NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SURVEY 95A; GUYANA; TRANSPORTATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NIS
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP01-00707R000200070009-9
• Release Decision: RIF
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 22
• Document Creation Date: October 25, 2016
• Sequence Number: 9
• Content Type: REPORTS

�rwa�w a -r
CONFIDENTIAL
95A /GS /TT
Guyana
June 1973
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SURVEY
CONFIDENTIAL
NO FOREIGN DISSEM
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SURVEY PUBLICATIONS
The basic unit of the NIS is the General Survey, which is now
published in a bound -by- chapter format so that topics of greater per-
ishability can be updated on an individual basis. These chapters� Country
Profile, The Society, Government and Politic:., The Economy, Military Geog-
raphy, Transportation and Telecommunications, Armed Forces, Science, and
Intelligence and Security, provide the primary NIS coverage. Some chapters,
particularly Science and Intelligence and Security, that are not pertinent to
all countries, are produced selectively. For small countries requiring only
minimal NIS treatment, the General Survey coverage may be bound into
one volume.
Supplementing the General Survey is the NIS Basic Intelligence Fact
book, a ready reference publication that semiannually updates key sta-
tistical data found in the Survey. An unclassified edition of the factbook
omits some details on the economy, the defense forces, and the intelligence
and security organizations.
Although detailed sections on many topics were part of the NIS
Program, production of these sections has been phased out. These pre-
viously produced will continue to be available as long as the major
portion of the study is zonsidered valid.
A quarterly listing of all active NIS units is published in the Inventory
of Available NIS Publications, which is also bound into the concurrent
classified Factbook. The Inventory lists all NIS units by area name and
number and includes classification and date of issue; it thus facilitates the
ordering of NIS units as well as their filing, cataloging, and utilization.
Initial dissemination, additional copies of NIS units, or separate
chapters of the General Surveys can be obtained directly or through
liaison channels from the Central Intelligence Agency.
The General Survey is prepared for the NIS by the Central Intelligence
Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency under the general direction
of the NIS Committee. It is coordinated, edited, published, and dissemi-
nated by the Central Intelligence Agency.
WATINI \C
This document contains information affecting the national defense of the United States, within the
meaning of title 18, sections 793 and 794 of the US code, as amended. Its transmission or revelation
of its contents to or receipt by an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.
CLASSIFIED BY 019641. EXEMPT FROM GENERAL DECLASSIFI-
CATION SCHEDULE OF E. O. 11652 EXEMPTION CATEGORIES
5B (1), (2), (3). DECLASSIFIED ONLY ON APPROVAL OF THE
DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE.
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

WARNING
The NIS is National Intelligence and may not be re-
leased or shown to representatives of any foreign govern-
ment or international body except by specific authorization
of the Director of Central Intelligence in accordian-e with
.he provisions of National Security Council Intelligence Di-
rictive No. 1.
For NIS containing unclassified material, however, the
portions so marked may be made available for official pur-
poses to foreign nationals and nongovernment personnel
provided no attribution is made to National Intelligence or
the National Intelligence Survey.
Subsections and graphics are individually classified
according to content. Classification /control designa-
tions are:
(U /OU) Unclassified /For Official Use Only
(C) Confidential
(S) Secret
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

This chapter was prepared for the NIS by the
Defense Intelligence Agency. It includes a con-
tribution on airfields from the Defense Mapping
Agency, Aerospace Centel, and a contribution on
merchant marine from the Department of the Navy.
Research was substantially completed by January
1973.
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

CONTENTS
This chapter supersedes the iransporta-
tion and telecommunication coccralue in
the cneral Survey data! July 1969.
A. Appraisal
1
Limited transportation facilities confined chiefly
to coastal lowland area. Waterways only surface
connection with adiaccnt countries. Contributions
of transportation and telecom systems in times of
military emergencies..
B. Strategic mobility
1
Contributions of transportation and telecom
systems in times of military emergencies.
C. Railroads
2
Characteristics of small and unimportant rail
system.
D. Highways
3
EAtent and characteristics of the highway system
and administration thereof. Development policies
and plans. Vehicle registrations and sources of
supply.
CONb1DENTIAL No YOREIGN DISSEM
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

E. Inland waterways
Extent and features of the inland waterway sys-
tem. Tabulation of characteristics of principal
waterways.
F. Ports
Significant features of Georgetown, the only
major port.
G. Merchant marine
Characteristics of the single major unit in the
merchant marine.
Fig. 1 Characteristics of principal inland
waterways (table)
Fig. 2 Port of Georgetown photo)
Fig. 3 Selected airfields table)
ii
Page Page
4 H. Civil air 7
Civil air a major means of access to regions not
served by other media. Member of ICAO; formal
agreement only with United States.
6 I. Airfields 8
Characteristics of air -iaciliiies system. Tabulation
of characteristics of leading airfields.
7 J. Telecommunications 10
Characteristics of telecom system. Planned im-
provements to the system.
FIGURES
Page Page
Fig. 4 General telecorn patter: (rnap) 10
5
7 Fig. 5 Terrain and Transportation
8 (rnop) follotcs 11
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

