Study Package - Grade 6 Notes - 2021 - Social Studies

SOCIAL STUDIES

Grade Six Study Package

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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION GRADE 6 STUDY PACKAGE SOCIAL STUDIES - NOTES TOPIC: Politeness SUB-TOPIC: Rules for better living Definition Politeness means having or showing good manners or respect for other people. Being polite helps you to have appropriate and considerate behaviour which will enable you to form good manners and become more socially attentive when you grow up.

Breaking of rules: 1.

Rules broken at home and school result in punishment of some form.

2.

Rules broken at work place can result in one being disciplined or fired.

3.

Rules broken at societal or country level result in one being punished by the courts.

4.

Rules broken while playing games can lead to disqualification.

5.

Rules broken when travelling can result in an accident.

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School rules are important for the effective management of the school.

Some school rules are: - Attend school regularly & punctually.

- Pupils must always be dressed in uniforms.

- Pupils must obey the bell etc.

Some home rules are: - Obey your parents.

- Show respect for older relatives.

- Be courteous to your friends and relatives.

Some rules when among elders: - Show respect for elders - Greet elderly people.

- Help elderly people.

Some rules for travelling: -Wear seat belts, helmets or life jackets.

- Do not smoke.

- Do not carry firearm, weapons or explosive.

Some rules for the road: -Walk on the right-hand side of the road.

- Use the pedestrian crossing.

- Drivers must use speed limit.

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Some rules for sports and games: -Obey decisions made by the referee or umpire.

- Follow given instructions.

- Be friendly to your opponent.

SUB-TOPIC: Showing respect for public infrastructure.

Infrastructure refers to permanent structures found in our community and country. Some infrastructures found in our community are roads, bridges, landmarks, properties, private and public buildings, monuments, water systems, utility posts (such as telephone and electricity), bus sheds, water hydrants, pump stations, sluices and kokers, play grounds and parks.

All infrastructures in our community must be protected because they are of service to the people in the community.

Some ways by which infrastructure can be protected are: • Putting up signs such as No trespassing, No bills.

• Do not: -sit on rails of bridges, culverts -throw stones on building, post bills, litter, tie animals on posts.

• Follow the instructions of road signs.

• Keep animals off the road.

Pictures of infrastructure in your community

Community Play Parks SUB-TOPIC: 4|Page

Traffic Lights

Fire Hydrant

Desirable behaviours Respect for leaders and visitors.

Courtesy rules and maxims.

Some desirable behaviours children must have are: Being courteous to all elders and peers.

Being kind to everyone.

Greet or welcome everyone.

Being polite.

Be helpful to all.

Show care and concern.

Showing respect for leaders and elders: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Answer verbally when spoken to.

Say excuse me if you have to interrupt.

Remember to say please, thank you and sorry in different situations.

Greet elders and visitors.

Address elders and visitors appropriately.

Enquire from visitors if they need help.

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TOPIC: Guyana’s Natural Regions.

SUB - TOPIC: What is a Natural Region?

Guyana has different landforms called Natural Region.

A Natural Region is an area, which has similar features such as soil, built of land, plants or vegetation and climate.

The Four Natural Regions are: Low Coastal Plain Hilly Sand and Clay Region High Land Region Interior Savannah

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TOPIC: Guyana’s Natural Regions.

SUB - TOPIC: The Low Coastal Plain The Low Coastal Plain is a narrow flat strip of land, stretching from Northern tip of Point Playa to the Corentyne River, to a distance of approximately 432 kilometres (270 miles). Its width is about 16 to 64 kilometres (10 to 40 miles).

The Low Coastal Plain is about 2 to 4 metres (6 to 8 feet) below sea level. During high tide, most of the coastline is below sea level. To keep the tide out, concrete sea-walls, dams and groynes (a structure built to interrupt water flow and limit movement of sediments, e.g. sluices and kokers) have been built. The climate of this coastal region consist of two (2) wet (rainy) and two (2) dry seasons.

Soil There are three types of soil on the Coastal Plain.

Silty clay or mud forms our rice and sugar lands.

Pegasse soil, which is soft and spongy, found especially in the Essequibo. Coffee, fruits and vegetables grow well in this type of soil.

Sandy soil, called reef lands found on the Corentyne Coast, where coconuts grow.

Vegetation The vegetation (plant growth of any country or region) of the Coastal Plain is affected by soil, climate and land formation. The natural vegetation (flora) on the mudflats of the Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara River is the mangrove and courida trees. Their roots help to hold the soil together and prevent erosion. Other natural vegetations include the Troolie Palm, the Ete Palm, Manni, White Cedar and Crabwood.

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Resources The build of the land, its clayey soil and the wet and dry climates make it suitable for the growth of, sugarcane, rice, coconuts, ground provisions, green vegetables and fruits. The rearing of poultry, livestock and fishes in some areas of this region, make agriculture the main economic activity on the Coastal Plain.

Population Most of the population of Guyana, live on the Coastal Plain earning their living on the sugar estates, on the rice fields and other agricultural areas. Some also work in towns or other nearby villages as public servants.

Important Places Some important places on the Coastal Plain: 1. Five towns of Guyana are found on the Coastal Plain. These are: Georgetown – the capital city and chief port.

Anna Regina New Amsterdam Rose Hall Corriverton 2. The Tapakuma Irrigation Project on the Essequibo Coast.

3. Chief Lakes Also on the Essequibo Coast. These are: - The Tapakuma Lake - The Quakabuka or Mainstay Lake - Capoey Lake and Ituribisci Lake 4. The Agricultural Project - The Mahaica Mahaicony Abary, Agricultural Development Authority. (MMA/ADA) 8|Page

TOPIC: Guyana’s Natural Regions.

SUB - TOPIC: The Hilly Sand and Clay Region The Hilly Sand and Clay Region is found south of the Low Coastal Plain. It covers about one quarter of Guyana and extends from the Pomeroon River, arcs inland to the Mazaruni and Potaro Rivers, then eastward to the Corentyne, the border at Suriname.

This sandy region has hills of various heights, with valleys and many black water creeks. The days are hot and the nights are cold, with some relief rainfall.

Soil In the Hilly Sand and Clay Region, the soil is made up of white or reddish sand and red clay.

Vegetation In the red and clayey areas, some agricultural farming is carried out in this region. The sandy soil is covered is by valuable forest of Greenheart, Mora, Crabwood, Wallaba, and other timbers.

Resources Bauxite, which is mined at Linden (Mackenzie), Ituni and Kwakwani and then exported to be converted into aluminium.

Timber is cut from the Bartica Triangle and Mabura Hill.

Dairy products from Moblissa.

Mining of sand.

Making of Charcoal.

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Population This region is not densely populated, as the Coastland. The population which is mainly loggers, bauxite workers, commercial workers, public servants and Amerindians are found mainly where bauxite mining is done, timber is cut or logging is done and where there are Missions or Amerindian Reservations are found – e.g.

Orealla, Calcuni, Epira.

Important Places Some important places on the Hilly Sand and Clay Region: Two towns of Guyana are located here. They are: - Bartica – situated at the confluence of the Cuyuni, Mazaruni and Essequibo rivers. Bartica is referred to as “ the gateway to the hinterland” Linden.

- Mining Communities such as Mackenzie (Linden), Ituni, Kwakwani.

- The Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.

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TOPIC: Guyana’s Natural Regions.

Sub – Topic: Interior Savannah A savannah is tropical grassland with scattered trees. The savannahs of Guyana are named after the Rupununi River and are situated in the south – west. The forested Kanuku Mountain range divides the area into two: The North Savannah The South Savannah Soil The soil is made up both sand and clay with rolling grass land with scattered trees, because of the grass this region is also known as cattle country.

Population The population comprises mainly of Guyana’s Indigenous people.

There are 9 tribes of Amerindians who are farmers and vaqueros i.e. people who look after cattle. The North Savannah, is the home to the Macushi Tribe. The South Savannah, where the Wapisiana’s live, is more hilly. Mountains like Shiriri, Marudi and Bat, rise sharply from the general level of the plains.

Important Places Some important places are: Lethem Dadanawa St. Ignatius The Kanuku Mountain Range

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Economic Activities The main Economic Activities are: Cattle ranching Farming of peanuts and ground provision and balata bleeding.

TOPIC: Guyana’s Natural Regions.

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SUB - TOPIC: The Forested Highland Region This Natural Region is highland is very mountainous. This is the largest region and the main source of our forest wealth. The highland is also important because: -Some of the largest gold and diamond fields in Guyana are found in this natural region.

-The highland region experiences heavy rainfall. Rain falling in this region collects in streams which run off in all directions to form the sources of the country’s main rivers.

-The majestic waterfalls e.g. Kaieteur, and other falls such as Orinduik form the scenic beauty which attract tourists from other countries.

Vegetation The vegetation consists of dense forests which provide Guyana with timber – a valuable resource which earns foreign exchange when exported.

Resources The main resources are timber gold and diamond. However they also produce beef, peanuts, maize (corn), cassava, yam, vegetables, fishing and balata bleeding. These resources make cattle ranching and farming the main economic activities of the Interior Savannahs.

Population This region is sparsely populated mainly with loggers, pork knochers, balata bleeders and native Amerindians.

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Important Places The Mazaruni – Potaro area – the largest gold and diamond producing area in Guyana.

The Majestic Kaieteur Fall on the Potaro River.

The Bartica – Potaro Roadway.

Mount Roraima Mountain Ranges Imataka

Pakaraima

Kamoa

Sierra Acarai

Kanuka

TRANSPORTATION LINK BETWEEN AND AMONG ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS. Transportation is the movement of goods, services and people from one place to another.

Various forms of transportation can be used to get from one place to another.

Land eg. road ways and trails.

Water ways eg. rivers and canals.

Air eg. using helicopter, aeroplane and sky van.

