Guyana
From Bahaikipedia
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Guyana
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 Guyana, on the South American continent.
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| National Office | Georgetown | |
| National Assembly | NSA:Guyana | |
| History: Firsts |
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| - | Bahá'í to visit | Leonora Armstrong |
| - | Pioneers | Malcolm King |
| - | Local Assembly | Georgetown, 1955 |
| - | National Assembly | 1970 |
| How to contact: | ||
| - | Phone | (592) 226-5952 |
| - | Fax | (592) 226-5952 |
| - | nsaguy [at] networksgy.com | |
| - | Address | 220 Charlotte St., Bourda Georgetown Guyana South America |
| Official Website | http://www.gy.bahai.org | |
In 1927 the Bahá’í Faith was mentioned publicly for the first time in Guyana by the Leonora Armstrong. This courageous young woman was on her way by boat to take up residence alone in Brazil. During a stopover in Guyana she gave a public lecture on the Bahá’í Faith which was reported in the local press.
Nine years later in 1936 Mr. and Mrs. Blakeley traveled to Guyana to bring the message of Bahá’u’lláh to the Guyanese people. During their seven week stay they met many distinguished citizens of Georgetown and gave a number of radio and newspaper interviews on the subject of World Peace according to the Bahá’í Teachings. Mrs. Blakeley was referred to as the 'Lady of Peace' by the Guyanese public. As a result of the visit a group was formed, comprised of people from Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Hindu backgrounds. This group continued to function every week for two years.
The first Bahá’í to settle in Guyana was Dr. Malcolm King, a Jamaican, who traveled from his home in the United States in 1953. Dr. King began establishing a group by conducting 'firesides' or discussions on the Faith in Georgetown.
Shortly after the arrival of Dr. King, Mr. and Mrs. Backwell came from England to live in Guyana and assist with the work of the Cause.
In 1955 the first institution of the Bahá’í Faith was established in Guyana. This institution was the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Georgetown. This step symbolised the permanent establishment of the Faith in Guyana. Since there are no ministers or clergy of any kind in the Faith, these institutions, once established, guide its affairs. The Local Spiritual Assembly is a body of nine adult members elected by the community annually.
In 1970 the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies had increased to the point where a National Spiritual Assembly for the Bahá’ís of Guyana was elected. And in 1976 this was incorporated by Act of Parliament.
In 1998 the Local Spiritual Assemblies elected represented communities from Georgetown to Lethem and from Corentyne to Essequibo.
