Analysis of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey
The Household Income and Expenditure Survey of 1993 carried out by the Government Statistical Bureau estimated that the Amerindian population of Guyana counted 50,222 upon an overall population of 707,458 people. With other words, the Amerindian population is good for approximately 7 % of the Guyanese population.
The majority of the Amerindian communities are located in the hinterland regions, where the Amerindians form up to 90 % of the population, in hilly and mountainous areas that aren’t easily accessible. Accessibility also raises problems in terms of development in the North West District, especially the Baramita-area, and the Rupununi-savannah's. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of the communities is also located in the immediate environment of the coast, and along the many impressive rivers which runs through Guyana from north to south. These Amerindian communities are better accessible, but still face difficulties because of the exurbanite transportation prices in the country.
Many Amerindian communities currently ask for the extension of their lands, mainly because of overpopulation which puts stress on the available community resources. Many of the lands surrounding these communities are in hands of mining, cattle and forestry companies. The last years, there has been a huge increase in licenses for mining activities from 200,000 acres to 2 million. This amount represents approximately 10,000 claims. A similar evolution has taken place in relation to the timber-sector.
While the indigenous population of Guyana still practices fishing, hunting and swidden agriculture, they live mostly a sedentary life
Janette Forte of Amerindian Research Unit of the University of Guyana described Amerindian population as comprising the poorest and most neglected stratum of Guyanese society.
The levels of diseases, mortability, famine are primary education which results significant higher in comparison to the other non-indigenous groups of the population.
The majority of the Amerindian communities are located in the hinterland regions, where the Amerindians form up to 90 % of the population, in hilly and mountainous areas that aren’t easily accessible. Accessibility also raises problems in terms of development in the North West District, especially the Baramita-area, and the Rupununi-savannah's. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of the communities is also located in the immediate environment of the coast, and along the many impressive rivers which runs through Guyana from north to south. These Amerindian communities are better accessible, but still face difficulties because of the exurbanite transportation prices in the country.
Many Amerindian communities currently ask for the extension of their lands, mainly because of overpopulation which puts stress on the available community resources. Many of the lands surrounding these communities are in hands of mining, cattle and forestry companies. The last years, there has been a huge increase in licenses for mining activities from 200,000 acres to 2 million. This amount represents approximately 10,000 claims. A similar evolution has taken place in relation to the timber-sector.
While the indigenous population of Guyana still practices fishing, hunting and swidden agriculture, they live mostly a sedentary life
Janette Forte of Amerindian Research Unit of the University of Guyana described Amerindian population as comprising the poorest and most neglected stratum of Guyanese society.
The levels of diseases, mortability, famine are primary education which results significant higher in comparison to the other non-indigenous groups of the population.