CONTENT FOR GRADE 6 SOCIAL STUDIES

TERM TWO

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC: Definition of

History of Cooperatives

Co-operatives takes place when two or more persons work together towards a common goal.

History of Cooperatives

.The Amerindians were the first set of people that came to and they practice cooperatives when harvesting and building homes. . The Africans who were freed slaves pooled their resources and bought a number of plantations which they began to operate and manage.

.History has recorded how they took the money they had managed to save in wheelbarrows to pay their purchases. These plantations bought by ex-slaves in the 1830s and 1840s were the first cooperatives in Guyana.

.The other ethnic groups also practice cooperatives in Guyana .They develop the villages that they live in.

.Amerindians practiced cooperation in their villages and still do today.

Ethnic Group How they cooperated Picture Co-operation The Purchase of Victoria Victoria Village among the When the slaves became Africans. free, they no longer wished to stay and work for their ex- masters on the plantation. After emancipation, they worked for a short time on

the plantations and pooled

their wages. They used this

money to purchase

abandoned cotton plantations. Plantation Northbrook which they later renamed Victoria, was the first village they purchased. It is said that on the day they purchased Victoria, they took the money to the Plantation owners in a wheel-barrow. Victoria is located on the East Coast of - 20 kilometres from Georgetown. Victoria was purchased by the slaves in 1839. The good news of the purchase spread rapidly. Between the years 1839 and 1849 ex-slaves purchased thirty-eight other abandoned plantations.

Co-operation The Portuguese were the first (Portuguese Quarters) in among the immigrants to labour on the Corentyne Portuguese plantations in Guyana after the slaves became free. However, the Portuguese did not work for many years on the plantations. These Portuguese workers turned to group farming among themselves. They also built agricultural settlements at Bladen Hall on the East Coast Demerara and Port Mourant (Portuguese Quarters) in Corentyne. Even the Portuguese businesses were built by co- operative efforts and they received help from the European merchants, shopkeepers and pawnbrokers in Georgetown and elsewhere in the country. Co-operation The East Indians worked on among the the sugar plantations all East Indians. over the country. At the end of their contract, many East Indians settled in Guyana. These East Indians used co- operation as a means of developing themselves. ‘Lend a hand' and 'Give a

hand' were used as forms of East Indians co-operation in rice farming, co-operating. house building, digging irrigation and drainage canals on their land. Co-operation Between the years 1853 and . among the 1912 the Chinese came to Chinese. the then colony of . They, like the Portuguese, practiced co- operation in the form of group farming and building settlements. Two of the lesser known agricultural settlements were Hope Town and Santa Mission along the Kamuni Creek, Demerara River. The Chinese also showed co- operation in living and trading together. Evidence of this can be seen in Chinese Lane, known as St. Ann's Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC: Society.

History of Co-operatives societies

.On May 8th, 1948 the Co-operative Societies Act of British Guiana was passed.

.Today there are many registered co-operative societies in Guyana.

.The aim of these societies is to improve the living conditions of members.

What are Co-operatives?

Co-operatives are voluntary business organizations formed by people. Their aim is to provide goods and services cheaply and easily for a community members.

Facts about Co-operative Societies.

• Any seven (7) persons or more can form a co-operative society.

• In a Co-operative Society no member can have more than one vote regardless of how much money he/she puts into the society. • Only the Registrar of Co-operatives can register a Co-operative Society.

•No person or group of persons should use the word 'Co-operatives' in his business unless it has been legally registered.

Types of Co-operatives Societies

 Agricultural Production Co-operatives  Consumer C-operatives  Credit Unions  Fishermen‟s Co-operatives  School Thrift Society

The School Co-operative Thrift Society

In 1951 the through the Education Ministry started co- operatives in schools. These schools were Philadelphia Church of Scotland School, East Bank , St. Swithin's Anglican School, Vreed-en-Hoop and St. Ann's Anglican, Agricola. These co- operatives were successful. Since 1957 there have been School Co- operative Thrift Societies in many schools throughout Guyana.

School Co-operative Thrift Society

Members of a School Co-operative Thrift Society are pupils from Grades 2 to 6, of a school which has a School Co-operative. Who runs the School Co-operative Thrift Society?

. A School Co-operative Thrift Society is managed by the members of the society. The School Co-operative Thrift Society is supervised by a Teacher Officer.