Links: region 3 & 4 Georgetown/Vreed en Hoop movements can be done via boats or motor vehicles.

Region 4 & 7 Georgetown/Bartica movements can be done via boat or aeroplane.

Region 6 & 8 Berbice/Mahdia movements can be done via buses or aeroplane.

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TOPIC: FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS SUB-TOPIC: RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS Religious Holidays in Guyana Good Friday is observed at the end of Lent- a season of forty days, during which Christian fast and pray. It is the most solemn season in the Christian calendar. It is remembered by Christians as the day Jesus was crucified on a cross to save mankind.

Every year Christians attend service, where Christ’s death is remembered by singing hymns and saying prayers of thanksgiving.

Easter is celebrated three days after Good Friday. It is a joyous festival. It signifies the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Kites are being flown in open spaces such as parks, beaches etc.

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Christmas is a festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25 every year. Christians throughout the world hold special church services to give thanks for the birth of Christ. It is a time of merry- making, feasting and giving. The spirit of goodwill and peace towards men was the message of the angles who brought the good news of Jesus’ birth.

Every year people cook special meals, bake cakes, decorate homes with Christmas tree with fairy lights, and carol singing.

Everyone enjoys Christmas, regardless of his or her religion.

Eid ul-Adha is important festival in the Muslim calendar. Some Muslims may regard this as the most important festival as it remembers the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as proof of his love for Allah (God). At this time Sacrifices are made and the meat are shared with family and friends.

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Youman Nabi

This is the celebration of the birth and death anniversary of the prophet Muhammad, to whom the Holy Quran was revealed. Muslims go to the mosque and give thanks afterwards they celebrate with

family and friends sharing sweet meats such as mettai ,burfee, vermicelli etc Phagwah .

This is the festival of colours.

It signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated as a day of spreading happiness and love. On the eve of Holi, prayers are done after which Holika (bonfires) is lit. The King’s evil sister, Holika tried to kill Prahlad because he refused to worship King Kashyapu and his riches.

Holika sat with Prahlad in her lap on the pyre. In the end she was burnt to death and Prahlad miraculously escaped alive.

In Guyana, this festival is celebrated by the squirting of coloured liquid called abeer, drenching each other with water and sprinkling of abracks and colourful powder. Also, the singing of chowtals and Holi songs can be heard in homes and streets.

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Diwali is the festival of light. It signifies light over darkness, the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, after his 14 years of exile and the victory over Ravana. On Diwali eve, there is a motorcade procession which passes through the streets of the city and some villages. Boys and girls are dressed depicting Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Vehicles are all brightly lit with decorative lights.

On Diwali day prayers are made to Goddess Laxmi and in the evening diyas (earthen lamps) are lit, sweet meats are distributed among friends, families and neighbours.

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Non-Religious National Holidays in Guyana

Mashramani Day is celebrated in

Labour Day or Workers’ Day is

observance of Guyana’s Republic

celebrated on the first of May

status, which was gained on

every year. It celebrates the

February 23, 1970.

achievements of the working

On February 22 there is usually a

people. It recalls their sacrifices

Flag – raising ceremony where the

and struggles for freedom and

President of the Republic addresses

fair employment. It salutes trade

the nation. For Guyanese, Republic

unions and their stewardship for

Day includes float parades, music,

the workers' well-being.

steal pan, costume, Masquerade bands and calypso competitions games and cooking. It is an Amerindian word meaning celebrations after hard work.

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Non-Religious National Holidays in Guyana

Arrival Day

Caricom Day is a public holiday in

Guyana observed May 5 as the

Guyana, observed on the first

beginning of the arrival of the first

Monday in July each year.

batch of Indentured immigrants.

The day marks the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas in the year 1973. The treaty established the Caribbean Community.

Emancipation day is celebrated

Independence Day is a national

on the 1st August every year to

holiday in the Co-operative

recognize the abolition of slavery.

Republic of Guyana. It is

At the National Park, there is a day celebrated on May 26 every year filled with lots of

with activities such as a flag-raising

cultural activities including African

ceremony, the president and

drumming, dancing, foods, arts

other national leaders address the public. Concerts, performances, and firework displays take place in different administrative regions of

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and craft, and literature.

the country.

Boxing Day (St. Stephen's Day)

New Year's Day is a national

December 26 is referred to

holiday as part of celebrations

as Boxing Day. This national

that start on New Year's Eve and

holiday commemorates the

reach a high point with the turning

Christian martyr who was stoned

of the clock from 11:59pm on 31st

to death. In remembrance,

December to midnight on 1st

people partake

January.

in all kinds of games and sports.

The Christian community attend Church service on the night of New Year’s Eve.

TOPIC: FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS 21 | P a g e

SUB-TOPIC: NATIONAL AND INTER -NATIONAL EVENTS CELEBRATED IN GUYANA Events Remembrances Day-

Activities • A two-minute silence is

Guyana and other countries around

held at 11am

the world celebrates Remembrance

to remember the people

Day. Remembrance Day (also known

who have died in wars

as Poppy Day or Armistice Day) is

• Poppies are worn

commemorated on the 11th

• The day is marked by

November each year, and marks the

parades within towns in

end of World War I in 1918.

Guyana • There is a service on remembrances where Wreaths are laid at the Cenotaph

Commonwealth Day

• An Anglican Service

A holiday observed in parts of

attended by the Head of the

the Commonwealth of Nations

Commonwealth, Secretary-

formerly on May 24 as the anniversary

General and High

of Queen Victoria's birthday and now

Commissioners. The service is

on the second Monday in March.

broadcast live throughout the

The aim is to celebrate the unity,

world.

diversity and links of the modern Commonwealth and to foster greater understanding of 22 | P a g e

the Commonwealth's achievements and role.

United Nation Day-

• An annual concert is

Is celebrated on the 24th October by

usually held in the

united Nations (UN) that aims to

General Assembly Hall.

maintain international peace and security.

Road Safety week The Guyana National Road Safety council campaign in partnership with

• Church Services are held.

• Videos are aired to

Guyana Police Force Traffic

remind us of

Department and other Road Safety

consequences of

Stakeholders to observe road safety

disobeying traffic rules.

week during the month OctoberNovember

• More traffic sign are being mounted • Recognizing drivers who use road correctly.

• Traffic Police patrol the road ways regularly and maintaining the flow of traffic.

Fire Prevention Week During the month of October

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• Fire Safety Fair and Exhibition.

Fire Service will host activities to help the public be aware of how they can save life in case of a fire SOME OBSERVANCES ARE:

1. Commonwealth Day - is observed on the second Monday in March.

This day is not a holiday. The day is celebrated with activities planned by each member country.

2. Youth week – this week is observed during Independence Anniversary week. It is dedicated to the youths of the country. This week gives them an opportunity to participate in activities, which will help to develop them and the communities in which they live.

3. Enmore Martyrs’s Day - This day is in honour of the sugar workers. A 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.

4. Fire Prevention week - During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.

5. Remembrance Day - Armistice Day is on 11th November and is also known as Remembrance Day. It marks the day World War One 24 | P a g e

ended, which is actually 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918. Nowadays, people remember those who were lost in the war by holding a two-minute silence and by wearing a red poppy.

6. Education Month- this is observe in the month of September.

Guyana's Education Month is a celebration of the nation's young people. It aims to promote learning and the importance of education, not just on an individual level, but in terms of benefiting society as a whole. Education Month is celebrated with activities across Guyana.

During this month world Literacy Day is also observed on September 8th. This observances have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of Literacy. Children participate in reading, singing, drama, art competions, impromptu speech, quiz, etc.

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Indigenous Heritage Month -The one month celebration is observed every September. Guyanese become increasingly aware of the contributions of the Indigenous Peoples in the Arts and Development. A Village host is chosen annually . A pageant is held and the sashing of the queen.

8. Agriculture Month – this is observed in October. Guyana's annual Agriculture Month is an opportunity for people to learn more about the current state of agriculture in the country, celebrate recent achievements and successes, and get a 25 | P a g e

sneak peek at the future of the industry. During this month we also observe World Food Day. World Food Day (October 16) promotes global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger.

9. Breast Cancer Awareness Month - The Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in countries across the world every October, helps to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease.

10. Tourism Awareness Month - Tourism Awareness Month is observed in the month of November. It puts the country’s tourist destinations on the spotlight. The tourism and hospitality sector promotes events to highlight the country’s observance.

ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS SUB-TOPIC: NAMES OF ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS Guyana was divided into Administrative Regions in 1980.

The 10 Administrative Regions are: 26 | P a g e

Region 1 – Barima – Waini Region 2 – Pomeroon – Supenaam Region 3 – Essequibo Islands – West Demerara Region 4 – Demerara – Mahaica Region 5 – Mahaica – Berbice Region 6 – East Berbice – Corentyne Region 7 – Cuyuni – Mazaruni Region 8 – Potaro – Siparuni Region 9 – Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo Region 10 – Upper Demerara – Upper Berbice

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TOPIC: ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS SUB-TOPIC: ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND TOWNS FOUND IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS. Regions

Towns

Economic Activities

1.Barima- Waini

Mabaruma

logging gold and diamond mining growing of ground provision

2. Pomeroon

Anna Regina

Supernaam 3.Essequibo Islands-

logging -

West Demerara 4.Demerara – Mahaica 28 | P a g e

rice cultivation rice cultivation sugar production

Georgetown

rice cultivation sugar cultivation

farming manufacturing coconut cultivation 5.Mahaica-Berbice

-

rice cultivation sugar production coconut cultivation cattle ranching

6.East Berbice -

New Amsterdam

rice cultivation

Corentyne

Rose Hall

sugar production

Corriverton 7.Cuyuni-Mazaruni

Bartica

gold and diamond mining charcoal production semi- precious stones mining

8. Potaro- Siparuni

Mahdia

gold and diamond mining logging

9. Upper Takutu-

Lethem

Upper Essequibo

cattle ranching peanut farming tobacco cultivation mining of semi-precious minerals

10. Demerara Berbice

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Linden

bauxite mining logging

cash crop farming e.g. pineapples, peanuts • The name of each Administrative region tells of its boundaries.

