Matthews Ridge, Guyana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matthews Ridge
|
|
|---|---|
 Matthews Ridge, Guyana
Location in Guyana
|
|
| Country | Guyana |
| Region | Barima-Waini |
| Population
(2012)
|
|
| • Total | 409 |
Matthews Ridge is a small village located in the Barima-Waini region of Guyana. It's named after a public official, Matthew Young, and the natural ridges in the area. The village has three main parts: Heaven's Hill, Hell Hill, and the valley.
Contents
People and Jobs in Matthews Ridge
In 2012, about 409 people lived in Matthews Ridge. Most residents are of Afro-Guyanese or Amerindian background. The local Amerindian people speak a language called Carib.
While farming is important, mining is the main way people earn a living here.
History of Matthews Ridge
Matthews Ridge is one of the oldest villages in the Barima-Waini region that was settled by indigenous people.
Manganese Mining History
From 1962 to 1968, a large manganese mine operated in Matthews Ridge. Manganese is a metal used to make steel stronger. To move the manganese ore, a special narrow-gauge railway was built. It stretched about 38.5 miles (62 km) to Port Kaituma.
The mine closed in 1968, which made it hard for the village's economy. Many years later, in 2011, a company called Reunion Manganese Incorporated reopened the mine. In 2019, another company, Guyana Manganese Incorporated (GMI), took over the mining operations.
Gold Mining Today
Besides the manganese mine, many people in Matthews Ridge work in small-scale gold mining. This often means traveling to "backdams," which are small areas known to have gold. Miners use tools like "batels" (pans for sifting gold) or "dredges" to find gold. They travel to these areas on foot or using ATVs.
Village Life and Services
The village has basic services. You can use your cell phone here, thanks to the Digicel network. Electricity is available for certain hours each day, powered by the town's generator.
Goods and supplies are brought into Matthews Ridge from Georgetown and Port Kaituma. The village also has its own airport, Matthews Ridge Airport, making travel easier. For spiritual life, there is a Pentecostal church and a Jehovah's Witness church.
Weather in Matthews Ridge
Matthews Ridge experiences two main seasons each year: a rainy season and a dry season. The temperature usually stays warm, ranging from about 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 38 degrees Celsius).
See also
In Spanish: Matthew's Ridge para niños