.The members of the Society elect the officers who manage the co- operative. These officers are the Chairman, the Secretary and the Treasurer.

Types of savings in a School Co-operative Thrift Society.

There are two types of savings:

.Ordinary Savings are withdrawn only when a pupil leaves the school.

. Special Savings are withdrawn periodically for special reasons. For example, to purchase text books or uniforms of payment for examination fees.

The funds of the society are deposited in the name of the school co- operative at a commercial bank. The trustees- Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer operate the bank account on behalf of the members.

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC- Cooperative Society

Credit Union (Co-operative Society)

. A Credit Union is a group of people with something in common.

.The members agree to save money together and lend money to each other when needed.

.Co-operative Credit unions have a long and honourable history.

.They have been described as unique depository institutions, created not for profit but to serve members as credit cooperatives by the provision of loans at low interest rates.

.They are traditionally democratically governed, each member having one vote with a member-elected board of directors and membership is voluntary.

.They have been described as the people‟s banks. In Guyana, they have provided a means whereby workers can contribute an amount each month to a fund administered by a committee appointed by those workers. That committee from time to time on application by workers makes loans to them from the fund.

.Perhaps the biggest credit union in this country, the Guyana Public

Service Co-operative Credit Union Limited, was established in 1963 and is registered under the Co-operative Societies.

Members of Credit Union

. Members of a Credit Union must have a common bond. They may be employees of the same establishment e.g.

 The Guyana Defense Force Credit Union. They may be members of the same church e.g. The St. James the-Less Credit Union.  They may be members of a particular e.g. The Guyana Teachers Co-operative Credit Union - Reg. 39.  The Guyana Public Service Credit Union, Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Credit Union Reg. 749.

How the members save?

Savings is done by investing in shares on a weekly or monthly basis. Some persons give permission for their savings to be taken out from their salary.

How members get loans from the Credit Union

(i) A member must save regularly in the society.

(ii) Two members of the same society must sign as guarantors. (iii) The member must satisfy the committee of management that the loan would be used for anything for himself/herself and/or the total welfare of his or her immediate family.

A guarantor is someone who agrees to be responsible for the debts that are made by

someone else. In case of any problem, the guarantor is expected to pay the debts.

Some advantages of being a member of a Credit Union

(i) Members amass large sums of money in a relatively short time by saving sums of money regularly.

(ii) Members can borrow any amount of money far in excess of the number of shares they have in the society.

(iii) The rate of interest on loans is lower than that of other lending agencies (banks, insurances).

(iv) Repayments of loans are easier. (v) There is no long waiting for loans. Some Credit Unions provide scholarships for members or their children.

Guyana: A Co-operative Republic

A major achievement in co-operatives took place on the 23rd February 1970 when Independent Guyana was declared a Co- operative Republic. Co-operatives were introduced in all activities in different parts of the country. The introduction of Co-operatives in all parts of Guyana was to encourage Guyanese to take part in making decisions, to help develop Guyana.

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC-Forts and Monuments

A fort is a strong building or a place with a wall or fence around it where persons can stay and be safe from the enemy.

A fort is a strongly made structure or set of structures used to defend important places e.g. settlements, towns, and crossings.

A long time ago the Europeans who were the Dutch, French,

Spanish and English came to Guyana in search of gold. Eventually they settled and set up trading posts and plantations to cultivate cotton, tobacco and sugar. Those Europeans attacked and fought one another in order to call the colonies of the country their own. The Dutch during their occupation and settlement in the country built forts to defend their settlements against attacks by other countries. At the time, Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara were separated.

Fort Information Picture of Fort Fort A fort built to defend the Nassau Dutch settlement. Abraham Van Pere, a Dutchman, who got permission from the Dutch West Indian Company built . Fort Nassau was built in the year 1627. It was built fifty miles up the Berbice River. Fort Fort Zeelandia was the first Zeelandia Dutch Administrative Headquarters. It was built on Fort Island in Essequibo River. Fort Island, was once the Dutch capital on the colony of Essequibo. It was built in 1744.

Fort Kyk- Fort Kyk-Over-Al was over-al a Dutch fort in the colony of Essequibo. It was constructed in 1616 at the intersection of the Essequibo, Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers. It once served as the centre for the Dutch administration of the county, but now only ruins are left. The name Kyk-Over-Al derives from the Dutch for "See over all", a reference to the commanding view of the river from the fort.