Transportation and
Telecommunications
A. Appraisal (C)
The linnited transportation facilities of Guyana ark
confined chiefly to tl coastal lowland area,
particularl\ in the vicinity of Gcorgetown, the
coentrv's commercial center and only major Mort
(Pigur(� 5). A sparse population has not warranted
expanding conun4nnications in the difficult terrain of
the interior. Inland waterways anti civil air transport
are the only mu�ans of access to large parts of the
c�ouutrv. '1'(�iec�omnuications are significont in their
role of tying together all areas of the nation.
particularly by nu�ans of the radiotelephone network.
W'aterways provide the only surface transportation
connections with adjacent coentries. The boundary
with Surinam and I.-rge portions of the boundary with
Venezuela are formed by navigable streanns. Inland
and coastal shipping arc the principal nu�ans of
transportation: the major rivers a-e navigable by snnall
oceangoing vessels for up to too miles inland.
Rail transportation is of uninor importanee. The two
(neonnee�te�d lines total but 103 miles, and one of the
lines. IS miles long, will probable be abandoned in
1975. TIT lines do not compete with other
tm nsportation modes but serve is a limited sense to
complencent Iighway and waterway transport.
The hig!wa\ system, underdeveloped and poorly
integrated, is inadequate. Large areas are virtually
roadless, zu:d, because of low deign standards, most
routes are incapable of supporting and increases in
traffic. Ilowevvr, highway transport does provide
short -haul se rvice s bet-wcen agricultural areas and
marketplaces and essential feeder services between
interio: mines and timber- producing areas and inland
waterway facilities.
The importance of civil aviation has gro vii steadily.
Development of mining regions in r� P(nntainops
central Guyana and the cattle industry in tropical
grassland grazing areas, where some settlements were
formerly supplied only onc�c or twice a year via jungle
trail, has greatly increased with the introduction of air
transportation. Although most of the civil air activity
is c:nicentrated in the Georgetown area, airfields are
situated in almost all parts of the country.
Georgetown is also the center o. tcleconnunication
(telecom) activities: all of the cotitArv radiobroadcasl
an(1 international facilities are here. The limited nce(ls
if govennu�nt and private enlerpri.w ate mlvquatel
met. Wire and radio -rela\ networks radiate frorn the
capital to other important localitie!,. The remaining
area is totally dcpenc nt cm scattered fixe(l uud mobile
radio facilities. The most important nu�(lium is the
domestic radioconmnunic�ation network, although the
radio -relay network handles a greater volilinc of
traffic.
Administration o1 transportation and telec�onn-
nnunic�ations is accomplished b\ subordinate
organizations of the (Ministry of \Works an(1
Concnmieations. Innprovenents to the telecom
systenn are underway. and a large :;tale progran of
highwaay developnu�lit and innprovcnienl is being
implemented. Planned improvements to other
transport ncdia are minor.
B. Strategic mobility (C)
The support of military operations, except in the
coastal lowlands, would he difficult_ Depths in the
tidal reaches of the important rivers would allow the
passage of oceangoing essels carryijg military
supplies and ectuipment across the coastal belt. and. in
Bonne instances� the riyrrs would permit militar
landing craft to penetrate farther inland. E,xcepl for
the Georgetown� Skeldon and Georgetown� Linden
highways, most roads are in poorc�ondition and would
be uuabie to support sustained military tr affic. The
two short unconnected single -track rail lines maid
also be inadequate in military operations. There are no
international connections via railroad or highway.
Georgetown, lbe only major port, is adaptable to
military use, but access would he restricted by a bar at
the month of the Demerara River. The only ship of
1,000 g.r.t. or over in the Guyana merchant marine is a
-16 -year -old converted tanker that has a service speed
of to knots.
Four of Guyanat's 102 airfields have paved runways,
but only Timu�hre International Airfield could support
sustained jet craft operations. The two Caribous and
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

four')(:-:3's of t Guyana Airways :orporation could
be used for reconnaissance, search and re and
minor police func�tious, but information is not
available as to whether the number of civilian
Guyanese pilots is adequate to operate the� aircraft.
The telecon system could pr-! id,,- linited support
for military operations. However. control facilities are
concentrated in and round (:(-orgetoxyn, and
vulnerability ill the area is high.
C. Railroads (C)
The railroads, totaling 10:3 route miles and
consisting of two sugle -track unconnected goyern-
inent -owned lines, play a minor role ill the� national
econontx thev make no international connections.
The West Coast Railroad, running between Vreed (-n
Hoop and Parika, is an 18-milt- :3'6" narreny -gage
common carrier operated by the Transport and
Harbors Department of the Ministry of Works and
Communications. The second line. TO" gate, extends
85 miles from Wismar and Linden oil tl,c Demerara
River to Ituni. Primarily cc mining inn�, it was
originally owned and operated by t'. u� Demerara
Bauxite Co. (DEV1BA), but in ;oly 1971 the
government nationalized the company and railroad.
The fill(- is now operated by the govern m-tit under the
Guyanc: Bauxite Company (GUYBAU). The flat
topography of both areas presents no restriction to tit(-
lines.
GUYBAU employs about 150 people: personnel
figures are not available for the West Coast line.
Unskilled workers, who are available in adequate
numbers, recei%c some on- the -job training, but there is
a shortage of professional and clerica! personnel. 'I'll(-
level of employee competence is logy for the West
Coast line and fair to poor for GUYBAU.
Ntimerous irrigation canals and watercourses in tit(-
coastal plain over which the West Coast line operates
necessitate a large it timber of bridges and culverts. The
line has 95 bridges, which are primarily of the girder
type. `lost of the small(- structures are concrete
culverts that have reinforced concrete fl The
longest bridge in Guyana, it combination 770-foot rail
highway open -deck structure, spans the Demerara
River between Lincl(-n and Wismar on the GUYBAU
line.
Both rail lines operate under the absolute manual
block system and its(- the staff or ticket train control
method. Telephone and ;:�legraph provide cotn-
ntunrcations.
The West Coast line uses diesel and gasoline
locomotives, which are generally in fair to poor
condition. TI e� diesels art- of U.5., British, and
Cauadi.u manttfac�ture. The diest-lixed GUYBAU lint-
hit units of U.S. and British ntawiloc�ture in good
condition.
West Coast rolli ig stock is generally old and in poor
conditient but is adequate in quantity. Four axlt- units
predominate amour; the t%vo three and four -axle
passenger cars, and two -axle wooden t nits predomi-
nate among sitnilarly t-yeripped freight cars. The
freight cars have� an estimated capacity of 7 short torts.
All units have side buffers, center were\ couplings, and
Westinghouse ailhrak(-s. ditch of the egttiptneut is of
British manufacture: but some units Kaye been bwilt
locally on imp rted franes, and others \y :�rte obtained
in 1945 from Bermuda when the goyenuneut railroad
there was closed.
GUYBAU rolling stock consists almost entirely of
steel ore hoppers of I short tons capac�i(. in good
condition and equipped with Westinghouse airbrakes.
The� i'ollo\ying is it 1970 equipment inventor\
WEST COAST lilt. GUYBAU till.
Locoutotiers:
Die-sel 8
:37
Gasoline 3
V
Rolliu- stock:
Frei Lllt 52
tl�IG
The West Coast repair facility. in Vreed ell Hoop.
has locomotive sheds, maintenance shops, and a
roundhouse. 1'h(- facilities are adequate for current
requirements. but efficiviie\ is questionable c�onsidcr-
ing the unusually long lints required to make repairs
(3 months to 1 year for mayor locomotive r 'I'll(-
GUYBAU railroad has adequate terminal facilities: its
repair facilities are at Linden.
Fuel for fit(- West Coast line is imported and
probably stored at Vreed cn I loop: fit(- water supple is
a.:egrraty and is also stored at Vreed en I loop. Data for
the GUIBUA railroad arc not available.
'['h( position of the railroads in x;rryana is tenuous.
Service on the 61 -mile standard -gage W8 East
Coast Railroad. rtutning between Georgetown and
Rosignol, was discont nucd in June 1972. and the
track is being disntantivd. Traffic formerly handled on
this line llow moves by highway.
The West Coast Railroad is in generally poor
condition, virtually no maintenance haying been
accomplished since 1960. The coastal highway in this
area is being improved, and upon completion of th(-
work the rail line is to be dismantled, probably by
1975. The GUYBAU line is in good condition and is
regularly maintained. Since 1969, facilities in both
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