• The boundary of each region was determined by population, physical size, geography and economic resources.

• The division of the region aids in the governance of the country.

• Each Administrative Region is controlled by a RDC-Regional Democratic Council headed by a Regional Chairman • The Regional Democratic Council is responsible for the overall management and administration of the region.

• The councillors are elected at the same time as the members of the National Assembly at Regional Elections every 5 year.

TOPIC: ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS SUB-TOPIC: RESOURCES FOUND IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS Demerara -Mahaica – this is the region with the largest human resource.

This may be as a result of: • Most of Guyana’s manufacturing industries are located there.

• The capital city can be found in this region.

• More jobs opportunity are available.

• More educational and health facilities are available.

• The seat of government is located there.

Region 4 is Guyana most populated region followed by Region 6 -East Berbice Corentyne.

Most of Guyana’s mineral wealth is found in Regions 7 and 8.

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There are three hundred sixty-five small islands found in the Essequibo River. Three of the largest islands can be found at the mouth of the Essequibo, these are Hogg Island, Wakenaam and Leguan.

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.

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

Meteorologist Weather Patterns

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Seasons Summer

Autumn

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Winter

Spring

W e a t h e r I ns t r u m e n t s

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TOPIC: Weather and Climate SUB-TOPIC-Clothing Worn for the Different Seasons People are required to wear different clothing for the different seasons.

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Spring Clothing

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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.

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• 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.

TOPIC: Natural Disasters

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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 42 | P a g e

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 43 | P a g e

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 44 | P a g e

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.

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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

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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 Venezuela 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 47 | P a g e

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

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

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

• Practice 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.

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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 Fires occur in forests, causing shrub and grasslands to burn. The uncontrolled wildfires started by lightning or human carelessness. When 49 | P a g e

there is a forest fire it affects the animals living in the forest. It even caused death and relocation of many animals and in some cases the extinction of some animals. It also caused land pollution.

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.

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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.

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Chickens died from flooded waters

Picture of a flooded area on the Coastland.

Reducing flood by: - Cleaning drain - Planting trees - Building kokers - Stopping water pollution

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TOPIC: TRAFFIC RULES SUB TOPIC: TRAVELLING BY LAND Rules are there to protect us and keep us safe. When travelling on land we must observe traffic rules.

TRAFFIC RULES TO OBSERVE ON LAND. • Wear your seat belt.

• Observe road signs.

• Look out for pedestrians • Do not use hand held devices while driving.

• Do not drink and drive.

• Observe speed limit.

• Pedestrians must observe the Kerb Drill and use the Pedestrian or Zebra Crossing to get across the road.

• Always walk on the right hand side of the road. No more than two abreast.

• Always wear white or light coloured clothing at nights to be easily seen by drivers.

• Motorist must wear helmet when riding a motorcycle.

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CONSEQUENCES OF NOT OBEYING TRAFFIC RULES If road users disobey the traffic rules the consequences are: • Persons can lose their lives.

• There would be damage to vehicles and properties.

• Losing property will take a long time to repair and the cost incurred can be devastating.

• Injuring self and others which can be permanent with an expensive medical bill.

• Losing Driver’s license or disqualifying from driving for twelve months.

• Paying fines.

• Being imprisoned for reckless driving and causing death, if charged.

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BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING RULES WHEN TRAVELLING BY LAND We must therefore appreciate our traffic rules. It keeps us safe.

By following the rules we are: ▪ ensuring that others road users are aware of rules.

▪

not liable for traffic violations.

▪ saving ourselves from fines.

▪ saving ourselves from injuries.

▪ saving lives.

▪ ensuring that our society is functioning smoothly.

TRAVELLING BY WATER When travelling on water we must observe traffic rules.

➢ Don’t overload the boat. ➢ Don’t stand and move around in a moving boat.

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➢ Check the weather to make sure it is suitable to be travelling on water.

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT OBEYING RULES WHEN TRAVELLING BY WATER.

➢ You can drown, if you fall into the water and are not wearing a life jacket. Even if you are a good swimmer a fall can cause injury or unconsciousness. ➢ If you do not wear life jacket properly (snug) it would not protect you, if you fall into the water. ➢ If the boat operators do not check equipment regularly and follow the rules a disaster can happen in the water. Rescuers or lifeguards may be too late because of location. ➢

Drinking can affect judgement, vision, balance and co-ordination causing you to injure yourself and others.

BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING RULES WHEN TRAVELLING BY WATER We need to follow rules while travelling on water. Rules will keep us safe and prevent accidents.

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➢ Wearing a life jacket can keep a victim’s head above the water so they can breathe and be rescued easily. ➢ If you notice a sudden change in weather play it safe and avoid travelling on water. ➢ Exercising good judgement by not drinking will save lives and prevent injuries. ➢ Checking equipment to make sure everything is in good working conditions will make safe travel; no worries of being stranded. ➢ In case of an emergency, a First Aid Kit will be useful.

A passenger wearing his lifejacket floating in water after falling off a boat.

TRAVELLING BY AIR

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Pre-flight briefing by flight attendant.

RULES TO OBSERVE WHEN TRAVELLING BY AIR ➢ Listen to the flight attendants’ instructions. ➢ Keep your seat belt fasted while taking off and landing. ➢ Keep your seat belt fastened while you are seated. ➢ Don’t bring any hazardous material on a flight. ➢ Pay attention to preflight briefing. ➢ Let the flight attendant pour your hot drink. ➢ Use ear plugs or chewing gum when taking off and landing. ➢ Keep the overhead storage bin free of heavy articles and closed at all times.

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT OBEYING SAFETY RULES IN THE AIR ➢ If you do not wear seat belt you can get injuries from flight turbulence. ➢ If you do not listen to the flight attendant you can miss important safety tips in case there is an emergency.

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➢ Heavy bags falling out of an overhead bin can cause serious injuries. ➢ Even though there is a list of prohibited items, you still need to take note of hazardous materials which can cause fires or explosion. ➢ You can get burn or injure someone, if you pour hot drink by yourself. ➢ You can get temporary hearing loss.

BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING RULES TRAVELLING BY AIR The only way to travel to some destination is by air. We travel for different reasons and it is necessary that we follow rules or guidelines while travelling by air. Even though people may have fear to travel by air they cannot avoid it.

When we follow safety rules we are: ➢ Safe and we keep others safe. ➢ In case of emergency we know what to do and how to use oxygen, parachute, and lifejacket after listen to flight attendant. ➢ We avoid getting burn by hot liquids.

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➢ Avoid causing an explosion or starting a fire. ➢ Avoid having to experience difficulty in hearing loss after flights.

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TOPIC: Weather and Climate (Natural Regions of Guyana) SUB-TOPIC: Natural Regions and their Climatic Conditions.

•

There are four Natural Regions of Guyana.

•

One of the main reason for the country to be divided in Natural Regions is because of the different climatic conditions they experience during the year.

The Natural Regions are: •

The Low Coastal Plain

•

The Hilly Sand and Clay Region

•

The Forested Highland Region

•

The Interior Savannahs

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Map showing the Natural Regions of Guyana.

Natural Regions

Climate

Other Patterns

The Low Coastal Plain

2 wet and 2

Enjoys the cooling breezes of

dry seasons

the North-East trade winds all year round.

The Hilly Sand and Clay Region

One dry & one

Hot days and cold nights.

wet season.

The Forested Highland Region

Rainfall all year Hotter days and Cooler round.

night.

Hot wet

.

climate.

The Interior Savannahs

6 months rainfall and

Cool throughout the day.

6 months sunshine.

Facts about weather and climate.( Additional Reading) •

Weather is used to describe the conditions of the atmosphere over a short period e.g. a day or a week.

•

Climate is used to describe the average conditions of the atmosphere for long periods e.g. a number of years.

•

Climate is an important factor in the daily life of every person in Guyana.

•

The people in every Natural Region in Guyana is accustomed to the climatic condition all year around and build their livelihood around it.

•

Lying near the equator, Guyana has a tropical climate, and temperatures do not vary much throughout the year.

•

The year has two wet seasons, from December to early February and from late April to mid-August.

•

Although the temperature never gets dangerously high, the combination of heat and humidity can at times seem oppressive.

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•

The entire area is under the influence of the northeast trade winds, and during the midday and afternoon sea breezes bring relief to the coast.

•

Temperatures in Georgetown are quite constant, with an average high of 32 °C (89.6 °F) and an average low of 24 °C (75.2 °F) in the hottest month (July), and an average range of 29 to 23 °C (84.2 to 73.4 °F) in February, the coolest month.

•

Humidity in the interior is also slightly lower.

•

Rainfall is heaviest in the interior. Annual averages on the coast near the Venezuelan border are near 2,500 millimetres (98.4 in), farther east at New Amsterdam, between 2,000 and 1,500 millimetres (78.7 and 59.1 in) in Guyana’s Rupununi Savannah.

•

Areas on the northeast sides of mountains that catch the trade winds average as much as 3,500 millimetres (137.8 in) of precipitation annually.

•

Coastal areas have a second rainy season from November through January.

•

Guyana is not affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or volcanoes and although the rains are sometimes delayed, prolonged or severe droughts are relatively rare.

Changes in weather patterns due to climate change •

Over the last century, Guyana has experienced significant changes in its climate.

•

The records suggest an increase by 1.0°C of the mean annual temperature within the last century.

•

In recent years, there has been many extreme weather events that have resulted in high levels of flooding especially along the coast and in some inland areas.