TOPIC: Our Nation SUB-TOPIC-Monuments

A monument is a type of structure created to commemorate a person or event, or which has become relevant to a social group as a part of their remembrance of historic times or cultural heritage.

Importance of monuments

.Monuments can be seen to withstand the test of time, created by ancient civilizations that outlive their creators and to tell of what was important to their culture that needed to be memorialized.

.A monument includes any building, structure, object or other work of man or of nature whether above or below the surface of the land or the floor of the sea within the territorial waters of Guyana and any site, cave or excavation.

. Monuments are as varied as their creators. They represent the hopes or aspirations of the people built to withstand the sands of times. National monuments are the vested responsibility of the National Trust and are gazetted as such, after cabinet has approved them.

Monument Description /Significance Picture 1763 -Located at the head of Monument Brickdam, along Vlissingen Road, D‟Urban Backlands is the 1763 Monument. -This structure was built to commemorate the 1763 rebellion also known as the “Great Rebellion” that occurred on plantation Magdelenenburg in

Berbice, Region 6.

During the revolt, a household slave named Cuffy from plantation Lilienburg quickly assumed a leading role in the rebellion and organised a number of riots against plantations owners. The uprising lasted for more than a year before the Dutch were able to overcome the slaves. For Guyana‟s 10th Independence anniversary a call was made to have a monument erected to commemorate the rebellion. Mr. Phillip Moore‟s concept of the monument was selected. The structure was unveiled by President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham on May 23, 1976. Non- Located with its entrance facing Aligned Avenue of the Republic and Monument borders Church Street to its north and North Road to its south is the Non-Aligned Monument. This edifice was unveiled by His Excellency, Mr. , the

first in honour of the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement; these founders are: the Presidents of Egypt, Ghana, India and Yugoslavia. The monument also commemorates the 1972 Conference (August 8-11) of Foreign Ministers of Non-Aligned countries, the first of its kind to be held in Guyana. It consists of four busts, sculpted to the likeness of each of the founders of the movement. The busts were sculpted in the countries where the men originated from. Umana is located on High Yana Street, Kingston, Georgetown. The first Umana Yana to be built in the city of Georgetown was erected in 1972. It was designed by Guyanese architect, Mr. George Henry and was built on the site of the old Marine‟s Club.

St. St. George‟s Cathedral is George‟s considered one of Guyana‟s Cathedral most prestigious built wonders; this edifice is located along a roundabout on North Road in Lacytown, Georgetown. The cathedral was first established in 1796 and services were held in a small court room in the building. By 1805, the church‟s membership outgrew the small room. The current cathedral is considered the fourth building to be built by the church and is considered one of the tallest wooden churches in the Caribbean.

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC-Monuments

Monument Description /Significance Picture State House State House, the Official Residence of the President of Guyana is located with its main façade facing Main Street and borders New Market & Carmichael Streets, Cummingsburg, Georgetown. The structure is sometimes addressed as „Guyana House‟ and was formerly known as ‘Government House.’ Red House Located at Lot 65-67 High Street, (Kamana Kingston, Georgetown is the Court) building known as Red House. Red House is also known as Kamana Court and is commonly referred to as the Research Centre (CJRC) which is currently housed at the location. The building is a 19th century colonial structure. The Enmore The Enmore Martyrs' Monument is Martyrs' located at Plantation Enmore, Monument East Coast of Demerara. This monument was erected in honour of the five heroic sugar workers: Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee,

Surajballi and Harry, who were killed during a massive working class protest against the social and economic conditions on the East Coast sugar estates.

The Georgetown Cenotaph is The George a war memorial in Georgetown, -town Guyana, located at the junction Cenotaph of Main and Church Streets.

The Cenotaph was unveiled on

August 14, 1923, by the then

Governor, Graeme Thomson, and

the first Armistice Day observance

took place at the Church Street

Monument on 11 November 1923.

On the four faces of the base of

the Cenotaph are inscribed the

four words - Devotion, Humanity,

Fortitude, and Sacrifice.

The Cenotaph is a national memorial to Guyanese soldiers who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. Guyanese soldiers served and fought in such far off places as Egypt, France, Belgium, and East Africa.

After the end of the Second World War in 1945, Armistice Day was renamed Remembrance Day or Remembrance Sunday, and observed on the first or second Sunday of November. Since 1956, it was internationally agreed to observe Remembrance Day on the second Sunday of November.

