Matthew's Ridge

Matthew's Ridge
Matthew's Ridge Location in Guyana
Coordinates: 7°30′N 60°10′W / 7.5°N 60.167°W / 7.5; -60.167Coordinates: 7°30′N 60°10′W / 7.5°N 60.167°W / 7.5; -60.167
Country	Guyana
Region	Barima-Waini

Matthew's Ridge is a small town within the Barima-Waini administrative region of Guyana. It is located at 7°30′N 60°10′W / 7.5°N 60.167°W / 7.5; -60.167.

History

During the 1960s, Matthews Ridge was being considered as a potential area in which to relocate the capital city of Guyana. During that same era, it was the location of a large manganese mining operation, which has since closed down.

Geography

Matthews Ridge lies in the North-West district of Guyana. It is located in Region 1 of Guyana, also known as the Barima-Waini region.

Climate

The area experiences a steady shift between dry season in August/September and March, and rainy season in May/June and December/January. Average temperature ranges between 95-100'F during the day, to 80-85'F at night.

Demographics

The population of Matthews Ridge is approximately 500, and is composed mainly of blacks and Amerindians. Some of these Amerindians speak the Carib language. Individuals of that language group in Matthew's Ridge number approximately 50 persons. With the closing of the manganese mining operation in the 1970s, the town went into an economic downturn, which it is still struggling to recover from. There are few job opportunities aside from small scale gold mining. Nearby mining camps include Eyelash, Big Creek, Five Star, Perseverance, Butterfly, 6-Mile, 14-Mile, Botway, and Black Banana.

Education

The local nursery and primary schools can accommodate students through Grade 9. Children who display skill and determination may be sent to the secondary school in Port Kaituma if affordable for further educational opportunities.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of the town is elementary. A phone and internet connection is available by means of a small shop offering this by means of satellite. Digicel service is available. Electric current is not provided by the government in Matthew's Ridge, but a number of the residents own generators which provide them with electricity. Goods are brought into Matthews Ridge via planes from Georgetown, and trucks from Port Kaituma.