British Guiana pre-1966 c.f. Guyana 1966 and beyond?

Question

Hi

Am I correct in thinking that birth/baptism etc records pre-1966 should be "British Guiana" not "British Guyana" or "Guyana"?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Guiana

An example of a relative's profile is given below.

Thanks, Kathy

Answer 1

I added British Guinea as a accepted spelling.

https://wikitree.sdms.si/function/WTShowTable/Table.htm?table=Countries&filter=GUY&Histogram=1

Comments

Thanks, Ales, and I'm sure you meant "British Guiana"! 

Answer 2

Hello Kathy,

I checked the 1861 Census entry for James John Bowrey (1845-1897), and his place of birth was recorded as British Guiana. 

Best wishes,

Zenon

Comments

Yes, records consistently give "British Guiana" so my gut says they should stay that way as it was the name used at the time. Only post-independence (1966) dates should be "Guyana" in my opinion but I may be wrong! Keen to hear from whoever makes these calls to confirm the right naming convention...