ction materials, clothing, soap andcigarettes. In the late 1980’s they installed some new technology such as electricity which was generatedthrough thermal facilities. They also have a great capacity for generating hydroelectricity.TransportationThe country has about 6000 miles of road which are mainly near the coast. They have about 70miles of railroad tracks in use and their main seaports are in Georgetown and New Amsterdam. The riversystem are a major part in the route to the interior. Guyana has a national airline called Guyana Airwayswhich services domestic as well as international flights.GovernmentThe country is governed under a constitution which was adopted in 1980. The head of state as well as the chief executive is a president. He is elected into a five year term by theNational Assembly. The cabinet is appointed by the President and ran by the Prime Minister. The legislature is controlled by the unicameral National Assembly which consists of 12 members,nonelected. The other 53 members are elected to a five-year term. The Judiciary is based on Englishcommon and statute law. The Supreme court is divided into branches which are a court of appeal as well asa high court. The Local Government is divided into ten different regions and each is governed by acouncil.HistoryIn 1499, Spanish explorers charted what is now Guyana. The British held possession in 1814 butdid not gain control until 1831. During the British rule, the Native American population was reduced to aminority due to a large influx of African and East Indian peoples. In 1928, Guyana received its firstconstitution under the British administration.In 1961 they received a full internal self government. Under the leadership of Cheddi Jagan, thePPP gained majority in the legislature. Jagan made a poor call in 1962 which caused mad riots and astrike. He made a program of complete economic austerity. The British sent in their troops and gainedcontrol to make order once...