•

In Guyana, it is projected that by the end of this century, temperatures can increase by up to 4°C and weather patterns will become more extreme.

•

Sea level is projected to rise at a rate of 1cm per year, about 40cm-60cm by the end of the 21st century.

•

Such rise in sea level will flood wetlands and lowlands; accelerate coastal erosion; increase coastal flooding; threaten or destroy coastal structures; raise water tables etc.

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Flooding

Coastal Erosion

Destruction to Coastal Sea Defense Structure Adapting to Climate Change •

Adapting to climate change is one of the biggest challenges for Guyana.

•

Guyana’s challenges are further enlarged with 90% of its population residing on the low coastal plain; main agricultural lands; and all major administrative, economic, services and infrastructure facilities.

•

The coast is also relatively flat, which favours rapid accumulation of rainfall runoff, and which makes natural drainage into the ocean very difficult. This situation presents severe challenges to the drainage and irrigation system.

•

Over the years, high levels of flooding were observed in the country especially along the coast and in some inland areas.

•

Climate change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of flooding events.

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•

Approximately 75% of the country’s economic activities are located on the coastal area, where the major economic activities, such as agriculture, fisheries and industries are found. These sectors are extremely sensitive to extreme weather conditions and rise in sea-level and are therefore highly vulnerable to climatic change.

•

The country has already suffered greatly over the last decade from weather related disasters.

•

In December 2004 and January 2005, an unusual weather system produced heavy rains which led to major flooding resulting in severe physical damage and economic loss to the country, leading to the worst flooding event ever recorded in Guyana’s history.

•

The 2005 flood was concentrated in the most heavily populated regions of the country, resulting in some 274,774 persons or 37% of the national population being severely affected by the flood waters.

•

The flooding event claimed the lives of persons.

•

Although the country is very rich in natural resources, its economic base is very narrow with a strong dependence on a very small range of primary products for export. Nevertheless, despite its high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, Guyana has been undertaking significant efforts at the national and international level to ease the effects.

•

In 2010, the Government of Guyana launched the Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

•

The LCDS is an approach to address climate change. The LCDS aims to protect and maintain the forests in an effort to reduce global carbon emissions and at the same time attract payments from developed countries for the climate services that the forests provide to the world.

•

Payments will be invested to foster growth and development along a low carbon emissions path.

TOPIC: Weather and Climate (Natural Regions of Guyana) SUB-TOPIC: Weather and Related Activities 65 | P a g e

Natural Regions

Crops/Resources

Activities done during the wet/dry season.

Low Coastal Plain

Rice, sugar-cane, etc.

Agriculture, poultry rearing

Hilly Sand and Clay

Pine-apple, citrus fruits,

Agriculture, logging,

Region.

ground nuts, etc.

mining, etc.

Forested Highland

Timber, balata, minerals

Logging, balata

Region.

etc.

bleeding, mining etc.

Interior Savannahs

Cattle, ground

Cattle rearing, peasant

provisions, peanuts etc.

farming, etc.

Low Coastal Plain.

•

On the Coastal Plain during the dry seasons farmers have to get water for their crops. Irrigational canals have to bring water to the land in the dry season.

•

In the wet season the excess water has to be drained from the land by pumps.

•

Rice cultivation depends heavily on the knowledge of the weather. Farmers must know when to reap and sow their crop.

•

During the period of the wet season planting is done while reaping is done during the dry season.

Draining the land

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Reaping rice

Sowing the seeds (paddy)

Forested Highland Region •

On the Forested Highland Region the heat, along with heavy rainfall influences forest growth. Plant life is highly favoured by this type of climate.

Forest growth

Interior Savannahs

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•

In the Interior Savannahs the rainfall pattern helps to determine the types of plant which can be grown in this area.

•

High temperature causes tropical vegetation/forests.

•

Lack of moisture during the dry season results in grasslands – clumps, wiry and tough.

•

In the dry season, wetland areas recede and the landscape becomes open savannahs.

•

Soils in the open savannahs are poor in nutrients and therefore not well suited for large-scale agriculture.

•

Getting crops to produce sufficient food would require the application of massive amounts of fertilizers and other chemicals, which could lead to pollution of freshwater.

Wetlands.

•

The Southern Rupununi Savannah undergoes a remarkable transformation during the rainy season.

•

Permanent wetlands expand reaching their fullest and vast areas flood, becoming huge seasonal wetlands. These wetlands absorb, filter and store vast amounts of freshwater.

Clumps

Hilly Sand and Clay Area 68 | P a g e

•

The Hilly Sand and Clay Region is mostly covered in scrub, medium height vegetation and hardwood due to the climatic conditions they experience.

TOPIC: Weather and Climate (Natural Regions of Guyana) SUB-TOPIC: Effects of weather conditions on the Natural Regions.

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Natural Regions of

Effects of weather

Guyana

conditions

Low Coastal Plain

-People’s lives are

Picture

affected by flooding and high temperature.

-High temperature is reduced by the use of

Flooding

fans or by air conditioning units.

However, this would lead to higher electricity bills.

People have to wear clothing made from

Fans use in homes

cotton materials that are loosely fitting to keep them cool from the hot weather.

Hilly Sand and Clay People, crops and Region.

livestocks are affected by floods, and forest fires.

Movement is restricted.

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Forest fires

Animals are removed to higher ground for safety.

Forested Region.

Highland -. Large swamps, dense forest and high lands which make the construction of roads difficult and expensive to build.

Construction of roads is difficult -Makes the movement of goods and services difficult due to poor and inadequate trails, etc.

Hilly Sand and Clay -Floods, rivers overflow, Region.

swamps and rapid growth of vegetation.

-Pollution of rivers.

-Restricted movement.

-Threat of diseases e.g. malaria from the mosquitoes.

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and expensive.

Poisoning from drinking polluted water.

TOPIC-Health and Safety SUB-TOPIC-Keeping Our Environment Healthy All of man’s activities whether in the homes, factories or on the farms, produce some amount of wastes. We must manage these wastes so as to maintain a healthy environment.

Ways in which wastes are generated.

•

When mother prepares meal, she gathers wastes from vegetables, condiments and processed foods.

•

When seamstress and tailors sew, there are always left –overs or pieces of cloth and ends of thread.

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•

The farmers after cleaning and preparing their garden plots, gather tree trimmings. These can be used as firewood for cooking.

•

Even the smoke which comes from the baker shop’s chimney is waste.

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Managing Refuse.

•

In most villages and scattered rural communities, the households may be responsible for the disposal of their own refuse.

•

Quite often it is burnt or buried.

•

In cities, towns and some villages, the Town Council or Village Council provides the service of refuse disposal. In communities such as these, the refuse is collected and disposed of, by means of incinerating or land filling.

Garbage collection in City Using the Incinerators •

Incinerators are mostly found in the city and other towns. They could be large or small.

•

Refuse from households, factories, hospitals, abattoirs, markets and other places around the city is taken by special vehicles to the incinerators where they are burnt regularly.

•

Public Health Laws require that refuse from institutions such as health centers, hospitals and abattoirs must be burnt in an incinerator. This is necessary to prevent the spread of infectious and harmful diseases.

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Incinerator Using Landfills Using a landfill for refuse disposal serves a double purpose: (1) It is a way of getting rid of refuse.

(2) It could be means of building up low-lying surface.

•

In low – lying areas the surface is graded to a certain dept.

•

The refuse is dumped and compressed. When there is enough refuse, the dump is covered.

•

From time to time the dump is treated with chemicals.

•

When completed, this area is planted with grass.

•

If properly prepared, this method of refuse disposal is free from dust, flies and other nuisance.

Landfills

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Ways to Keep the Environment Clean

Ways to Keep the

Description

Environment Clean

Stop pollution

Ensure that you do not pollute the environment.

Make sure your wastes go to the right place.

Do your best to ensure the wastes you dispose of ends up where it should.

Recycle materials in your area.

To prevent your garbage from ending up in the environment keep a lid

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Example

on your trash can when it is outside.

Make a Compost.

Composting at home reduces the volume of garbage sent to landfills and reduces the chance of some products becoming marine debris.

Plant trees

Planting trees will beautify the environment. It will also reduce the carbon dioxide in the environment.

Volunteer in cleaning up

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exercises in the

Volunteer to be a part of

community.

cleaning up exercises in the community.

Reuse Materials.

Remember to bring reusable bags to the grocery stores or for any other shopping activities.

This will help to reduce the consumption of disposable bags.

Acquiring a reusable water bottle would not only greatly reduce the amount of single-use plastic you use, but it would also save you money in the long run.

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TOPIC-Health and Safety SUB-TOPIC-Pollution Pollution happens when the environment is contaminated by wastes, chemicals, and other harmful substances. The main forms of pollution are land, water, air and noise.

Air Pollution •

Air pollution is the contamination of the air.

•

Wildfires, volcanoes, and industrial chemicals cause air pollution.

•

Most air pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels. These include coal, oil, and natural gas. Factories, electrical plants, and automobiles burn these fuels for power.

•

The burning of fossil fuels may release solid particles, such as ash and soot, into the air. It also may release harmful gases.

•

This type of pollution may be seen in the form of smog over big cities. Smogfilled air is hazy, or hard to see through.

•

Air pollution may cause diseases such as cancer, bronchitis and asthma. Air pollution also leads to acid rain, or polluted rain that can harm living things.

•

In addition, air pollution may be a cause of global warming, which is a steady rise in Earth’s average temperature.

•

Finally, air pollution damages a part of the atmosphere called the ozone layer.

•

The ozone layer is important because it protects Earth against harmful rays from the sun.

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Water Pollution •

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances such as chemicals or microorganisms contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, or other body of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment.