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC- Government The Guyana Constitution

A government is a group of people with the authority to govern a country or state; a particular ministry in office.

After independence, the Government made some new laws and rules to govern our country. These laws were written in a book called the People's Constitution. This new constitution is the Supreme Law of Guyana, and it came into effect on October 6, 1980.

Some laws in the New Constitution state that:

(a) Guyana is a Co-operative Republic.

(b) The President is .

(c) Every citizen has a right to work.

(d) Citizens have a right to form political parties.

(e) Every citizen has a right to:

(i) rest, recreation and leisure.

(ii) free medical attention and also social care in case of old age and disability.

(iii) participate in activities designed to improve the environment and protect the health of the nation. TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC- System of Government The Electoral System

. The constitution of Guyana provides for the holding of National and Regional Elections every five years.

.Every citizen of Guyana or a commonwealth citizen domiciled and resident in Guyana is entitled to vote at an election once he or she is eighteen years old and over.

.Guyanese is given the opportunity to elect the Government of their choice. Before elections are held, an Elections Commission is set up.

.The Elections Commission is responsible for managing the General,

Regional and Local Government elections throughout the ten administrative .

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is the entity that is responsible for the administration and conduct of .

. GECOM is headed by a Chairman and six Commissioners. GECOM is supported by core staff in its Secretariat.

. The work of the Commission is supplemented in its elections preparation and administration by thousands of temporary staff.

Organizational Chart for GEOCOM

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC- Functions of the Election Commission

Guyana Elections Commission is responsible for:

• the registration of electors 18 years and over, residing in Guyana.

• the conduct of Elections on Elections Day.

• ensuring that fairness, impartiality and compliance to instructions given, are in operation on this day.

• postponing the holding of elections after discussion with the President and Leader of the Minority in Parliament, to another day, for the country or a specified area(s), if any ills or hardships occur.

Preparing for the Elections

Elections are usually held every five years for General and Regional and three years for the Local Government. Just before elections, the many political parties start their campaign. Leaders of political parties hold meetings throughout Guyana.

Political Campaign

The politicians travel throughout the ten regions of Guyana. They tell people about the better way of life they will provide for them, if they are elected as the new government. Some things they promise are:

Better Infrastructures

Improved Education

Increase in salaries and wages

Increase benefits for senior citizens

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC- Election Process

Elections Day

On Elections Day, voting is done at Polling Stations in all the Administrative Regions of Guyana. Voting starts at 06:00h and ends at 18:00h. Voting is done by secret ballot on paper provided by the Elections Commission.

Specimen ballot paper

Polling Day Staff

Polling Stations are set up in each division of every administrative region. Voting is done in secrecy. Some people who work at the Polling Stations on elections day are:

• A Presiding Officer

• An Assistant Presiding Officer

• A Poll Clerk

• A Poll Agent and Accounting Clerk

• Observers Polling Day Staff

When the Polling Station is closed, the votes are counted.

A copy of the results is posted outside of the polling station. Each representatives receives a copy of the results of their polling station. The original is sent to the Elections Commission. The political party that secures the most votes is declared the winning party by the Elections Commissioner. The leader of this party becomes the President. That leader who functions as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces can then form the government. The losing party or parties become the Opposition. The leader of the losing party with the most votes becomes the Leader of the Opposition. He or she is called the Minority Leader.

Electoral Systems

Guyana‟s elections have been conducted under two systems. Up to 1961 we used the First-Past-the Post System. In this system, the candidate (or party) that obtains the highest number of votes in a particular constituency wins the seat for that constituency.

From the 1964 elections, we began to use the Proportional Representation System. In this system all the votes cast in the whole country at the National Elections are counted. Each political party is allocated seats in proportion to the number of votes it has obtained. A party that has obtained 50% of the votes is allocated 50% of the seats i.e. 20 out of 40 for the National Elections.

