Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to settlement of urban areas by former slaves and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. The resulting ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, and since then it has been ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president in what is considered the country's first free and fair election since independence. After his death five years later, his wife, Janet JAGAN, became president but resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was reelected in 2001 and again in 2006. Early elections held in May 2015 resulted in the replacement of President Donald RAMOTAR by David GRANGER.
Guyana is a parliamentary republic.
Members:
Resources
Displaying 6 - 10 of 34Land Bonds Act (Cap. 62:07).
The Act provides for compensation payable or purchase money to be payable in land bonds. A vendor is not under the obligation to accept land bonds as a means of payment, except in cases where commissioners appointed under section 7 of the Acquisition of Land (Land Settlement) Act have reported to the Minister that (part of) such land is not beneficially occupied or utilised for agriculture. It further provides, among other things, for issue, description, redemption, surrender, service and registration of land bonds, and interest on land bonds.
Deceased Persons Estates' Administration (Cap. 12:01).
This Act provides for administration of land and other property of deceased persons.The Act sets out procedures for the lodgement of wills and other procedures upon the death of the owner of an estate and the appointment of an administrator by Court. The administrator shall administrate the estate in accordance with provisions of this Act. The Act also provides with respect to execution of judgements and custody of estates pending probate and letters of administration.
Wills Act (Cap. 12.02).
This Act makes provision for matters of inheritance by will. It specifies the procedures and criteria for the making of a will and the effect of a valid will. It also valid concerns attestation of a will.
Mining Act (Cap. 65:01).
This Act provides rules relative to prospecting, quarrying and mining of minerals. The Act also regulates the exportation of radioactive minerals and safeguards rights of Amerindians in respect of land and restricts rights of Amerindians to take minerals.The Minister may constitute part of Guyana as a mining district. All minerals shall vest in the State. The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission may grant licences or permits to enter on private lands and to search and take minerals on such land. The Act provides rules for large scale and medium and small scale mining and prospecting.
Amerindian Act (Cap. 29:01).
This Act provides for local government of Amerindians, i.e. an Indian who is a member of a tribe indigenous to Guyana. For this purpose Amerindian Districts, Amerindian Areas and Amerindian Villages are established.The Act also provides for the protection of property of Amerindians and establishes the Amerindian Purposes Fund. The Minister may establish District Councils or Area Councils as a body corporate. The Councils shall, among other things, manage and regulate the use and occupation of land situated in a District, Area or Village.