Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali told delegates and other officials at the opening of the 13th Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC-13) on Sunday evening at the Guyana International Conference Centre that there is need for greater integration to drive tourism. “In the Caribbean, tourism is too big to fail, and singularly, we are too small to compete, thus our goals and recommendations would be that we utilise our time and energies to move towards an integrated partnership plan.”
Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali
Acknowledging the fact that a percentage of the Caribbean is more developed than the other, Ali said it is time the region converge as one to create balance through a long-term sustainable programme.
This, he said will create a perfect Caribbean blend, emphasising that it takes commitment.
The tourism minister urged the international audience to explore the beauties and vast economical prospects Guyana has to offer the wider world. “Opportunities to benefit from the large markets in South America, opportunities to benefits from the European market… Guyana presents the land and waterways to both Suriname and Brazil.”
Ali, who also serves as housing and water minister, said the government of Guyana is convinced that there remains a problem in the world surrounding food production and food sustainability; hence it is earnestly working to expand its capacity to produce food not only for the people of Guyana, but the world at large. “We are utilising this opportunity to showcase our vast advantage in the agro-processing industry and we hope that the rest of the Caribbean can join us by buying regional, eat regional and live regional.”
Presenting a glimpse into Guyana’s national budget, Ali said that the proposals debate over the past week in the National Assembly show that the government is willing to invest in the tourism sector, a move which will result in the sector playing an integral role in boosting the country’s economy.
In addition, he said the government is also working to create a greater bond with the private sector with the aim of expanding its boundaries. In an effort to capture regional and international attention, Guyana has launched two exhibitions in recent times which have sparked the interest of financiers, who have already signalled their interest in the art and craft sector.
“For a matter of fact, one investor came in and he saw the hats exhibited by one of our exhibitors, and he was very impressed about the quality, the style, and the design. Everything made locally here in Guyana.”
Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Vice President Daniel Gajie told the audience that STC-13 is being staged during a significant time, as the local tourism sector is moving to higher heights.
“We are entering new tourism areas; eco-tour ism, agro-tourism and sport tourism.” He added that special attention is now being given to community tourism. “Many of our hinterland communities have enhanced their facilities, and strengthen their human structure capacity… to satisfy the needs of visitors that are allowed to see the flora and fauna in our rainforest.”
Focusing his attention on the former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s initiative, the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Gajie said Guyana is poised for major development in the not so distant future, as the country leads the fight against global warming.
Jagdeo continues to champion the cause for the world to reduce the impact of global warming through the Low Carbon Development Strategy. In recognition of his global advocacy to address climate change, the former president was conferred with the prestigious Champion of Earth Award.
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