Causes of water pollution •

Some causes of water pollution are easy to see. People dump garbage and sewage into creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans. Factories or cities sometimes release oils, poisonous chemicals, and other wastes into water.

•

Other causes of water pollution are not so direct. The use of chemicals in farming is one example. Farmers use chemicals such as fertilizers, or any other substance to the soil to help crops grow. They also use other chemicals such as pesticides or herbicides. These are substances that kill pests or weeds. When these chemicals seep into the ground, they may make the groundwater unfit to drink.

•

Chemicals also may drain into rivers and lakes, where they can harm fish and other aquatic life.

•

Toxic household and industrial wastes released into water bodies also pollute the water.

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•

Other sources include oil spills and marine dumping in sea water causes pollution and affects marine life.

Effects of water pollution.

•

It may lead to a number of diseases like cholera, diarrhea and typhoid.

•

It may cause harm to fishes and other aquatic life.

Land Pollution •

Littering, or tossing garbage on the ground, is a form of land pollution. Litter is unpleasant to look at, it can also destroy the habitats / homes, of plants and animals.

•

The buildup of dangerous chemicals in the ground is another form of land pollution. The chemicals may come from farms or factories. These chemicals can spread to plants and animals. They may even harm people who consume the contaminated plants and animals.

•

Dumping of solid wastes such as plastic bags, glass bottles and metal containers.

•

The soil gets polluted by chemicals in pesticides and herbicides when used for agricultural purposes along with waste matter being littered in urban areas such as roads, parks and streets.

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Noise pollution •

Noise pollution is a threat to health and a nuisance to quietness and happiness.

It is a destroyer of peace and poison to a healthy existence. Noise can be defined as any undesirable sound. Noise is measured in decibel units (dB).

Causes of noise pollution •

Traffic build up – when there is a long stream of traffic motorists tend to honk their horns constantly. This behaviour can result in noise pollution.

•

Aircraft – noise pollution occur at landing and taking off time.

•

Industrial operations can cause noise pollution, factory equipment, generators, electric saws, drills and other machines when in use produce loud sounds that are unpleasant to the ears.

•

High volume of music from stereo sets and motor vehicles.

Effects of Noise pollution •

It can cause damage to the microscopic cells in the inner ears, thus resulting in deafness.

•

It can also cause tension headaches.

•

People can become irritable and often behave irrationally.

•

It can cause stress and sets people’s nerves on edge both physically and emotionally.

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Controlling Pollution •

Many governments, environmental groups, and ordinary people are working to control pollution.

•

Governments have passed laws to keep people from releasing dangerous chemicals into the environment.

•

Government imposed fines for littering.

•

Some companies and people are trying to use fewer fossil fuels. Instead they are getting power from sunlight, wind, water, and other energy sources that produce less pollution.

•

Many communities use recycling to reduce pollution. Recycling is the process of making new products out of used paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, or other materials.

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TOPIC: - Health and Safety Sub-Topic-Drugs

•

A drug is a substance which, when taken into the body, modifies the body’s function either physically or psychologically. Drugs affects your mind and body.

Some drugs are beneficial, while others are harmful.

How drugs are taken People take drugs in different ways. Some Common methods include: •

Swallowing tablets or drinking liquids — the body absorbs the drug through the stomach lining.

•

Inhalation — the body absorbs the drug through the lining of the lungs.

•

Snorting into the nose — the body absorbs the drug through the thin nasal lining.

•

Injecting — the user injects the drug directly into the bloodstream

•

Through the skin — the body slowly absorbs the drug from a cream or patch.

Type of drug

Depressant

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Effect on the body

Slows down nerve and brain activity.

Example

Type of drug

Effect on the body

Example Alcohol

Hallucinogen

Alters what we see and hear.

Salvia Aspirin, paracetamol

Painkiller

Blocks nerve impulses.

Anabolic steroids

Performance

Improves muscle

enhancer

development.

Stimulant

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Increases nerves and brain activities.

Nicotine, caffeine, ecstasy

Type of drug

Effect on the body

Example

Classification of drugs Drugs are classified as: ➢ legal drugs ➢ Illegal drugs

Legal drugs Drugs are of two types- legal and illegal drugs.

Legal drugs can either be bought over-the-counter or with a prescription from a medical doctor. Some prescription drugs are misused and taken for recreational use, rather than for medical reasons.

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Examples prescription drugs

Examples of Over-the Counter Drugs Illegal drugs Illegal drugs cannot legally be manufactured, bought or sold.

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Some examples of illegal drugs are: •

Cannabis (Marijuana)

•

Cocaine

•

Ecstasy

•

Hallucinogens

•

Heroin

•

Ketamine

•

Methamphetamine

Why people use drugs People use drugs for several reasons. These are: ✓ Wanting to fit in ✓ Peer pressure ✓ Curiosity and to experiment ✓ Relaxation ✓ To be in control ✓ To rebel ✓ Misinformation or ignorance ✓ To enhance performance 88 | P a g e

What is addiction?

'Addiction' is a mental disorder characterized by compulsive consumption or behaviours despite the negative consequences.

When someone first starts to use drugs, it is called substance abuse. We say someone is an addicted to drugs when they have no control over whether they want to use the drug or not. That person feels that they must have that drug.

Types of addiction There are two types of addiction.

•

Physical addiction is when a person's body becomes dependent on something.

•

After a while that person's body craves more and more for it, so he/she can just feel and function normally.

•

Trying to give up can make that person suffer withdrawal symptoms which can last for quite a long time, but slowly get less as the body gets used to doing without the drug.

•

Psychological addiction is when someone craves something which will change his/ her mood or feelings.

•

They may not get physical withdrawal symptoms, but they may feel lonely, depressed or anxious if they can't get the things they desire.

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A depress drug addict.

What can be addictive?

People can become addicted to a wide range of things. ➢ Drugs - legal and illegal drugs. Examples: •

Alcohol

•

tobacco

•

marijuana

➢ Some medications inhalants. Examples: •

sniffing glue or petrol.

➢ People can also become addicted to negative behaviours, which take over their lives. Examples: •

harmful or risky behaviours - such as breaking things, vandalism, stealing.

•

hurting themselves - like cutting their bodies.

•

compulsive behaviours (compulsive means that they feel they have to do it to feel better about themselves).

Compulsive behaviours can include: •

eating disorders, like bingeing on food and then making themselves vomit.

•

compulsive exercise, where they are constantly exercising to make themselves feel good, but are really harming their bodies.

•

gambling, video games, mobiles and SMS, and chatting on the internet unnecessarily.

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Addiction to games on the internet Signs of addiction If someone you care about is showing several of these signs, then they could be suffering from an addiction and needs help. Some signs are: when someone uses drugs or alcohol to get away from problems or as a usual way to relax.

1. When someone seems to 'drop out' of life among family and friends.

2. When someone loses interest in something that used to be a big interest.

3. Lagging behind with school work, or getting behind with workload.

4. Avoiding friends, or hanging out with children who use drugs.

5. Selling their stuff or stealing yours.

6. Being very moody and behaving in ways which are unlike their usual behaviour.

7. Getting upset, anxious or really depressed.

8. Having problems with sleeping or getting out of bed.

9. Being sick or shaky.

10. Changes in eating - maybe too much or not enough, or eating at 'different' times.

11. Putting on weight or rapidly losing weight.

12. Checking their phone, messaging or talking on it even when they are with other people.

13. Spending a lot of time playing games on their computer or tablet or phone so they don't get to be with 'real people.

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What can you do about addiction?

If someone you care about is suffering from an addiction you can: •

Tell that person that you care about them and are worried about what they are doing.

•

Tell someone you trust about it.

•

Do some research on whatever they are using or doing and show them or tell them what you have found.

•

Think about your trusted adults and talk to them until something is done.

•

Encourage them to be more active and join in with others.

How you can keep yourself safe?

Keep yourself safe by:

o

asking smokers not to smoke near you.

o

avoiding being around someone who is addicted to alcohol or drugs.

o

telling someone if you feel unsafe.

o

not being around with that person or their friends.

o

not making the mistake of thinking what that person is doing must be cool because they are older than you.

o

never try whatever drug they are using.

TOPIC: Caricom

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SUB TOPIC: Definition Objective Structure ➢ Caricom is an acronym meaning Caribbean Community and Common Market. ➢ Caricom has four main objectives: • economic integration • foreign policy coordination • human and social development • security

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Structure of Caricom ➢ Caricom consists of several councils and committees. ➢ The committees and councils work together to ensure the objectives of Caricom are achieved. ➢ The highest decision making forum of Caricom is the Heads of Government Conference. ➢ This Conference is presided by a Chairman who is the head of a Caricom member state. The Chairmanship rotates among heads of member states. ➢ There is also a Caricom Secretariat which oversee the day – to – day management of the organisation. ➢ The secretariat is head by a Secretary General. ➢ The secretariat of Caricom is located at Liliendaal, Georgetown,

Guyana.

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Organizational Structure of Caricom

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SUB-TOPIC: Development Founder Members Member States ➢ CARICOM was established after CARIFTA came to an end in 1973. ➢ The Caribbean Community /Caricom was established on July 04, 1973 with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas. ➢ However, The CARICOM movement came into effect on August 01, 1973. ➢ The treaty was signed by the Heads of Government of: • Barbados - Errol Barrow • Guyana- Linden Forbes Burnham • Jamaica – Michael Manley • Trinidad & Tobago – Eric Williams ➢ These four countries are the founding members of Caricom. ➢ Subsequently, eight other territories joined CARICOM. The Bahamas became the 13th member state on July 04, 1983 and Suriname 14th member in July 1995. In July 1997, Haiti was welcomed into the community. ➢ The CARICOM Secretariat is located in Georgetown, Guyana and is organized Trade and Agriculture, Economics and Industry, Functional Co-operation, Legal Division, General Services and Administration. ➢ A revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Community including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) was signed by Heads of Government on 5th July 2001. ➢ The revised Treaty includes the establishment and implementation of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ ).