Linden and Ituni have keen expanded and improved
and the line capacity increased.
Most of the business of the West Coast line, which
operates at a loss, is passenger traffic; freight
nusyenu ut consists primarily of sugar, rice, forest
products, and fuel oil. Ahout nine passenger trains are
run daily, primarily to transport workers cunt over
1,000 school children. Passenger trains are seldom on
scltedttle, and because of inadequate ecluipnu�ut
maintcnancc, an adequzulc number of cars is not
available for service.
The GUYBAU line operates linited conunou- carrier
service bolt depends primarily upon the movement of
ore to river ports. k daily aver:,cgc of 250 freight cars is
hauled from Ituni to Linden. Passenger service consists
of four trips per week to Ituni and daily nuts to nearer
points.
The Nest Coast Railroad uses flat bottomed 70-
pound- per -yard T- section rail in 30- and 45 -foot
kmgths. Tics are focally available and are either
c�reosc'ted softwood or untreated hardwood spaced at
1,9:36 per mij'.. Ballast is burnt ^arth and crushed
seashell, of which there are adequate. easily accessible
local supplies. Grades out the lines are almost
negligible, the maximtm being 0.6o flowever, train
lengths are restricted by relatively short passing tracks
(415 to 745 feet) located at an average distance of 5
miles. 'The line has it maximum axleload of 12.6 short
tons and a minimum radius of curvature of 957 feet
and for most of its length is on embankments above
flood level. Traffic interruptions nrty he caused I >x�
severe rainfall and seasonal flooding of the entire
coastal area.
The CUYBAU railroad also uses 70 -pound rail in
30- and 45 -foot lengths. Locally procured tics are
mttreated hardwood and arc spaced at an estimated
2,600 per mile; ballast is crushed stone. Grades do not
exceed L(Kc, the minimums radius of curvature is 717
feet, and the rmaximurm axleload is 15 short tons.
D. Highways (C)
The pattern of Guyana's highway system is
characterized by disconnected and dead -end route
segments. The greatest density of roads is in tile
northeastern part of the country, centering on
Georgetown, the capital and principal urban area;
sparse isolated networks mainly trucks �in tilt�
northwestern, central, and southwestern regions form
the remainder of the system. The main road extends
along the Atlantic coast from Charity on tit(.
Pomeroon River to Skeldon on the Cotrrantvne River.
"Three unbridged rivers on this road �the Esscquiho,
Demerara, and Berbic�e �are crossed by ferry. Several
branch roads extend inland it short distance, but the
lunged, and ouly road of signific�auc�e, is the
bituminous- surfac�cd highway, c�onrpleted in 19(i8,
from Georgetown to Linden. 'Phis road provides access
to Tim vhri International Airfield. I'll(- only other road
serving the interior is t;e Bartica- Vlandia road. "There
are many miles of earth roads in the Rupttnuni
saya!nas1 but tie\ are not connected to the coasted
road system.
Guyamu has 1,450 miles of roads, including maliv
motorable tracks and a consparatively snutll nunsber
of private roads constructed b\ slitting. agricultural,
and timber interests to serve their own needs. 01' this
total, 580 miles are surfaced; 290 stiles are paved, and
290 miles are surfaced with gravel, laterite, or bauxite.
'I'll( renutirting mileage is unsurfaced: 3.30 stiles of the
unsurfaced roads have improvements snc�h as grading
and drainage, and 540 miles are umimproved tracks.
There are no road connections with neighboring
countries.
Most roads are either single lane throughout or have
some narrow stretches. The best roads, which have 22-
foot bituminous surfaces, are the coastal route from
Georgetown to Skeldon and the highway from
Georgetown to Linden. Bas. courses on the
bituminous surfaced roads are cithcr crushed stone,
gravel, or bauxite. in general only tic above
nurnlioned bituminous surfaced roads have shoulders;
tile\- are 5 to 5 feet wide. Owing to inadecfuute
tmsintertanc�e and the adverse effects of rainy weather,
many roads are in poor condition. Drainage facilities,
especially, are ire need of repair.
Information on the total number of highway
bridges is not available; however, there are numerous
structures on the coastal plain .where drainage and
irrigation canals abound. Nllosl bridges are 25 feet or
less in !cngth and are either of timber -beam, concrete-
beam, or concrete -slab construction. There are 15
bridges over 100 feet long, all of which are of steel,
reinforced- concrete, or timber construction or
combinations of these. materials. One of these, a 770
foot single -lane comb ?nation rail and highway bridge
with a 90 -foot lift span, crosses tie Demerara River at
Linden. Most steel bridges have deck -truss spans.
Concrete bridges have either beam or deck- girder
spans. Most structures have unlimited vertical
clearances. Load capacities are estimated to he from
10 to 20 short tons on the steel and cones to druchmcs,
but many of the snuiller bridges have capacities of 7
short tons or less. The road system has no tunne�Is. and
there are few fords.
r3
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