 The national assembly shall contain sixty-five (65) elected members under the system of Proportional Representation.  Guyana is divided into ten (10) geographical constituencies for the purpose of electing members of the National Assembly.  Of the sixty-five (65) elected members twenty-five (25) members come from the geographical constituency. The other forty (40) elected members of the National Assembly are chosen from the „national top-up lists‟. Geographical Constituency Number of Members of the National Assembly elected No. 1 2

No. 2 2

No. 3 3

No. 4 7

No. 5 2

No. 6 3 No. 7 2

No. 8 1

No. 9 1

No. 10 2

Total 25

PRESIDENT

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Total 65 seats Top –up  40 seats Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 2 2 3 7 2 3 2 1 1 2 seats seats seats seats seats seats seats seat seat seats

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC-Central Government

Central Government

Central Government comprises the President, the Prime Minister and other Ministers who are appointed by the President from members of the National Assembly. The President may also appoint non-elected ministers but these persons cannot vote in the National Assembly. Ministers are appointed to head various ministries. Some of these are:  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 The Ministry of the Presidency.

 Ministry of Legal Affairs.

 Ministry of Finance.

Function of Central Government

Legislative Arm

.Legislative Arm of the Government is responsible for marking laws

and rules.

. The National Assembly makes up the Legislative Arm. The laws and

rules formulated must be debated upon and passed in Parliament before they can become laws. Executive Arm

.Executive authority is exercised by the President, who appoints and supervises the Prime Minister and other ministers of the

Cabinet. .The Executive Arm is concerned with carrying out the laws. This is made up the various Ministries and departments, each one concerned with a different aspect of the policies of the government. Each ministry is headed by a Minister.

.The people who staff the ministries are called public servants.

Judicial Arm

The justice system called the Judiciary, is responsible for ensuring the laws are carried out correctly and anyone who breaks the law is suitably punished.

.The Judiciary is housed at the Law Courts. Judges, magistrates, lawyers and policemen are main workers in the Judiciary.

Supreme Organs of Democratic Power

The Supreme Organs of Democratic Power are:

(i). Parliament.

(ii). The President

(iii). The Cabinet

President Parliament Cabinet The National Every country has a The President of the Co- Assembly is special body of operative Republic of constituted as persons who make Guyana is the head of Parliament when sure the plans of the state and the head of the Executive Government are government of Guyana, President is present. carried out. In as well as Guyana this body of the Commander-in- persons is called Chief of the armed "The Cabinet." forces of the Republic, according to the Constitution of Guyana. The president is also the chancellor of the Orders of Guyana.

Our National Assembly

This body usually meets in the Parliament Buildings. It is the Law- making body of government.

Composition of the National Assembly.

. At present, there are 65 elected members from the various political parties. Forty are elected from the National Elections (Top-up seats) and 25 from the Regional (Geographical) elections.

. The Executive President appoints an elected member as the Prime

Minister. The Prime Minister is the chief assistant to the President to discharge the functions of the government in the National Assembly. Members of the National Assembly elect a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker.

. The Speaker is responsible for the proper conduct of business in the

National Assembly.

.The Speaker can be a non-elected member of the National

Assembly, that is, he/she may not have been elected at the polls. Often there are Ministers who are appointed but who were not elected at the polls. They are also called non-elected members. Our constitution provides for four non-elected members and two Parliamentary Secretaries. The Speaker

The Speaker is the presiding officer of the National Assembly in Guyana. His duties are like those of a Chairman of your School‟s Co-operative, or your School's Parent Teachers' Association. The Speaker directs the meetings. He has the power to discipline any member of the National Assembly, if there is need to do so.

The Mace

.The Mace is a symbol of the authority or power of the Speaker.

Engraved on the head of the Mace is Guyana's Coat of Arms and affixed thereto is a flag of Guyana.

.The stem has representations of the Victoria Regia Lily, the sugar- cane and rice plants.

.Before the National Assembly starts its sessions, the Sergeant-at-

Arms of the National Assembly, enters the Parliament Chamber with the Mace and sets it on the table in the Chamber. This tells the Assembly that the Speaker is on his way to the Assembly. The Speaker's decision is final.

The Mace

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC- Local Government

Local Government

.Our country, Guyana is very large, and it is very difficult for one body of persons in Georgetown to manage.

.The Local Government and the Regional Administration assist in managing the affairs of our country. For Local Government people are selected or elected within the area in which they live to serve on the Local Government. They serve as chairmen, councillors, and Captains in the case of Amerindian villages.

. They make plans for the smooth administration of these communities. They ensure these plans are carried out. Some of these plans are implemented by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council.

At present there are still the traditional Amerindian Village Councils. The constitution makes provision as well for Village Councils. The City and other towns are not part of the Regional System. They are run by the Mayors and Councils. They are called Municipalities. However, they work along with the Regions. The Amerindian Reservations and settlements also work along with the Regions.

