1785     Joseph Bourda (acting)              (d. 1798)

Feb 1785 - 18 Aug 1789     Jan L'Éspinasse

18 Aug 1789 - 31 Mar 1793  Albertus Backer                     (d. 1816)

31 Mar 1793 -  6 May 1795  Johan Willem August van Sirtema,    (b. 1764 - d. 1833)

                             baron van Grovestins

 

 6 May 1795 - 29 Jun 1795  Provisional government

                           - ....

                           - ....

                           (acting)

29 Jun 1795 - 22 Apr 1796  Antony Beaujon (interim)            (b. c.1763 - d. 1805)

Commanders of Essequibo

Feb 1784 - Oct 1784        Albert Siraut des Touches (acting)

 7 Oct 1784 - 1787         Johannes Cornelis Bert              (b. 1757 - d. 1800)

1787 - 18 Aug 1789         Albertus Backer (1st time)          (s.a.)

18 Aug 1789 - Apr 1791     Gustaaf Eduard Meijerhelm (interim)

Apr 1791 - 31 Mar 1793     Matthijs Thierens (interim)  

31 Mar 1793 - 22 Apr 1796  Albertus Backer (2nd time)          (s.a.)

Governor of Essequibo

22 Apr 1796 - 27 Mar 1802  Abraham Jacob van Imbijze van       (b. 1753 - d. 1806) 

                             Batenburg

Commander of Demerara

22 Apr 1796 - 27 Mar 1802  Antony Beaujon                      (s.a.)

Director-general

27 Mar 1802 - 20 Sep 1803  Antony Meertens                     (b. 1753 - d. 1815)

Commander of Essequibo

27 Mar 1802 - 20 Sep 1803  George Hendrik Trotz                (s.a.)

Lieutenant governors

Sep 1803 - 18 Aug 1804     Robert Nicholson (1st time)         (s.a.) 

18 Aug 1804 - 19 Oct 1805  Antony Beaujon                      (s.a.)

19 Oct 1805 -  8 May 1806  James Montgomery (1st time)(acting)

 8 May 1806 -  9 Mar 1807  Henry William Bentinck (1st time)   (b. 1765 - d. 1820)

 9 May 1807 - 19 Sep 1807  James Montgomery (2nd time)(acting)

19 Sep 1807 - 25 Jun 1808  Robert Nicholson (2nd time)(acting) (s.a.)

 

25 Jun 1808 -  8 Apr 1809  Andrew Ross (acting)                (d. 1816)

 8 Apr 1809 - 20 May 1809  Samuel Dalrymple (acting)           (b. 1760 - d. 1832)

20 May 1809 - Feb 1812     Henry William Bentinck (2nd time)   (s.a.)

Feb 1812 - 12 May 1813     Hugh Lyle Carmichael (acting)       (b. 1764 - d. 1813)

12 May 1813 - 17 May 1813  Edward Codd (1st time)(acting)

17 May 1813 - 28 Aug 1813  John Murray (1st time)(acting)

28 Aug 1813 - 18 Dec 1813  Edward Codd (2nd time)(acting)

18 Dec 1813 - 26 Jul 1815  John Murray (2nd time)

26 Jul 1815 -  3 Oct 1815  Edward Codd (3rd time)(acting)

 3 Oct 1815 - 26 Apr 1824  John Murray (3rd time) 26 Apr 1824 - 21 Jul 1831  Sir Benjamin D'Urban                (b. 1777 - d. 1849) Pomeroon

 

Aug 1658                   Pomeroon settlement; subordinated to Essequibo.

1666 - 1667                English occupation

1689                       Incorporated into Essequibo.

 

Commanders

1658 - 1661                Cornelis Goliat                     (d. 1661)

1661 - 1666                François de Fijne

1666 - 1667                John Scott 1667 - 1670                Sael

1670 - 1676                Hendrik Rol (Roll)                  (d. 1676)

1676 - 1678                Jacob Hars

1678 - 1686                Abraham Beekman

 5 Apr 1686 - Apr 1689     Jacob Pieterszoon de Jonge

 

Guyana

 

21 Jul 1831                Colonies of Demerara-Essequibo and Berbice 

                             united as British Guiana.