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West Indian Federation • Jan,1958May,1962

CARIFTA • 1968 - 1973

CARICOM • 1973 - Present

Diagram above shows the development that lead to the establishment of CARICOM. ➢ The member states of CARICOM are: • Antigua and Barbuda • Jamaica • The Bahamas • Montserrat • Barbados • St. Kitts and Nevis • Belize • St. Lucia • Dominica • St. Vincent and the Grenadines • Grenada • Suriname • Guyana • Trinidad and Tobago • Haiti ➢ Associate member states of CARICOM: • Anguilla • The Cayman Islands • Bermuda • Turks and Caicos • The British Virgin Islands Note ➢ All of the associate member states are British Overseas Territories.

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SUB-TOPIC: Country Profile Communication in CARICOM The role of communication in CARICOM Communication in CARICOM

Flags of Member States of Caricom

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Map of showing Caricom Member States

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Heads of states of CARICOM

Antigua and Barbuda: Gaston Browne

Bahamas: Hubert Minnis

Haiti: Jovenel Moïse

Barbados: Mia Mottley

Belize: Dean Barrow

Guyana: Mohamed Irfaan Ali

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Dominica: Roosevelt Skerrit

Grenada: Keith Mitchell

Saint Kitts and Nevis: Timothy Harris

Jamaica: Andrew Holness

Montserrat : Joseph Easton Taylor Farrell

Saint Lucia: Allen Michael Chastanet

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Ralph Gonsalves

Suriname: Chan Santokhi

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Trinidad and Tobago: Keith Rowley

Caricom Country Profile Caricom Countries Antigua & Barbuda

The Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Dominica

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Capital

St. John’s

Airport Vere Bird international

Nassau

Nassau International Freeport

Bridgetown

Grantley Adams International

Belmopan

Phillip Goldson International

Roseau

Melville Hall Canefield

National Festival Summer Carnival

Imports Foodstuff, machinery Transport equipment

Junkanoo

Machinery Clothing Fresh meat

Crop Over

Foodstuff Fuels Lubricants building materials textiles

Garifuna

Vehicles textiles Machinery Building materials petroleum Foodstuff

Domfesta

Foodstuff Manu-factured Goods, machinery and equip-ment

Exports

Political Status

Cotton, Rum, Tourism

Independent / Nov 1, 1981

Crayfish, Tourism, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Coconuts, Sponges, Lumber Sugar, Clothing, Electrical Equipment, Rum, Molasses Sugar, Molasses, Clothing, Mahogany, Citrus Fruits, Fish, Shrimp, Lobster Coconuts and Coconuts Products, Citrus Fruits

Independent / July 10, 1973

Independent / Nov 30, 1966

Independent / Sept 21, 1981

Independent / Nov 3, 1978

Caricom Countries

Grenada

Capital

St. George

Airport

Point salines International

National Festival

Carnival

Imports

Beverages Tobacco Fuel equipment Fuel lubricants Machinery Transport Equipment Manufactured goods fertiliser

Guyana

Georgetown

Cheddi Jagan International Airport

Haiti

Port – au – Prince

Port – au- Prince

Jamaica

Kingston

Norman Manley International DonaldSangster International

Jamaica Festival

Fuel machinery Transport equipment Electrical equipment fertilizer

Montserrat

Plymouth

Blackbourne Airfield Gerald Heliport

Christmas Festival

Food Machinery

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Mashrama ni

Carnival

Foodstuff Manu-factured goods fuel

Exports and Citrus Fruit Products, Bananas Nutmeg and Species, Cocoa, Bananas, Mace Bauxite, Alumina, Sugar, Rice, Timber, Citrus Fruits, Gold, Diamonds, Shrimp, Prawns Coffee, Sugar, Rice, Bananas Alumina, Bauxite, Sugar, Rum, Molasses, Bananas, Citrus Fruits and Citrus Fruit Products, Cement Hot Peppers, Tomatoes, Cotton, Limes

Political Status

Independent / Feb 7, 1974

Republic / Feb 23, 1970 Independent / May 26, 1966 Independent / Dec 31, 1804 (Republic)

Independent / Aug 6, 1962

Colony of Great Britain

Caricom Countries

Saint Kitts & Nevis

Saint Lucia

St. Vincent & Grenadine

Capital

Basseterre

Airport

Robert Bradshaw International

Castries

Hewanorra International Vieux Forte George Charles International

Kingstown

Ebenezer Joshua James Mitchell International

National Festival

December Carnival

Flower Festival La Rose

Carnival

Imports Transport equipment Manufactured goods machinery transport equipment mineral fuels lubricants Beverages Foodstuff Tobacco Fuels Manufactured goods Machinery And transport equipment Foodstuff Beverages Machinery Transport equipment

Suriname

Paramaribo

Johann Adolph Pengel International

Carnival

machinery

Trinidad & Tobago

Port – of – Spain

Piarco International

Carnival

Machinery

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Exports

Political Status

Beer, Ale, Cotton, Lobster

Independent / Sept 19, 1983

Bananas, Unrefined and Refined Cotton Oil, Cardboard Boxes, Fruits, Vegetables, Coconut Meal, Cocoa

Independent / Feb 22, 1979

Banana, Arrowroot, Sweet Potatoes

Independent / Oct 27, 1979

Minerals E.G. Bauxite, Gold, Petroleum, Kaolin; Rice, Oilpalm, Bananas; Fisheries E.G. Prawns Cocoa, Crude

Independent / Nov 25, 1975 (Republic)

Independent / Aug 31, 1962

Caricom Countries

Capital

Airport Crown Point International

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National Festival

Imports Fabricated metals transport equipment manufactured goods

Exports Petroleum, Petroleum Products, Ammonia, Methanol

Political Status

CARICOM Member States Currency Countries Antigua and Barbuda The Bahamas Belize

Currency East Caribbean Dollar Bahaman Dollar Belize Dollars

Countries Guyana

Currency Guyanese dollar

Jamaica Montserrat

Dominica

East Caribbean Dollar East Caribbean Dollar Currencies East Caribbean Dollar Suriname Dollar Trinidad and Tobago Dollar

St. Kitts and Nevis

Countries Haiti

Jamaican dollar East Caribbean Dollar East Caribbean Dollar East Caribbean Dollar Currencies Haitian Gourde

Barbados

Barbados Dollar

Grenada Countries St. Vincent Suriname Trinidad and Tobago

St.Lucia

The role of communication in CARICOM ➢ Communication is vital to the success of the Caribbean Community. ➢ It is through the sharing of information that member states can: • Learn of employment opportunities • Discuss ways of cooperating • Learn of issues affecting member states • Share successes of member states. ➢ Caricom member states have to be in constant contact with each other if they are to achieve the objectives of this organisation. ➢ Some organisation of communication within Caricom are: • Caribbean News Agency (CANA) - Barbados • National Communication Network (NCN) – Guyana • News Talk 93.7 Jamaica • Trinidad Express

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TOPIC: LEADERS SUB TOPIC: WHO IS A LEADER? A Leader is a person who is willing to take charge and lead.

A leader is the one in charge, the person who convinces other people to follow. A great leader inspires confidence in other people and moves them to action.

WAYS PEOPLE BECOME LEADERS People become leaders by selection, election, by the job they do, volunteering or by hierarchical structure.

WAYS PEOPLE BECOME LEADERS

EXAMPLES

Elected leaders

President, Prime Minister, Opposition Leaders, Mayors, Chairman, Chief, Captain/Touchau etc.

Hierarchical structure

King/Queen

Volunteering

These leaders may belong to groups.

Examples are Lions Club, Rotary Club

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By the job they do

Education Officers, Managers, Head teachers, Supervisors, Chief, Commander, Directors.

Selection

Pandit, Priest, Prefect

DUTIES OF POLITICAL LEADERS President

Prime Minister

His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali Some duties of the President are: • He is the Head of State.

▪ He serves as Commander-

Some duties of the Prime Minister are: ▪ Determines the general direction of Government's

in - Chief of the Armed Forces.

▪ He supervises the Executive Branch of Government.

▪ Appoints and removes Executive Officials.

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activities.

▪

Ensures coordinated and purposeful work of the Cabinet of Ministers.

▪ The Prime Minister leads

▪ Receives ambassadors.

the work of the Cabinet of

▪ Grants amnesties and

Ministers.

pardons.

▪ Functions in the position of the president in his absence.

Some Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman

Leaders of our Region • Guyana has ten Administrative regions.

• These regions are run by a special body of leaders called the Regional Democratic Council (R.D.C).

• This council is usually headed by the Regional Chairman or Chairwoman.

• They look after the affairs of the region they represent.

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• They make Central Government aware of problems in the region.

• They ensure that decisions arrived at, are carried out.

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Mayor and City Councillors Leaders of our city and towns are the Mayor and Councillors.

Some of their duties are: • Keeping the environment of the towns clean by providing garbage disposal services.

• Repairing streets and bridges.

• Maintaining market and abattoirs.

• Maintaining parks, avenues and other recreational facilities.

• Inspecting restaurants and other eating houses.

• Maintaining services such as potable water and drainage facilities.

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DUTIES OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS Religious Leaders Imam

Pastor

Pandit

Priest

Religious Leaders are very important to our community.

• They help to raise awareness.

• Influence attitudes, behaviours and practices of its members.

• The followers listen to their teachings and adopt healthy lifestyles and practices.

• They help the government to reach out to the people in difficult times.

• The people look to their leaders for direction and guidance.

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DUTIES OF OTHER LEADERS. Other Leaders Chief of Staff of the

Business Manager

Defence Force

Organisation

Supervises and leads a Directing, managing

company's operations

and overseeing all

and employees.

policy development, daily operations, and staff activities for the President

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Director of

Makes the strategic and operational decisions of the company and ensures that the company meets its statutory obligations.