Regional Officers

Here are some important workers in the Regional Office.

Workers Functions Regional Chairman Makes Central Government aware of problems in the region. Ensures that decisions arrived at, are carried out.

Regional Councillors Ensures that decisions arrived at, are carried out. Regional Executive Officer The Chief Government Officer in the region. Responsible for the administration of Government's policies in the region. Regional Education Officer Looks after all aspects of education in the region Regional Medical Officer Monitors health facilities in the region.

TOPIC: Our Nation

SUB-TOPIC- National Budget

A national budget is a financial statement that gives any estimate of the planned revenue and planned expenditure of the government for one particular financial year.

Objective of Government Budget

Some of the important objectives of government budget are as follows:

1. Reallocation of Resources

2. Reducing inequalities in income and wealth

3. Economic Stability

4. Management of Public Enterprises

5. Economic Growth

6. Reducing regional disparities.

Revenue

Revenue is the income of a government from taxation, excise duties, customs, or other sources, appropriated to the payment of the public expenses.

Ways Government obtain Revenue

Expenditure

The money that government spend on services and other areas is called expenditure.

Areas of Expenditure of the Government.

TOPIC: Nation

SUB-TOPIC How We Protect Ourselves.

Our Police Force

The Guyana Police was established on the 1st July, 1839. It was then known as the British Guiana Police Force. Before Independence, the Force was managed by a Commissioner who was not a Guyanese. He was sent to Guyana by the King or Queen of England who ruled the country at that time. After Independence, the Police Force was managed by a Guyanese.

Benefits of the Police Force

Our country has rules and regulations. These must be observed by every citizen. The Police Force ensures that citizens obey these rules and regulations, that is, they do not break the law. If they do break the laws the police places them before the courts.

Other ways in which a Police Force helps a country are by:

- preventing citizens from taking the laws into their own hands. - encouraging citizens to make their complaints at a police station.

- providing citizens with police protection so that they would be encouraged to be involved in business.

-maintaining law and order in the country.

TOPIC: How We Protect Ourselves.

SUB-TOPIC -Our Defence Force

Our Defence Force

Before Independence, our Defence Force was known as the British Guiana Volunteer Force. It contained no females. Only males were accepted for training in this organisation. The volunteers did drills and were taught to use weapons. In 1964, Premier Cheddi Jagan formed the Special Service Unit (S.S.U.). This was made up of members of the Volunteer Force and senior officers of the Police Force. They were based at the Rifle Ranges, which is now known as Camp Ayanganna. On the 1st November, 1965 this same organisation became the . Its first Chief of Staff was a British Officer, Colonel Pope. Today males as well as females can join the Guyana Defence Force. Since Independence, the Head of the army has been a Guyanese. That person is known as the Chief-of- Staff and Head of the Army. The President of our country is the Commander-in-Chief. He is the only person who can give orders to the Chief-of-Staff. The main Headquarters of the army is at Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown. Other important centres are Camp Tacama, Berbice River and Camp Stephenson next to our International Airport.

Our Courts and Corrective Institutions

Some people feel the court is a place where only punishment and hardships are given out. It is not so. Your home and your school have rules and regulations. According to the offence, persons are alleged to have committed, they are charged by a police officer and are summoned to appear before the Magistrate and/or Judge to be discipline.

Scale of Justice

Courts in Guyana The Magistrate's Court

The Magistrate's Court has limited powers. Only cases such as minor traffic offences, disorderly behaviour, and land cases are tried here.

The High Court

This Court deals with murder, rape, treason and other grave offences, In the Supreme Court, a group of twelve persons called Jurors decide whether a person or persons is/are guilty or innocent. If guilty, the Judge then passes sentence on the offender(s).

The Appeal Court The Appeal Court is the highest court of Guyana. This court hears appeals from persons who may have lost a case in a lower court. This Appeal Court can change the decisions made by a magistrate or judge in the Magistrate's or Supreme (High) Courts.

Corrective Institutions in Guyana

Prison

Prison is an institution set up by the Government to instill corrective behaviour in offenders of the law.

