Current Time in Georgetown
Guyana's culture of time
Guyana's culture of time
A relaxed Caribbean/South American sense of time
In Guyana, there is a culture that does not mind slight delays, called "island time" or "Guyanese time". It is also common for events to start several tens of minutes later than scheduled.
Cultural influence of a multi-ethnic society
In a society where Indians, Africans, Native Americans, and others coexist, the sense of time differs depending on each ethnic background. It is characterized by a flexible operation based on diversity rather than a uniform concept of time.
Relationship between the natural environment and time
Because it is close to the equator and the daylight hours are stable throughout the year, the movement of the sun has a strong influence on the sense of time in daily life. The mainstream style is to start activities early in the morning and feel the end of the day in the evening.
Guyanese values regarding time
Flexible time sense that prioritizes relationships with people
In a culture that values human relationships, some lateness and changes in plans are often tolerated, and values that value the atmosphere and interaction of the place rather than time are seen.
Time is for "enjoying life"
People tend to prefer a natural life that follows a rhythm rather than efficiency and productivity at work. Excessive time management can be seen as a cause of stress.
Flexibility of time in religious events and festivals
Hindu, Christian, and Islamic religious events often do not start on time. It is a sense that they start naturally after people gather and are ready.
Things about time that foreigners should know when traveling or moving to Guyana
Public services are not always on time
Government offices and banks have set business hours, but it can take time to start and respond to business, so you need to act with plenty of time. It is a good idea to expect long wait times.
Bus and public transport times are inaccurate
Even if there is a timetable, intercity and local buses often do not run on time, and may depart at the driver's discretion. You need to be flexible and not be too tied down by time.
Punctuality is also expected in business
Especially in international companies and government-related situations, it is expected to be on time. In formal situations, Western standards of time are increasingly being prioritized.
Fun facts about time in Guyana
Daylight saving time is not observed
Because it is close to the equator, there is little change in the hours of daylight, so there is no need for daylight saving time, and standard time (UTC-4) is used throughout the year.
"Guyanan time" can also be a laughing matter
Locals sometimes jokingly say that being late for an appointment is "because it's Guyanan time". This can be seen as a cultural symbol of tolerance for lateness.
Border region related to space development
It is close to the Guiana Space Center in neighboring French Guiana, and you can see up close scenes that require precise time management, such as rocket launches. It is a unique region where relaxed and strict time management coexist.