Responsibility for Constriction and nmiutenance of
the pufilic romis rests with the Roads Division of the
Ministry of Works and Comim mications. However.
because of limited financial resources, some major
road development projects are being ac�cotrtplishcd Iw
a "self help plan. Under this Man, labor is furnished
by civilian volunteers and the Guyana Defense Force
(GDF). The civilian voiunteers .work for I week
without compensation except food, lodging, and
transportation. Naintenance activities are not
performed on a regularly scheduled basis but only as
necessary to keep roads open. 'Maintenance work
consists mainly of working the unpaved roads to
remove ruts and corrugations and patching potholes in
the bituminous roads. Unskilled labor is plentiful, but
there is it need for competent technicians and
engineers. Construction and maintenance proble its
arise from the lack of suitable construction materials.
Chiefly stone and gravel. and the� damaging effect of
rains upon the poor quality surfaces. Some rock is
available from interior quarries, but the high cost of
transporting it to crushing plants !year the c�oas has
limited its use. Ample supplies of timber for v.,e in
bridge construction are available locally, but hitut�ien.
portland cement, and steel most he imported. Chief
sources are the United States, Canada, and the United
Kingdom. Available construction equipment, such as
bitumen distributors, compactors, bulldozers. and rock
crushers, is inadequate for present needs.
The government favors highway development to
the interior to encourage econonnic development in the
sparsely settled area. Because of financial difficulties
these: projects are to be accomplished by the "self
help" plan. A road now under construction betw(
Nlandia and Annai is to join the sparse network of
earth roads in the 11upunoni area. It is planned to
improve the earth road from Annai to Lethcnt oil the
Brazilian border. A planned connection between
Linden and the Bit rtica� Vlandia road west of
Rockstone is to provide it through route from
Georgetown to Brazil. Clearing of the section between
Mandia and Annai was completed ill early 97 2.
Completion of the road and bridges will he left to the
GDF, and civilian volunteers will he assigned to other
projects. Future plans and investment in the transport
sector are to be determined by the transport planning
unit recently established under the Ministry of
Economic Development. Loans recently approved by
international development organizations for it 3 -year
development program are to be used for improvement
of about 3.1 miles of roads in the densely populated
area west of Georgetown, feasibi studies of about
200 miles of roads, and detailed engineering plans of
about 100 miles of roads.
4
Hindrances to traffic. aside from the man\ narrow
roadways, are five ferry crossings (three ou the
Charit� Skeldon coastal route), sharp turns. narrow
streets, marrow and lov.- capacity bridges it few fords,
and sharp cun-cs and steep grades ou some inland
routes. During the rainy seasons most roads are
impassa!rle in places or difficult to travel. Roads
situated in the low -lying coastal plain are subject to
periodic inundation from high tides or flooded rivers.
In the dry season excessive dust conditions pre wail om
the unpaved roads, chiefly on those with eartl,-clay
surfaces.
Guyana has fvw highway transport firms o f any
significant size. Most passenger and freight serk�ic�e is
provided by owner operated vehicles. The larilest bus
and truck firms are located in Georgcto two
companies operate it norther of trucks and attinral-
drawn conveyances over various routes on it
nonscheduled basis. The largest bus ntpany offers
scheduled services within Ceorvetcwn and to nearby
areas. A single goycrnncnt operated highway
transport service located in Barlic�a carries passengers.
freight, and mail to interior rotting districts. Among
the items hauled by trucks are sugar products, rice and
other foodstuffs, bauxite, and timber. Traffic is
growing hot is still light: the greatest volume of,
vehicular traffic is generated on roads in the coastal
region, prin lit rily between Georgetown and \ew
A mtsterdamt.
In 1990, motor vehicle registrations totaled 22,7
units and covered ;r? 095 passenger cars. -1 :3i i trucks,
and 2- buses. However. registration figures include
marry vehicles no longer in service� and the actual
numbers in service are c�omiderably less. In geiwo al.
the condition of motor vehicles is poor. Wi pair
facilities and supplies of spare parts are inadequat-
All automotive equipment is imported. Over the last 5
years between I and !.700 vehicles per year were
imported. The United Kingdom is normally the source
of most imports; the remainder come from the United
States. West Germany, Canada. France, and Japan.
E. Inland waterways (C)
Some 3.700 miles of navigable inland waterways
provide the major routes penetrating to the mineral
and agricultural centers sleep in the interior. Freight
carried on the waterways consists mainly of sugar.
bauxite�, manganese�, lumber, and rice for export, and
imported foodstuffs, machinery and manufactured
goods. As in neighboring countries, the inland
waterway fleet and facilities are barely adequate for
present requirements. Local demands dictate the
necessity of improvements and construction of
facilities along the waterways.
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

