Georgetown is Guyana 's capital city. It was so named after the British conquered the Dutch in 1812. The name originates from Fort St. George which was established at the mouth of the Demerara River as a signal station for the purpose of observing and controlling incoming and outgoing traffic.

Like all capitals, the city is the centre of government administration and a wide range of economic activity. Most of the streets of Georgetown are laid out in almost perfect rectangles, a legacy of our Dutch heritage. This design therefore makes it relatively easy for the stranger in town to wend his/her way around town.

The larger concentration of commercial houses is found 'downtown'. This area is bounded by Camp Street in the east and by Water Street in the west with Lamaha Street and Brickdam being the northern and southern extremities respectively. There is however, an increasing number of businesses located further east of Camp Street in Regent Street .

BY ROAD
Transportation around the city is provided by privately owned mini buses which operate in allocated zones for which there is a well-regulated fare structure. This arrangement extends to all mini bus routes throughout the country. Taxis have freer movement around the city and into rural areas. Their fare, while generally standard, is less regulated.

The network of routes had a number of identifiable starting points which are concentrated in the Stabroek area and along the Avenue of the Republic between Coral and Robb Streets. Any traffic policeman or regular commuter would willingly direct the newcomer to the relevant 'car park'. Additionally many public phone booths are conveniently placed in and around the city and the country as a whole. Having a phone card is a great advantage. These can be obtained from most stores or pharmacies or directly from any of GT&T's Business Offices.

BY RIVER
While one way of traveling to East Berbice is by ferry, mainly between Rosignol and New Amsterdam , commuters to West Demerara have a choice of road transport via the Demerara Harbour Bridge or by the Demerara River ferry from the Stabroek Stelling to Vreed-en-Hoop which is obliquely opposite.

The highway which begins on the West Coast of Demerara is heavily trafficked since it provides a link to Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo River which has become and important centre of economic activity in the Essequibo region. For example, speed or other types of transportation can be hired to take passengers are far as Bartica or other Hinterland resorts and back in a single day.

BY AIR
Air transportation is readily available for traveling to several parts of the hinterland, whether for business or for pleasure. The several local airlines depart from both Ogle Aerodome on the East Coast of Demerara and from CBJ International Airport , Timehri. Information on their availability and movement is easily obtainable from their office and form tour operators.

Local Airline Operators

Roraima Airlines

Trans Guyana Airlines

Air Services