Camp Street Prison

New Opportunity Corps. Some children in society do not attend school. During the day they can be seen wandering on the streets. Sometimes they commit crimes. When they are held by the police, they are 'passed through' the courts. The courts may order that they be taken to the New Opportunity Corps. This is a place of correction for youths under 18 years of age. Offenders attend school there and are taught different skills. With these skills it is hoped that they can carry on a business or find a job easily. There will be no need to steal or do wrong acts, in order to live.

New Opportunity Corps.

TOPIC: Natural Disasters Disaster is a sudden accident or a natural catastrophe that causes great damage or loss of life.

A natural disaster is a major adverse event resulting from natural processes of the earth. A natural disaster can cause loss of life or damage to property. For example:

 Floods  Hurricanes  Tornadoes  Volcanic Eruptions  Earthquakes  Tsunamis

Types of Natural Disasters.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are large, swirling storms with winds of 119 kilometers per hour (74 mph) or higher. The storms form over warm ocean waters and sometimes strike land. When a hurricane reaches land, it pushes a wall of ocean water ashore. This wall of water is called a storm surge, which along with heavy rain can cause flooding, especially near the coast.

Once a hurricane forms, weather forecasters predict its path and how strong it will get. This information helps people prepare for the storm before it arrives.

Stages of Hurricanes in the Caribbean. Stage I: Hurricane Watch

Hurricane watch means a hurricane may hit an area.

Stage II: Hurricane Warning means a hurricane is heading for an area.

Stage III: Radio and television help, “Radio and television keep people informed about the weather conditions. The announcements tell the people what to do. They may be told which areas to evacuate until the winds or storms have ceased and which buildings are to be used as shelters.

Hospitals and their Workers Help

Hospitals are very important. When people are hurt or injured, the hospitals must be working well to take care of them. Every worker at the hospitals should know exactly what he or she must do when disaster strikes.

• Each hospital must be checked to make sure the building, roof and windows are strong enough to withstand a hurricane.

• Announcements must be made so that the road to the hospital is kept clear and free from parked cars, buses and vans.

• The hospital must also have extra stocks of foods, drugs and water supplies. It should also have a generator for supplying electricity.

Rebuilding after a Tropical Storm When a tropical storm hits an area, the lives of people are affected. Communities are left without potable water, electricity supply, and transportation is disrupted. People are left homeless and without food. Sometimes schools, offices and work-sites are forced to close after destruction.

Aftermath of Hurricane

TOPIC: Natural Disasters SUB-TOPIC: Volcanoes

A volcano is an opening in the earth's surface through which melted rocks known as lava, ashes and gases, escape through the opening with explosive force. Volcanoes exist in three different states.

These states are active, dormant and extinct.

An active volcano can come to life or erupt at any time.

A dormant volcano is quiet or inactive for a period.

An extinct volcano can no longer come to life, or erupt.

In many parts of the world including the Caribbean volcanoes are active, dormant or extinct. Some of the volcanoes of the Caribbean are South Soufriere in Monsterrat, Mount Pele of Martinique, Mount Soufriere of St. Vincent and Soufriere of St. Lucia.

Aftermath of volcanoes

Earthquakes

An earthquake is an intense shaking of the earth‟s surface. The shaking is caused by movements in the earth‟s outermost layer. Why Do Earthquakes Happen?

Although the earth looks like a pretty solid place from the surface, it‟s actually extremely active just below the surface. The earth is made of four basic layers: a solid crust, a hot, nearly solid mantle, a liquid outer core and a solid inner core.

A diagram of earth's layers

Earthquakes have destroyed many Caribbean cities, towns and villages in the last three hundred years; for example Port Royal, Jamaica in 1692, Caracas in 1812. In 1843 earthquake levelled buildings in Guadeloupe and killed a third of the local population. In Guatemala in 1976, an earthquake left nearly 23,000 dead and billions of dollars in damages.

Earthquakes usually take place in special areas of the earth. They sometimes come without warning. If an earthquake occurs now, you would be surprised. Some people would panic.

Here are some things your teacher could do to prepare you, for an earthquake:

• Gather the pupils of her class

.• Discuss what you could do if an earthquake strike.

• Select a place where everyone would meet to practise earthquake drills.

• Name one or more safety spots in each room of your school.

• Practise first-aid and how to use a fire extinguisher,

• Make a list of essential things which should be kept in school. e.g. bottled water, flashlights and radios (extra batteries too), essential medications.

What do you do when the shaking is over?

