Christopher Columbus first sighted the Guyana coast in 1498. However it was the Dutch who were the first Europeans  to settle here in 1616 , establishing  a trading post in the Essequibo river , to trade with the Amerindians.

The English were next inline and the reigns of control changed hands several times over the years between the two nations. Finally , the English  became the dominant  power in 1796.

During this time slaves  were brought from Africa , to work on the sugar plantations. In 1834 slavery was abolished and the slaves set free, leaving many plantations to close or locate another source of labor.

Eventually the British decided to transport indentured workers from India to work on the sugar plantations. Almost 250, 000 Indians came to Guyana during this time.

Finally in 1966 the English granted independence to then British Guyana.....yepeee!!  Guyana remains a mixture of European influences which are present in the names of towns and streets .

Also the old Victorian architecture is noticeable in the design of some buildings , such as the Town Hall and St. George's Cathedral , reputed to be the tallest wooden structure in the world. The old Dutch kokers still remain operable today.

Most of the population resides on the coastland , with  mostly the Amerindians remaining in the interior or savannahs , some still practicing the " old way of life"