Rotary Club

Leaders of GTU

Plans and

Communicates and

leads club meetings,

negotiates on behalf

sets goals,

of the teachers' for

encourages

better salaries and

communication

working conditions and

between clubs.

for the improvement of teachers’ welfare.

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Teacher

Inspires, motivates, encourages and educates learners.

TOPIC:

Our Community

SUB-TOPIC: Guyana’s Immediate Continental Neighbours COUNTRY

CAPITAL

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

MAIN EXPORT

CURRENCY

Brazil

Brasilia

Portuguese

Coffee and timber

Suriname

Paramaribo

Dutch Javanese, Hindi and English are also spoken

Alumina and rice

Real Previously used Cruzeiro and Cruzado Suriname dollar

Venezuela

Caracas

Spanish

Petroleum and petroleum products

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Bolivar (named after Simon Bolivar, a national hero of Venezuela)

TOPIC:

Our Community

SUB-TOPIC: Guyana’s Continental Neighbours Map showing the continent of South America South America is the 4th largest continent.

It is made up of 13 countries.

All of the countries are independent except French Guiana.

It has the world’s largest rainforest.

There are 9 Spanish speaking countries, Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America.

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the 5th largest in the world.

Guyana’s other Continental Neighbours Country

Capital

Argentina

Buenos Aires

Bolivia

La Paz

Chile

Santiago

Colombia

Bogota

Ecuador

Quito

French Guiana

Cayenne

Paraguay

Asuncion

Peru

Lima

Uruguay

Montevideo

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TOPIC: Our Community SUB-TOPIC: Guyana’s Continental Neighbours (Continued) Country

Capital

Currency

Main Export

Language

Argentina

Buenos Aires

Peso

Wheat Corn Soybean

Spanish English Italian

Bolivia

La Paz

Bolivian Peso, Boliviano

Natural gas Gold Silver Tin

Spanish Aymara Quechua

Chile

Santiago

Peso

Petroleum Natural gas Copper

Spanish

Colombia

Bogota

Peso

Coffee Minerals- such as emerald

Spanish

Ecuador

Quito

Sucre

Banana

Spanish Quechua

French Guiana

Cayenne

French franc

Bauxite

French

Paraguay

Asuncion

Paraguaya n Peso

Cotton fiber Soy beans Processed meat

Spanish Guarani

Peru

Lima

Nuevo Sol

Copper Lead

Spanish

Uruguay

Montevid eo

Uruguayan new Peso

Textile Textile products Wool

Spanish

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TOPIC: The Family SUB-TOPIC: The People Who Came The family is made up of one race which is the human race. The human race was first divided into three main groups: Negroid (black) Mongoloid (yellow) Caucasoid (white) Over the years, these groups have inter-married, causing the world to have varying ethnic groups. In Guyana, there are six main ethnic groups: Amerindians Europeans Africans Portuguese East Indians Chinese

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There is a seventh ethnic group, made up of any two or more of the above, to form the mixed race.

THE AMERINDIANS The Amerindians were the first set of people to live in Guyana.

The Amerindians are the Indigenous people of Guyana (first people) Amerindians were also called the American Indians The Amerindians came from Asia, in a place called Mongolia The Amerindians crossed the Bering Strait to reach North America Alaska is the first part of America the Amerindians reached.

The Bering Strait is a narrow body of water which was frozen at that time The frozen body of water was also called the Ice Bridge The Ice Bridge connected Asia and North America

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They crossed the Ice Bridge/ Bering Strait by following animals and as a result they eventually reached North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean in search of food.

The Amerindians left Asia during the Ice age, following animals (buffalo and seals) as they moved from one feeding ground to another (continent or country).

Guyana is a part of the continent of South America They are nine Amerindian Tribes in Guyana. FOUR main tribes and FIVE sub tribes that settled in Guyana

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The Four main Amerindian tribes were The Arawaks Caribs Warraus Wapishanas

The Five sub tribes Patamonas Makusi Wai Wais Akawaios Arecunas 121 | P a g e

The Amerindians came to Guyana in search of: warm climate.

The Amerindians depend on the animals for their food and as the animals moved, they moved also.

THE WAY OF LIFE The Amerindians were hunters and fishermen.

They knew how to trap animals for food.

They were skillful in making weapons out of stones and bones.

They used their stone and bone knife to scrape the skin of animals to make clothing.

They later learned how to cultivate the land and produce food from plants.

Therefore, we can say that the Amerindians obtained their food from Farming Hunting Fishing Some foods that they plant (food from roots): Yams Cassava Sweet potatoes Food from seed: 122 | P a g e

Maize Peanut They use these foods as their main diet (staples) Cassava is used to prepare food such as cassava bread, casreep, farine etc.

Casreep is used to make pepper pot.

Farine is used to make drink such as alcoholic beverages like piwari and cassiri.

DANCE Mari Mari Baboon Carrion crow

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BELIEFS Each Amerindian tribe has its own beliefs and customs, for example, Patamonas believe in Mokanaima who is their God or the supreme being.

The Amerindians believe in spirit Gods, for example; Makonama- the supreme God of heaven and earth.

Pujaikma- mountain spirit of diseases such as influenza etc.

Maigok- a forest spirit who is invisible (who you cannot see) when he attacks, he causes vomiting, fever and fits Kanaima- an evil male spirit which goes around killing other Amerindians for some wrong they did him/her or members of his/her family.

Massacuraman 124 | P a g e

Bush dai dai

CONTRIBUTION TO GUYANESE SOCIETY Amerindians contribution to the Guyanese Society: They named rivers (Cuyuni Mazarun) Water falls (kaieteur Fall, Amatuk water fall) Guiana (Guyana) is an Amerindian word meaning” Land of many waters” or watery country.

Mashramani – means celebration after hard cooperative work.

Food (tasso, pepper pot, cassava bread) CRAFTS The following are made by the Amerindians.

Hammocks which is used by many Guyanese Nibbi furniture Baskets Tibisiri mat

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Ornaments Jewellery which are made from beads

Amerindian settled in places like: Mahaica Mahaicony Abary river Mazuruni river Orealla Pakaraima Pomeroon The head of an Amerindian settlement or reservation is called CAPTAIN or TOUCHAU. Amerindians traditional homes are called benabs.

Their homes are made out of: 126 | P a g e

*Troolie palm *Eta palm *Shingle *Wood bark

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THE EUROPEANS The Europeans were the second set of people to arrive in British Guiana. (Guyana) Four (4) groups of Europeans came to British Guiana (Guyana), there are: Dutch from the Netherlands Spanish from Spain French from France English from England These groups all came from the continent of Europe.

Reason why the Europeans came to Guiana (Guyana): They came in search for the golden city of Eldorado.

They came in search of new lands.

Reasons why the Europeans settled: They came to cultivate the soil.

To trade with the Amerindians.

The Europeans traded with the Amerindian through a system called Barter.

Bartering is the exchange of goods and services without the use of money.

The Europeans exchanged with the Amerindians: 128 | P a g e

Knives Axes Lengths of cloth Coloured beads

The Amerindians exchange with the Europeans: Hemp (used for making rope for ships) Annatto dye (dye cloth) Food stuff (butter, cheese) In order for the Europeans to trade with the Amerindians they had to setup trading post, where the two groups could meet to barter.

The Europeans built forts to protect themselves from invaders.

The Dutch were the first to set up trading post and built forts.

Some forts were: Fort Kyk-over-al (see overall) can be found at the confluence (where two or more rivers meet) of the Essequibo River, Cuyuni and Mazaruni River.

Fort Zeelandia (Flag Island) can be found at the mouth of the Essequibo River.

Fort Nova Zeelandia can be found up the Pomeroon River.

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Fort St. Andries which was built at the confluence (where two or more rivers meet) of the Canje and Berbice River.

Fort Nassau was built fifty miles up the Berbice River.

The European recognized that the soil was suitable for cultivating tobacco and other crops.

Due to the demand for tobacco in Europe the Europeans decided to plant tobacco in British Guiana, then later planted cotton and sugar.

Sugar was also needed for making cakes, biscuits and sweetener for beverages.

In order to meet the demand for sugar the European enslaved the Amerindians.

Many of the Amerindians ran away into the forest because they were not accustomed to hard work on the plantation, while many of them died from diseases brought by the Europeans.

In order to continue the cultivation when the Amerindians ran away, the Europeans decided to use Africans as slaves.

After slavery was abolished, they used the Portuguese, East-Indians and Chinese as indentured labourers.

CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY THE EUROPEANS • Language- English

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Guyana was a colony of the English- speaking country of Great Britain.

• Food such as pastries, puddings, pies

• clothing- dress, suit and tie, aprons

Places that were named by the English Bourda

Wales

Lethem

Anna Regina

Kingston

Charity

Victoria

Georgetown

Places named by the Dutch Stabroek 131 | P a g e

Beterverwagting

Uitvlugt

Soesdyke

Vreed-en-Hoop Places named by the French La Repentir

Malgretout

La Resouvenir

La Grange

Chateau Margot Places named by the Spanish Santa Rosa El Dorado The Europeans were the first to build churches and schools.

The first church was the Roman Catholic Church.

The Dutch divided Guyana into three counties and each county had its own capital at that time.

Europeans made crafts out of pottery: Vase Mug

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THE AFRICANS The Africans who came to the Caribbean and Guyana came from off the coast of West Africa in the continent of Africa.

They were the third ethnic group who came to British Guiana.(Guyana) Some countries Africans came from are: The Congo Cameroon Togo Mali Gambia

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Slavery was existing in Africa before the Europeans brought it here in Guyana.

Africans came to Guyana as slaves to work on the sugar plantations.