The principal waterways, the 11 ssequibo, Demarara,
and Berhice, and their larger tributaries carry the hulk
of the waterway traffic. The inland waterways, larger
unimproved natural streams, it re well distributed.
Ilowever, it large part of the total navigable mileage
c onsists of upriver reaches considerably obstructed by
natural de:. and numerous rapids. Navigation across
the coastal lowlands, which extend inland for from 60
to 100 miles, can be achieved on most of the rivers by
small oceangoing vessels. Navigation above the
coastal lowlands is limited to shallow -draft vessels
such as launches and native craft. Although portaging
around mane impassable rapids and falls is necessary,
the streams do afford transport routes into remote
areas. Characteristics of principal inland waterways
are listed in Figure I.
A network of s1w1low irrigation canals is located
within the coastal belt; many of the canals are utilized
for shipping agricultural products to markets and
mills.
FIGURE 1. Characteristics of principal inland waterways (C)
\A %I t:
Demerara River Improved stream.....
Berbice River ....fill
NACn-
UAltl.t:
n.F mvrn
.II des
6
Waini Ricer, Mora Passage, Improved streams and appror
Barima Ricer, Kaituma Ricer. passage. Iii
The west hank of the Conrant forms the eastern
boundary of Guyana, but the river itself lies within
Surinam. Guyana has navigation rights along the
waten\a, which is navigable by coastal vessels for
about 60 notes.
The falls and rapids, \whic�h restrict navigation to
short reaches on navy of the rivers, are the chief traffic�
interruption factors. 'I�ransportalion into numv regions
is ac�complislwd by frequent portages or by shooting
the rapids, it practice involving serious hazards to
passengers and cargo. The rivers are encumbered with
debris, and navigation after dark is not advisable.
Increased %water levels during the long rung season
from May through August and the shorter period of
December and January. -according to locale. extend
the limits of na\igabilit\ on many of the rivers and
facilitate negotiation of rapids by river stemuers and
launches. The narrowness of the channels on several of
the streams prevents some of the large \esscls from
turning, around: for this reason the\ go astern for
SAVE naArr
1.11' I I W
Feel
mm
i
W
Essequibo Ricer Natural stream....... iU till
nu Data not uvuiluble.
REMARKS
15 At high tide maritime vessels (-:in enter the
Demerara Inver and navigate to Lin-
den. Shallow-draft ricer steamers ascend
the ricer for about 110 miles. and
launc�hrs navigate to cicinitY of mile
1311. A new bridge with a vertical lift
span crosses the ricer at linden: de-
pending on the tide. underbridge clear-
ance caries from 20 to 27 ft. when span
is raised.
1.1 At high tide oceangoing vessels can enter
the Berhice and, via a tortuous channel.
navigate to Tak:una. Steamers and
launches of 7 ft. draft are able to pro-
ceed un additional 70 miles upstream
from '1 Bauxite is barged down
stream front Ktcakwani to 1:certon in
:350 -ton barges.
an Navigable depths controlled bY bar at
mouth of Mora Passage. Orc vessels
carrying export manganese front Kai
tunta navigate the route. Lotter Barinut
Ricer provides connection with Rio
Orinoco system of Venezuela.
16.5 Largest ricer in Guyana. Oceangoing ves-
sels can enter the ricer at high tide MId
navigate to point S miles above Bartic�a;
smaller coastal vessels can reach Rock-
stone at mile ill. Native craft navigate
throughout lower :310 miles of ricer.
7
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

portions of the return trip. I.ong orf� c�arrving vessels
are espec iall\ hindered ill negotiating t,trs upriver.
Structures on the inland N%ater\\ays consist of a few
road and rail bridges. Passenger and vehicle ferries are
in operation at crossings near the mouths of the
F,sseeluibo, Demerara, and Berbice and at it point 66
stiles up the Demerara. Submarine cables; are laic)
across sever;J of the principal rivers in the vicinity of
the mouths.
Inland waterwas ports consist generalIN (,I* minor
facilities tit it uum1wr of plantation and mining sites.
Much of the inlay waterway nmve�nu�nt centers on
the� maritime poi of Georgetown and at \'e\\
\nisterdani. \yhich c�;ut easily handle all traffic calling
there. Pari kit Port Kaitun l K\\ Ikwarai, and
Springlands are also active inland waterway parts.
Parika is it timber- ;�acting port at the mouth of the
Esseg Ili I)o; Port Kai t tit t,, specializes in exporting
manganese ore pia the Port Kaitiuna. Barron,. Mora
Passage, and \\'aini waterways: K%\akwani is a
bauxite shipment facility: and Springl;n ds is the port
of entry for goods from Surinam.
Tile inland watemay fleet is it mixture of publicly
and privately owned vessels up to 561 gross register
tons in size. For the most part, vessels are old and in
need of repair or replacement. TlIv private fleet
includes 27 tags. 60 barges. and about :311
c�argo' passe uger vessels plus motor and stcartt
launches, ferries, acid nine ore lighters. Numerous
native vessels ply the upper reaches of the waterways:
mane are powered by outboard motors. The largest
single owner of vessels is the govi-mmeut's 'Transport
and Il;arbors Department. Its fleet is composed of
three ferries (cacti of 561 gross register tons). 16
cargo; passenger vessels and launches. three tugs, six
launches, two dredges, one lighter. and an
undetermined number of barges.
Inland waterways are under the control of tile
"Transport and Harbors Department. \which is
responsible to the Ministry of Works and Conum mic�a
tions. loose� regulatory control is exercised over private
operators.
The Grtvana Government has no long -range plans
for development of its inland watc�nvit y system.
I owever, the addition of facilities at the main ports
and smaller landings is carried out as the need arises:
maintenance is performed regularly.
F. Ports (C)
Gnvana has one major and three minor ports: all are
natural river ports. Georgetown (Figure 2), the major
port. is situated at the mouth of the Demerara 13iver
along
the east bank. The dime minor ports are Linden.
the center of the bauxite industrv: \e\% \mslerdam.
the conunere�ial port for th(� som)unding agricultural
districts: and Barlica, the (fort and trading center for
the Essequibo :Ziv��r complex. Clearance from the
ports is mainly b\ inland watemav: ts\o wharves at
Georgetown are >erved by rail. The ports are
administered b\ the 'Transport and harbors
Department: however, most of the wharves it re mvued
by private trading and shipping companies.
Georgetown adequately steels normal shipping and
recciying requirements, but capability for military use
is limited by access restriction caused b\ it bar at the
rker mouth.
Georgetown is the center of c�onunerc�ial activities
and handles most of the trade for the c�ounlry. It is the
only maritime port of entry and is it transshipment
point for small steamers and other riser craft. Among
the principal exports are sugar. rice. ruin. molasses.
and bauxite_ imports iuc�Irtele foodstuffs. beverages.
tobacco, nt ;utufactured goods, nnehinery. and refined
petrolemn products. The port has it squall improved
harbor with ;about 1 1 2 square stiles of water area open
from west through north. some protection is afforded
by shoals and groins at the river mouth. Controlling
depth over the bar in the approach channel. ;about
miles north northeastward of the port, is 9 feet at
mean low \%ater with a depth of 16 feet at mu�an high
water ucaps. \t mean high water neaps. ships drawing
15 feet can enter by plowing through the soft. Ill id
stud. alongside berths accommodate three small
ocean -type cargo vessels, about 10 standard and small
coaster-type cargo ycsscls. one standard coaster -type
tanker. and several lighters. The exposed roadstead
provides anchorage for large numbers of ocean -type
and c�oastcr -type cargo vessels about I') miles norlh-
rortlwastward of the harbor. The estimated military
port capacity is `3.000 long tons.
'I'hc largest drydocking facilit\ is it graving dock
with a length oft keel blocks of 20") feet. vll-
equipped shops call effect above -eater repairs to hulls
and cugines.
1 '1'11( estimated nilitan port Capacity is the naa.\innm amount of
general cargo� exim -ssed in long tuns �that Can be unloaded onto
the wharves and cleared from the wharf aprons during a period of
one 2�1 -hour day (20 effective cargo working hours). The estimate is
based on the static� cargo- transfer facilities of the port existing at the
tine� the estimate is prepared ;end is desit n�d for comparison rather
than for operational purposes: it cannot be projected be\ond a
single dad bv straight nndtiplicalion.
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP0l- 00707R000200070009 -9

