Previous to 1832, Berbice continued to be a separate and distinct colony from the previously united colonies of Demerara and Essequibo. It had its own chief magistrate (a Lieutenant-Governor), its Civil and Criminal Courts, its own peculiar laws and customs, and its own current money.

His present Majesty,—who understands our colonial affairs better than most men,—has a perfect and personal knowledge of the whole of our West India possessions, and has given much consideration to the measures upon which, in a great degree, the prosperity of these possessions must ever depend,—was pleased, soon after his accession, to direct the consolidation of the whole provinces, and to order that in all acts and deeds they should in future be known and recognised as British Guiana. Major-General Sir Benjamin D'Urban, a most able and excellent man, and long known as a brave and gallant soldier, was the first Governor-General of these united provinces.

I am anxious to put on record this fact, because the future history of these colonies will become a matter of far greater importance than their past has been; and the men who have contributed to lay the foundation of their boundless prosperity upon so sure a basis, will have their memories honoured and revered, as are the Washingtons and Franklins of a more northern division of the same continent.

The Dutch laws and customs, as they existed in 1803, were maintained in all their integrity till three or four years ago.