A slave is someone who works very hard without being paid.

The system under which the slaves worked and lived was called SLAVERY. They came by ships and had to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

The journey from Africa to the Caribbean and Guyana was called the Middle Passage.

It was a horrifying experience for the slaves which lasted from six to ten weeks.

The journey of the Europeans from Europe to Africa and the Caribbean and back to Europe was called the Triangular Trade.

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The Europeans obtained slaves by: Capturing them and luring them into ships.

Capture through tribal wars.

Raiding parties.

Slaves experienced some difficulties during the middle passage The men were chained with iron shackles around their ankles and joined by chains looped to the shackles of their neighbours.

The women and children were packed below deck.

There were food shortages, many Africans died from hunger while many others killed themselves in the Atlantic Ocean.

When the Africans reached Guyana, they were exchanged for goods since there was no common currency existing in West Africa.

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Some of the goods were: Pieces of cloth Gold dust Copper bars Knives Glass beads Cutlass Liquor

Life on the plantation for the Africans The homes the Africans lived in was called adobe which was made of very flimsy materials.

It was very low and had no chimney ventilation.

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Each family had an iron pot and a blanket for each individual to sleep on at night.

Africans were given clothing once a year or twice in every eighteen months. (18) The men received a coarse woolen jacket, hat and canvas which made trousers.

The women were given the same kind of clothing while those who had young children were given a hammock called baba.

Their food consisted of vegetables and salted fish. Whenever plantain, cassava and yam were grown, they formed the main diet of the slaves.

Difficulties faced on the plantation Some difficulties the Africans faced on the plantations were: They had to work for very long hours (6am to 6pm daily) They were given their first meal at midday.

They were beaten or flog with a whip.

Some slaves were branded with hot iron, hung on wheels and had parts of their bodies chopped off.

Types of slaves: House or Domestic slaves.

Field slaves who worked in the cane fields.

Factory slaves who worked in the factory.

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Due to harsh punishment slaves rebelled.

Some rebellions or revolt by the slaves were: Berbice Slave Rebellion- took place on the 23rd February 1763 on plantation Magdalenenburg, led by Cuffy East Coast Slave Insurrection- took place in August 1823 on plantation Le Resouvenir.

In remembrance of these slaves, monuments were erected

1763 monument- located at Square of the Revolution in Georgetown

Damon’s Monument-located in Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast

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Ending of Slavery/Abolition The period of transition called Apprenticeship lasted 6 years for field slaves and 4 years for house slaves.

During this time Africans worked for fixed number of hours each week and received small wages/money.

After the apprenticeship period, slaves were emancipated or freed.

Slaves were no longer forced to work on the plantation under harsh conditions.

Slaves could decide whether to work or not.

Ex-slaves pooled their wages/money and bought abandoned plantations.

The first plantation slaves bought was plantation Northbrook now called Victoria.

Ex-slaves also bought the first community found in Essequibo called Queenstown.

Buying of villages and communities by the ex-slaves was called Village Movement.

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Some people who started the campaign to end slavery were: Thomas Buxton Thomas Clarkson Granville Sharp George Canning James Ramsay William Wilberforce Some villages bought by ex-slaves are: Buxton Friendship Peter’s Hall Plaisance Ithaca Bushlot African contributed to the Guyanese society in many ways: Food cook-up-rice yam and plantain foo-foo conkie Dress: Dashikis Wraps 140 | P a g e

Headties Jewellery: Legbands Armbands Chains of beads Musical instruments: Drums (bongos,kittles and great talking drums) Marimbas Marracas Festival and beliefs: Cumfa Masquerade Obeah Voodoo Crafts: Weaving of mats Baskets Pots and jars (made from clay mud, carvings)

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PORTUGUESE -The Portuguese were the fourth 4th group of people who came to Guyana.

-The Portuguese came from Madeira.

-The first batch of Portuguese came to Guyana on the 3rd of May 1838.

-The name of the ship that bought the first batch of Portuguese to Guiana was Louisa Baillie.

-The Portuguese worked on the plantation under the system called indentureship.

-They were the first group of indentured immigrants to arrive in Guyana.

-Indentured ship lasted for the period of five years.

-After the five years were over many of the Portuguese left the plantation and opened businesses, eg, groceries -They also did small scale trading.

The reasons why Portuguese came to Guyana were: To replace the Africans on the sugar plantation.

To increase the white population.

Some plantation were the Portuguese were sent are: Plantation La Patience 142 | P a g e

Plantation Liliendaal Plantation Thomas now known as Thomas Lands in Georgetown

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Portuguese contribution to Guyana society Food Garlic pork Beef stew Red bean soup Pancakes

Music or musical instruments Rajas (a type of banjo) Braggs (small Portuguese guitar)

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Customs or beliefs They believed in the holy spirit of Pentecost Christmas brass Businesses –J.P Santos, Banks DIH Ltd, John Fernandes, Fogarty’s Ltd

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THE EAST INDIANS -East Indians were the fifth ethnic group to arrive in British Guyana.

-They came from India which is found in the continent of Asia.

-The first group of East Indians came from the hilly districts of Chota, Nagpur, Burdwan and Bancoorah, which all were close to Calcutta.

-They were called East Indians because they came from the eastern side of the world.

-The East Indians came to Guyana by ships or vessels: •

The Whitby

•

The Hesperus

The Whitby sailed from India on January 13, 1838 with 249 immigrants. The vessel took 112 days to arrive in Guyana on May 5, 1838. Five persons died on the voyage (journey) which took place on the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Hesperus leave Calcutta on January 29, 1838 and journeyed the Indian and Atlantic Ocean with 165 persons on board. The journey took about 96 days to arrive in Guyana on May 5. Thirteen persons died on that voyage.

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The East Indians immigrants were sent to different plantations such as: Highbury and Waterloo in Berbice.

Bel Vue and Vreed-en-hoop in Region three.

Some difficulties during the journey: - Overcrowded ships.

- Some of the Immigrants got sick and died because there was a shortage of medicine.

- Shortage of food.

Reasons for coming They came to work on the sugar plantation as indentured immigrants/servants

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They signed an agreement to work on the plantation for a period of five years.

They were given: Food /ration Lodging Clothing Medical attendance and supplies Wages for their labour.

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Life on the plantation - Life was very difficult for both young and old.

- They worked for long hours, from 6am to 6pm.

- The children between the ages of 5 to 10 had to work in the creole gang.

They had to: - Clear drains and trenches.

- Carry water to the cane cutters.

- Put manure/mold on the young sugar cane plants.

- Take care of animals.

- The East Indians’ homes were called logies.

- East Indians were free to return to India after the five years period.

- Those who stayed were given land in exchange for their passage.

- The East Indians used the land to build homes and places of worship.

- Land development schemes were set up by the government to encourage the East Indians to stay.

Places where the Land development scheme were set up were in: - Essequibo – Vergenoegen, Huis’t Dieren and Anna Regina.

- Demerara – Cane Grove, La Bonne Mere, Helena and Nooten Zuil.

- Berbice – Bush Lot, Whim and Black Bush Polder.

- The East Indians used their scheme for farming.

- Rice was a major crop grown on the farm.

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- They were the first to develop the rice industry because rice was planted on a large scale.

- There were many strikes and disturbances on the sugar plantations during the Indian Indentureship. Many East Indians lost their lives.

Some plantations where the strikes took place were: The Devonshire Castle riots in September 1872.

The workers were protesting for high wages and five of them were killed and seven were wounded.

On Plantation Friends in Berbice on May 6, 1903.

The protest was for inadequate payment for the work done by the indentured immigrants.

Six of them were killed by police from the unruly crowd.

Plantation Lusignan on September 18,1912, one person was shot on plantation Enmore on June 16, 1948.

The workers were protesting against the cut and load system.

They had to cut the canes and then load them on to the punts with very little increase in pay. Five of the workers were killed and injured.

A monument was erected in remembrance of the five workers called Enmore Martyrs.

The names of the Martyrs are: 150 | P a g e

Surujbally Rambarran Lalabajee Harry Pooran

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The East Indians’ contributed to the Guyanese Society in the following ways: Food- dhal and rice, roti and curry, dhal puri and sweet meats Clothing – sari, orhni, shalwars, kurtas and lahenga Festivals - Eid-Ul- Adha, Eid- UlFitr, Youman Nabi, Phagwah, Diwali Jewellery- bacelets, bangles, brooches, anklets, finger ring Musical Instruments - sitars, mandolins, tassa Dances- kathak, nagara, odissi

Similarities between the Africans and the East Indians.

They both worked on the sugar plantation for long hours.

They both were beaten and treated badly.

Differences between the Africans and the East Indians are:

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The East Indians were paid while the Africans were not paid for their labour.

The Africans slaves could be sold at any time to a new master but the East Indians could not be sold.

The East Indians were contracted to work for five years and returned to India if they chose to while the Africans had to stay and work.

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THE CHINESE The Chinese came from the continent of Asia The first batch of Chinese immigrants came to Guyana on January12, 1853.

The first ship to arrive in Guyana with 262 out of 305 passengers, about 43 of them died during the voyage.

The ships which brought the Chinese to Guyana were: -Lord Elgin -The Glentanner -Samuel Boddington The Chinese came to work on the sugar plantation as indentured immigrants.

Some sugar estates where the Chinese were sent to work were: Blankenerburg Pouderoyen Union La Jalousie Schoonard Stewartville Anna Regina Hague Harlem Anna Catherina

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The Chinese contributions to the Guyanese society Food – fried rice, wanton soup, chop suey, sweet and sour Relishes, chowmein.

Clothes- tunics, sarongs, cheongsams

Festival- Chinese New Year, each year is named after an animal.

Musical Instrument- Symbols

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Dance- Dragon dance

Craft- Embroidery

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