v-
G. Llerchant marine (C)
Cuuna has one ship ()f I,I)OO gross register tons
(g.r.t.) and (wer, it go% o%(ncd (Transport mmd
larhors Departwent) hulk -cargo Unit (42.959t r.l. or
0.1 -19 (Icadcri,,lit tons (d -W-t. This scar --((Id
co: nveitvd tanker has oil- firccl boilers ;ul(I it ser\ic�c
speed of 10 knots. (:urrent inforns(ti(m ls not a(Ailablc
on either the types of cargo c�arricci or roWcs sc�n(�(I.
but this ship has tl'ansp)rted carg
o !)ctccn
and ports in the 1'cst Ill(lics an(I the (:nlf of Mc
Several :;nlallvr ships ranging front aimul 11111 to (iO()
gross tons carrn general cargo and Imssengers in c�oaslal
.Ald river traffic. "these ships c,rc operated ill schcdulc(I
service by the Transport and I larburs I)epar(nlctll.
H. Civil air (C)
Civil i,viation provides the oil\ trimspnrlalion
connection, other than waterways. with neighboring
colnitries and is it nntjor tncans of ac�ccss to tFlc alining
regions of nuluntid not s central Gov inji :ul(I to the
tropical cattle- grazing areas bevinid. :rtvana ;kinvays
Corporation, whose present title wa, a(Inptcd in 196
is the conntn 's ulll\ scheduled tirlinc. F.slablishc(I in
1935 its British 0 iiana :lincass. IAA.. mid privatek
ocned until I955. al Mich time� it :;(�cluired b\
the gocrrnnu�nt. The airline. it \(iu,11v go(rnuuenl-
necl c�orpormtion \cilh a ch:lirnuul :md board of
directors, operalcs intermit s(�heclulcd flights Irons
(:c()rgct( ii to I dolllestie p()lniti. Selle(1(11,(I
internmtio lit l scr\ ices ;Ire not operated b\ (:u\;ln:l
linca but intcrn�(tiooml wrvic�c is pr(c\idc(I b\ eight
fon�iga (�Arricrs h:cs ing scheduled ,crs ices to I'S (iti(�s in
13 c� Aiarter scn ic�c to ncigiburing c�uuntries
a islands in the caster C:ln'ihcarl is supplied b\
mill four uthei shall c�olnp;ulics
operating light aircraft.
11: estimated 55 cis it :lirc�r:lft arc rcgistercd in
(:Il\a lit 'I'\%O de IIit vi I lit n(I I)I I(: -I (::lrihou an(I four
I)ougl :ls I) :3's ussncd bk (:In:Ili, r\% it s. arc tic
-ill\ aircrml't ill llcc 20 poun(1 greater gross
\\eight c�atcgor\. The Airline also operates it few light
mirc�raft. The rcnlainin,g light aircraft are o�,\ncd b\
c�hartcr services, acroclubs. business organiz:ltions. an(I
private individii lj
;1lnursl all the 125 personncl in (�ivil
aviation ac�tivitics in (:uv;u a arc entplovecl by :twain
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9
FIGURE 2. Port of Georgetown at the mouth of the Demerara River (U'OU)