26 Aug 1961                Self-rule.

26 May 1966                Independence from Britain (Guyana).

23 Feb 1970                Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

 

Governors

21 Jul 1831 - 26 Jun 1833  Sir Benjamin D'Urban                (b. 1777 - d. 1849)

26 Jun 1833 -  4 Mar 1838  Sir James Carmichael Smyth          (b. 1779 - d. 1838)

 7 Mar 1838 -  9 Mar 1838  W.N. Orange (acting)

 9 Mar 1838 - 28 Jun 1838 

Thomas Bunbury (acting)             (b. 1783 - d. 1857)

28 Jun 1838 - 19 May 1848  Henry Light                         (b. 1783 - d. 1870)

19 May 1848 - 12 Feb 1849  William Walker (1st time) (acting)

12 Feb 1849 - 11 May 1853  Henry Barkly                        (b. 1815 - d. 1898)

11 May 1853 - 23 May 1854  William Walker (2nd time) (acting)

23 May 1854 -  7 Jan 1862  Philip Edmond Wodehouse             (b. 1811 - d. 1887)

 7 Jan 1862 - 25 Jan 1869  Francis Hincks                      (b. 1807 - d. 1885)

25 Jan 1869 - 26 Dec 1873  Sir John Scott                      (b. 1814 - d. 1898)

27 Dec 1873 - 10 Mar 1874  E.E. Rushworth (acting)

10 Mar 1874 -  8 Mar 1877  James Robert Longden                (b. 1827 - d. 1891)

                             (from 18 Mar 1876, Sir James Robert Longden) 

 8 Mar 1877 -  3 Aug 1877  William A.G. Young (1st time)

                             (acting)

 3 Aug 1877 - 13 Dec 1881  Cornelius Hendricksen Kortright     (b. 1817 - d. 1899)

13 Dec 1881 -  4 May 1882  William A.G. Young (2nd time)

                             (acting)

 4 May 1882 - 1887         Sir Henry Turner Irving             (b. 1833 - d. 1923)

26 Apr 1884 - 1884         W.F. Haynes-Smith (acting for Irving)

1887 - 1888                Charles Bruce (1st time) (acting)   (b. 1836 - d. 1920)

1888 - 23 Mar 1893         Jenico William Joseph Preston, 

                             Viscount Gormanston               (b. 1837 - d. 1907)

Apr 1891 - 15 Oct 1891     Sir Charles Bruce (2nd time)        (s.a.)

                             (acting for Gormanston)

23 Mar 1893 -  5 Jul 1893  Sir Charles Bruce (3rd time)        (s.a.)

                             (acting) 

 5 Jul 1893 - Sep 1895     Sir Charles Cameron Lees            (b. 1831 - d. 1898) 

15 Dec 1894 - 29 Jan 1895  Cavendish Boyle (1st time)          (b. 1849 - d. 1916)

                             (acting for Lees)

Sep 1895 - Mar 1896        Cavendish Boyle (acting)(2nd time)  (s.a.)

Mar 1896 - 27 Mar 1898     Sir Augustus William Lawson Hemming (b. 1842 - d. 1907)

 1 Oct 1896 - 18 Nov 1896  Cavendish Boyle (3rd time)          (s.a.)

                             (acting for Hemming)

27 May 1897 - 28 Jul 1897  Cavendish Boyle (4th time)          (s.a.)

                             (acting for Hemming)

27 Mar 1898 - 25 Dec 1901  Sir Walter Joseph Sendall           (b. 1832 - d. 1904)

25 Dec 1901 - 26 Sep 1904  Sir James Alexander Swettenham      (b. 1846 - d. 1933)

26 Sep 1904 -  5 Jul 1912  Sir Frederick Mitchell Hodgson      (b. 1851 - d. 1925)

 5 Jul 1912 - 15 Apr 1917  Sir Walter Egerton                  (b. 1858 - d. 1947)

15 Apr 1917 -  4 Apr 1923  Sir Wilfred Collet                  (b. 1856 - d. 1929)

 4 Apr 1923 - 31 Aug 1925  Sir Graeme Thomson                  (b. 1875 - d. 1933)

31 Aug 1925 -  7 Nov 1928  Sir Cecil Hunter-Rodwell            (b. 1874 - d. 1953)

 7 Nov 1928 -  9 Jun 1930  Sir Frederick Gordon Guggisberg     (b. 1869 - d. 1930)

 9 Jun 1930 - 26 Mar 1935  Sir Edward Brandis Denham           (b. 1876 - d. 1938)

26 Mar 1935 - 1937         Sir Geoffrey Alexander Stafford     (b. 1881 - d. 1948)

                             Northcote (acting from 1936) 

1937 - 19 Nov 1937         .... (acting)

19 Nov 1937 -  7 Nov 1941  Sir Wilfrid Edward Francis Jackson  (b. 1883 - d. 1971)

 7 Nov 1941 - 1946         Sir Gordon James Lethem             (b. 1886 - d. 1962)

1946 - 12 Apr 1947         William Leslie Heape (acting)       (b. 1896 - d. 1972) 