• Still remain calm

• Find out if anyone was injured

• Give first-aid

• Listen to the radio for instructions

Here are other things your teacher should do:

• Inspect the building for damages

• Listen to the radio or television for instructions

• Advise you if it is safe for you to go home alone.

• Assist you if you are told to evacuate the area.

• Assist you to go to a shelter, if your school and/or home is unsafe.

Tsunamis are giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea. Out in the depths of the ocean, tsunami waves do not dramatically increase in height.

Aftermath of a Tsunami

Forest Fire

These fires occur in forests, shrub lands and grasslands. Some are uncontrolled wildfires started by lightning or human carelessness. A small number are prescribed fires set by authorized forest managers to mimic natural fire processes that renew and maintain healthy ecosystems.

Forest fire

Floods

Flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry. Flood is an area of study in the discipline of hydrology. It is the most common and widespread natural severe weather event. Floods can look very different because flooding covers anything from a few inches of water to several feet. Floods are often caused by heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt or a storm surge from a tropical cyclone or tsunami in coastal areas. Some floods are caused by humans. When kokers are left open it can cause flooding.

Flood

Effects of floods

 In Guyana, flooding generally causes damage to property and infrastructure, and agricultural losses.  Flooding also increases the risk of waterborne diseases.  However, the worst recorded flood event in Guyana in January, 2005 resulted in several deaths due to Leptospirosis.  Lost of livestock due to drowning  Water is often contaminated during flooding making it difficult to get potable water.  The agricultural sector is mostly affected since there are damages to crops and loss of livestock. This has a direct impact on the country‟s economy which is Agri-based.  The issue of Flash Floods is exacerbated along coastal Guyana due to a poorly maintained drainage system and the indiscriminate disposal of solid waste into the drainage system.

Chickens died from flooded waters

Picture of a flooded area on the Coastland.

Reducing Flood Effects

- Cleaning drain - Planting trees - Building kokers - Stopping water pollution

TOPIC: Weather and Climate

SUB-TOPIC: Difference between weather and climate

A weather pattern occurs when the weather stays the same for days or weeks at a time. The patterns of weather are tied to the four seasons: summer, winter, spring, and fall. There are a few different weather patterns that you may already know about, such as hot and dry, wet and rainy, or cold.

Meteorologist is a person who study the weather. He/she works at the meteorological station.

Meteorologist

Weather Patterns

Seasons

Summer Winter

Autumn Spring

Weather Instruments

TOPIC: Weather and Climate

SUB-TOPIC-Clothing Worn for the Different Seasons

People are required to wear different clothing for the different seasons.

Spring Clothing

TOPIC: Weather and Climate

SUB-TOPIC- Effects of Weather and Climate

There are many factors that will be affected by climate change including rising sea levels, drought and loss of agricultural land.

.Increasing temperatures caused by climate change will make the water of the oceans expand; ice melting in the Antarctic and Greenland will also contribute to the rising sea level.

.Sea levels could rise by as much as 25 to 50 cm, by the year 2100.

Greater sea levels will threaten the low-lying coastal areas such as the Netherlands and Bangladesh, millions of areas of land will be at danger from flooding; causing people to leave their homes. Low lying areas in cities will be hugely affected by the rising sea.

.Changes in weather will affect many crops grown around world.

Crops such as wheat and rice grow well in high temperatures, while plants such as maize and sugarcane prefer cooler climates. Changes in rainfall patterns will also affect how well plants and crops grow. The effect of a change in the weather on plant growth may lead to some countries not having enough food. Brazil, parts of Africa, south-east Asia and China will be affected the most and many people could be affected by hunger. .All across the world, there is a big demand for water and in many regions, such as the central and eastern Africa there is not enough water for the people. Changes in the climate will change the weather patterns and will bring more rain in some countries, but others will have less rain, generally dry areas will become drier and wet areas could become wetter.

.As climate change takes place, our daily weather and normal temperatures will change, the homes of plants and animals will be affected all over the world. Polar bears and seals are examples of animals that will be affected by climate change. They will have to find new land for hunting and living, if the ice in the Arctic melts, but the fact is more real that these species could become extinct.

.Climate changes will affect everyone, but some populations will be at greater risk. Countries whose coastal regions have a large population, such as Egypt and China, may have to move populations inland to avoid flooding.

The effect on people will depend on how well we can adapt to the changes and how much we can do to reduce climate change in the world.