Airways. Civil pilot lrtining activit\ is finited to
tr.tining provided by Guyana :kinvays for its own
pilots. In tLe past, the company had sent pilots to
private schools in the United Stales for pilot training
co urses.
There are no commercial enterprises devoted solely
to tilt, maintenance of light aircraft, but I(I.A\' ;k M. a
small ch.trtvr co tit pait y, sloes have a limited
nritintt,nancc capability. Guyana imays has major
DC Inairttenallee facilities at Tinu�hri International
(Georgetown).
(:ivil aviation in Guyana is regulated by the
Department of Civi; kviation, under the \linisln of
Works anti Communications. In addition to its
regulator\ functions the department provides all
essential aviation services at the international airfield,
including air traffic control, flight information, and
rescue coordination services. It is also responsible for
overall direction of interior landing sites, inchtcling the
lighting of amphibious landing areas.
Guvana is a member of the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO). I?xchargc of air
services is governed by informal agreements or
arrangements with 12 countries; the only fornutl
bilateral civil airagreement is with the l'nitecl Slates.
I. Airfields''
The air facilities system in Guyana consists of 102
airfields and two seaplane stations. Of the airfields, i-I
are civil. are privatc and 1 are former airfield sites.
The iirfield distribution pattern generally follows the
Guyana /Brazilian Border, but the only significant
concentration is near Georgetown. which represents
the area of greatest civil air activity.
Tinu�hri International Airfield, 20 stiles southwest
of Georgetown, is the principal air facility, handles the
greatest volume of air traffic. and is the only
designated airport of entr It can support sustained
'For detailed inlonnatiun on individuai airfieWs in Gucana See
Volume 5, Airfields and Seaplane Stations of the World, published
In the Defense flapping Agenc�c. Aerospace Center, for the Defense
Intelligence Agency.
operations of aircraft ct{ to and including tit(- C -1:35
class. Major D(: -:3 aircraft ntitintcnance fac�ililics arc
operated by Guyana kimI\s; the international
carriers using this aerodroi n� have c�recvs mailable to
perform routine itmintemince nonnall\ assoc�iatcd
with cn route sio ps.
Only four airfields lmc hard surfaced runways�
Tinu�hri lulerualional, M-,wKenzic, Barlic�a, and Ogle.
N�lact(cnzic, second in ituporlance to Timehri
International. is not compamblc to that airfield in
terms of facilities and services available. The runsvaly is
in good condition, and thcrc is a small asphalt
surfac�cd parking apron. Other anc�illary scrviccs arc
extremely limited, providing out\ minor support to the
scheduled (;uvarta Aimays light transport operations.
Bartic�a and Ogle are private landing strips used by
light aircraft: set'vicvs and facilities arc adequate for
operations conducted.
The remaining airfields have natural or gravel
surfaced runways. Of the 59 active fields, atboot i5 i
arc in fair to good condition and can acc�onunodate
light transport aircraft_ The I:) sites have been
a ba Iidmwd for sc\ cral \ears and are considered
unusable.
Nei tIwr of the scaplalle stations has handling
cc{tiipmcnt or services. Guyana :lirways operates
;rani man Goose aircraft out of the Georgetown
anchorage. I mile southwest of Georgetown on the
cast hank of the Demcmi a Biver, to river in the
interior. The former seaplane station at I".ssec{nibo is
inactive, curd the assnc�iated facilities arc in t,1
deteriorated c�oudition.
:Airfield maintenance, requiring mininmin equip-
ment and unskilled labor, is performed as w(luimd at
the active airfields. Timehri International has
adequate support and scnice equipment readily
available for Iwoior ni aintenanc�e programs.
Information does not indicate any plans for airfield
construction, but construction is in progress to
strengthen the runway and improve communications.
aircraft parking. and support facilities at Timehri
I ntcrnational i rf icld.
higurc i lists chartetcri.,ties of the leading airfields.
FIGURE 3. Selected airfields (C)
LARGEST
AIRcRArr
NORMALLY
EStY1. Sr'I'1'ORTEII REMARKS
Po unds
1.1.250 DC 3......... Civil. t'scd hY donu�.tic� airline. No PU1,.
11,250 DC 3......... Do.
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9
LONGEST RUNWAY:
SURFACE; DIMENSIONS;
ELRI'ATION ARO �F.
NAME
AND LOCATION
SKA LEVEL
Feet
Aishalton
Earth...............
2 �29
59 �151'11'.
3,600 x 150
ri5t:1
Annai
Graeel..............
:3
59�OWW.
:3,200 x hill
:3011
Footnote
at end elf table.
U
`l
LARGEST
AIRcRArr
NORMALLY
EStY1. Sr'I'1'ORTEII REMARKS
Po unds
1.1.250 DC 3......... Civil. t'scd hY donu�.tic� airline. No PU1,.
11,250 DC 3......... Do.
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

FIGURE 3. Selected airfields (C) (Continued)
IE
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200070009-9
LONGEST RUNWAY:
LAUGEST
SURFACE; DIMENSIONS:
All(CRA!"'
ELEVATION ABOVE
N(IRMALLY
NAME AND LOCATION
SEA LEVEL
k's N'1.
SUPPORTED
REMARKS
Fed
Pounds
Apoteri
EtL rt I i
1.1,�:50
DC
CiVil- Used by domestic airline. No 1
-IoOtN., :5S �313'11'.
:3,800 x 150
300
Barililit.1
Earth...............
I 1, 2-50
DC :3.........
Do.
7 611�30'10.
3,500 x 100
060
Bartiva
Asphalt.............
28, 160
DC -1...
1h).
V22 5S
3,960 x (if)
28.1
('100d 1101W
1ALterite
1 .1 2-5m
DC 3
Do.
3 59*35'11'.
3,500 x 70
350
I'llbaimatlai
E'a rt I i
1-1.250
DC :3.........
DO.
ao-13'N., 60
.1,500 x 100
1,6150
Kamitrang
Sand.............
15, �:50
DC :3.........
Do.
5 0 53 1 N., 60'37'11'.
3,500 x 150
I
Karanambo
Laterite.............
11,2:511
M 3.........
Do.
3o-113'N., 59'21'10.
5,500 x 100
300
Karasab,d
Earth...............
1.1, 250
M 3.........
Civil. Used be domestic airline except in
-1 oOO'N., :59�:31'10-
5,000 x 50
rainx- season. No POL.
-100
Kato
E'arth
1.1,250
DC :3.........
Civil. Used bY domestic airline. No POL.
-lo39'N., 59o50'10.
:3,000 x 100
2,300
Ixthem
Gravel
:15.500
L382 13
Do.
:3*22'N., 59*-17'11'.
6,000 x 150
2.10
1,1111lid P,111
l":Lrth
1.1,250
DC :3
2 59
:1,500 x 150
550
1: 1 K e [I z i v
Asphalt.............
28.160
DC 1.........
Do.
a 58
5,500 x 150
180
Monkey '%1011ntiLill
Gravel
11,2511
M 3
Do.
4 59'38'10.
:3,000 x 150
7 miles W. of Wandaik
1,700
Ogle
Concrete a lid vart li
1,:305
Cessna 182
Civil. One of :3 hard surfaced runways in
6 W0(3
1,500 x :30
GmYalla. Avgas available. 1,00 ft. of 1 1loway
.1 miles E. of Georgetown
10
unusable in wet weather.
Orinduik
E'artli
1.1,251)
DC :3.........
Civil. Used be (10111('Sti(' airline. No 1
60
3,500 x 100
I sm)
Timeliri International.......
Concrete.
:5(3,(107
Boeing 707....
Civil. Infeniational airport. ?0l, available.
6 55 15'10.
7,430 x 150
is miles SSW. of George-
95
town.
Wichabiti
Earth...............
11,2:511
M :3.........
ivil. ('sod b.\ domestic airline. No PO L.
2*53'N., 59
:3,000 x 150
120
,quivalent, Single-Wheel loading:
Capacity of all airfield rtiti%va.-, to sti.,tain the
weight of and multiple -Wheel landing-gear air-
an
craft in terms of the single-wheel
equivalent.
IE
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200070009-9