12 Apr 1947 - 14 Apr 1953  Sir Charles Campbell Woolley        (b. 1893 - d. 1981)

14 Apr 1953 - 25 Oct 1955  Sir Alfred William Lungley Savage   (b. 1903 - d. 1980)

25 Oct 1955 - 22 Dec 1958  Sir Patrick Muir Renison            (b. 1911 - d. 1965)

22 Dec 1958 -  7 Mar 1964  Sir Ralph Francis Alnwick Grey      (b. 1910 - d. 1999)

 7 Mar 1964 - 26 May 1966  Sir Richard Edmonds Luyt            (b. 1915 - d. 1994)

Queen¹

26 May 1966 - 23 Feb 1970  the Queen of the United Kingdom

Governors-general (representing the British monarch as head of state)

 

26 May 1966 - 31 Oct 1966  Sir Richard Edmonds Luyt            (s.a.)

 1 Nov 1966 - 16 Dec 1966  Sir Kenneth Sievewright Stoby       (b. 1903)

                             (acting)

16 Dec 1966 - 10 Nov 1969  Sir David James Gardiner Rose       (b. 1923 - d. 1969)

10 Nov 1969 - 22 Feb 1970  Edward Victor Luckhoo (acting)      (b. 1912 - d. 1998)

                             (from 1 Jan 1970, Sir Edward Victor Luckhoo) 

Presidents

23 Feb 1970 - 17 Mar 1970  Sir Edward Victor Luckhoo (acting)  (s.a.)               Non-party 

17 Mar 1970 -  6 Oct 1980  Raymond Arthur Chung                (b. 1918 - d. 2008)  Non-party

 6 Oct 1980 -  6 Aug 1985  Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham       (b. 1923 - d. 1985)  PNC/R 

 6 Aug 1985 -  9 Oct 1992  Hugh Desmond Hoyte                  (b. 1929 - d. 2002)  PNC/R 

 9 Oct 1992 -  6 Mar 1997  Cheddi Berret(sic) Jagan                 (b. 1918 - d. 1997)  PPP/C

 6 Mar 1997 - 19 Dec 1997  Samuel "Sam" Archibald              (b. 1943)            PPP/C 

                             Anthony Hinds 

 

19 Dec 1997 - 11 Aug 1999  Janet Rosenberg Jagan (f)           (b. 1920 - d. 2009)  PPP/C 

11 Aug 1999 -  3 Dec 2011

  Bharrat Jagdeo                      (b. 1964)            PPP/C 

 3 Dec 2011 -              Donald Ramotar                      (b. 1950)            PPP/C

 

Chief minister

30 May 1953 -  9 Oct 1953  Cheddi Berret Jagan                 (s.a.)               PPP/C

 9 Oct 1953 -  5 Sep 1961  Vacant

Premiers

 5 Sep 1961 - 12 Dec 1964  Cheddi Berret Jagan                 (s.a.)               PPP/C

12 Dec 1964 - 26 May 1966  Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham       (s.a.)               PNC/R

Prime ministers

26 May 1966 -  6 Oct 1980  Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham       (s.a.)               PNC/R 

 6 Oct 1980 - 16 Aug 1984  Ptolemy Alexander Reid              (b. 1918 - d. 2003)  PNC/R 

16 Aug 1984 -  6 Aug 1985  Hugh Desmond Hoyte                  (s.a.)               PNC/R

 6 Aug 1985 -  9 Oct 1992  Hamilton Green                      (b. 1934)            PNC/R

 9 Oct 1992 - 17 Mar 1997  Samuel "Sam" Archibald              (s.a.)               PPP/C 

                             Anthony Hinds (1st time)

17 Mar 1997 - 22 Dec 1997  Janet Rosenberg Jagan (f)           (s.a.)               PPP/C 

22 Dec 1997 -  9 Aug 1999  Samuel "Sam" Archibald              (s.a.)               PPP/C 

                             Anthony Hinds (2nd time)

 9 Aug 1999 - 11 Aug 1999  Bharrat Jagdeo                      (s.a.)               PPP/C 

11 Aug 1999 -              Samuel "Sam" Archibald              (s.a.)               PPP/C 

                             Anthony Hinds (3rd time) 

 ¹

Full style:

(a) 26 May 1966 - 18 Jun 1966: "By the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith

";

(b) 18 Jun 1966 - 23 Feb 1970: "By the Grace of God, Queen of Guyana and of Her other Realms

and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth."

Territorial Disputes: Aall of the area west of the Essequibo River is claimed by Venezuela preventing any discussion of a maritime boundary; Guyana has expressed its intention to join Barbados in asserting claims before UNCLOS that Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with Venezuela extends into their waters; Suriname claims a triangle of land between the New and Kutari/Koetari rivers in a historic dispute over the headwaters of the Courantyne; Guyana seeks arbitration under provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to resolve the long-standing dispute with Suriname over the axis of the territorial sea boundary in potentially oil-rich waters.

 

Party abbreviations: PNC/R = People's National Congress/Reform (socialist, populist, African-Guynanese); PPP/C = People's Progressive Party/Civic (socialist, Indian-Guyanese)

 

 

 

©2000  Ben Cahoon

 

 

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