J. "Telecommunications (C)
CuxaIla has onc� c!f the nlatrc efficient telecom
s\ste -ns of I.alin AIIwrica, and iu Irv( l of dc\eloltnu nt
it c�oosistenlf, ranks in the top quarter. Drunk routes of
the radio cola\ and \\ire uet\\orks e\tcod soulln\ard
from the capital as \cell as nortimest aucl northeast
.don" the coast. Iligh Ircctneuc\ (II1 radioconl
immication links connect null\ ing areas- supplcinwit-
ing the radio rela\ fac�ililics. The hulk of domestic
traffic is curried over the ccr\ high-frc�yuenc\ (\'Ill I
radio- rcla-, nct\cork. Ccorgelo\\n. Linden. and \e\\
Antsterdant scr\e as ke\ traffic- s\% itc�hing centers.
Remaining traffic is carried h\ Icss important opcn-
\cire telephone .end telegraph nct\\orks and
-o\ ern ment. operated nulioc�ommuuic it ion facilities.
I�:ffecti\c international communicotion are pro\idcd
h\ a private c�osmnercial contpan\
'I'll( ;it\aIla Tc�tccuur !it it nicaI it ll (:orpuratiou
;TC) it irmcrnnucrtt agencc, operates the dourestic
S\ stem. including tcicphone, letegntpll, and wdio
ser\ices :able and \firdess (\Vest Indies), I,td.
provides international scrcice. A goccrtiment :tgenc�\.
the ;it\ama l'nitc(! Broadcasting :ompan\. operates
the radio broadcast stations. Special purpose
radiocommunication facilities ser\c ntiniug, ranching.
agric�ultnral, religious and polic�c organir;ttiotr.
The domestic interc�iI\ s\ stem consists of
interconnected \'III radio -relu\ open irc, cable,
and IIF r;rctioconrnuLtticati(HI net\\,r I'll(- 12-
chansel radio -mta\ uct\cork Iinkims (;corgelo\cn \\itb
Charit\. Bartica. Lintten. msler-
darrt. and Skeleton procidc, telephone. telegraph- ;Illd
telex ser\ is c. Telegraph and lelephonc s: i re net\cork,
are operated sep,cratcl\. each cmcrittg 10)mll :355
stiles. About 16,000 telephones scr\c the cortnlr\. a
ratio of 2 per 1011 population. 'I'll(- stain cxc�hange in
Georgct mII its 11.000 phase cotlnec�tions .0 rd is the
center of a ne\c national telec�o:II s\stent heiIIg
installed by ;I`( -AI`I r!f the L'IIited Kingdom. 1 Ic
first section of a ne\\ ultra high (regnenc\ radio -rdac
system is in operation, pro\idims dircc�t -distanc�e-
dialing (DIM hcl\ceen the c;Ipital c�it\ of \c\c
Amsterdam. As part of the program. 200 stiles of
radio -rcla\ links mud 13 rela\ to\\crs are being
constructed, as well as 20,000 n(�\\ local telephone
lines, and 15 n( exchanges. Telegraph service,
a\ailable at :TS offices. has been imtprove(I by the
instdlation of teleprinters at important lordilics. The
public III radioc�ommmiication Iwt\\ A ser\cs the
interior.
Dircc�t iulcrnall-!I!:d III telephone radioc�otu-
immication, to Surivaul are furnished h\ the (:able
and Wireless station in Ccorget4mii. 32- c�hamicl
tropospheric- sc�alter iink exists het\ \een ;eorgeto\\n
mud fort -of- Spain. Trinidad.
Thcre are t\\o radiof!ro,ulc�ast stations. Radio
I)e�n to rara and IIIc \atiotml Brcr,tdc�a,tiit, Ser\ice:
bosh :ire located ill the� ;corgeto\\it urea. Radio
1)(�au�rara transmih short\%;t\v and nn�cliunr\\a\c A\1
bn)mlcasts, :Ind the \atioual Rroudc�astiug Scrcic�e
Imnsmits ou short\ca\c, mcdimim\ !\c. :Ind I \1
oI!tlr�ts. The ntrnther hroadc�asl recei\cc; is c,tiul:rtcd
to he 257 .000. inducting over 300 sets for c�ommimit\
amt school !Ise.
Dense forests, s\caIIIis, ;lad rugged hill\ terrain
hacc c!IrtaiI I dc\rlopntc�Ltt of an e\tcnsi\c \ire line
I!( liecanse of the humid c�Iimatc. tropic�atira-
tion of all radio and wire equipment is re(li ired. Sillce
cootrcrl facililie, are concentrated in :corgeto\ cu. this
area is the clllnerable link ill the scstenl.
(;u\;o!,i has no c�apabilit\ for prodrtcing telecom
equipment. \Iafur sources are the L'IIitecl Kingdom
Oben .'re line
PORT -OF- SPAIN, Hado relay
TRINIDAD
TrnPnspher is
Mabaruma.. scatter
radocor:,muncatwn
I Intetnatwnal
alther�s Ri1Pe r adwcommum cibor�.
!'nar dy AK broadcast
(VENEZUELA E) Fry� broadcast
G
P;vi4v ,eorgetewn
B.afica
Ne�w Amsterdam
Litt ler
Skeldin
Pclxc. LandrnF
i
SURINAM
Lethem
BRAZIL
I I
BRAZIL
FIGURE 4. General telecom pattern (C)
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA- RDP01- 00707R000200070009 -9

Geneml Electric. .`.Iurph:- Stellman. ars(i Hedihou)
and S%%eden (Ericsson). Broadc�:,sl rec�eicers are
supplied 1 the \etherlands� J_span, and West
Germane. Training for telecors employees is provided
at tle Government Tec�hsical Institute at \'c�\%
Amsterdam. Advanced training is arailuble in the
United Kingdom