President Donald Ramotar, accompanied by acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali and Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj on sunday evening livened up the inaugural Leguan Nite, singing two songs, one of which was “Leguan Baboo”.
Along the edges of the venue were booths to interest patrons while lucky ticket patrons won various prizes. The Shakti Strings Orchestra entertained the crowd. Leguan Nite is the brainchild of Minister Irfaan Ali, a native of the island whose idea it is to build a unique tourism product in an area that has made a significant contribution to Guyana’s economy in the productive sector.
A committee was subsequently formed comprising various stakeholders and planning of the event got underway. Included on the agenda was a pageant contested by nine delegates who appeared before the audience and a panel of judges, introducing themselves, their platforms and proud sponsors.
President Ramotar, who frequented the island in the company of his father on business ventures as a young boy, was pleased with the hosting of an event that is aimed at promoting community-based tourism.
An almost identical event is hosted yearly on the nearby Wakenaam Island, attracting many over the years.
It is an initiative the government continues to encourage in rural areas, particularly those with potential tourism hotspots to adopt, given its appeal to nature lovers from abroad who have grown too accustomed to sand and sea.
Model
The Rew Eco Lodge in the north Rupununi is a model example of a community-based tourism product managed by residents of the area where fishing, hiking, birding and other adventures are enjoyed by many tourists.
In his address at the opening night, President Ramotar explained the new course on which the economy is heading, and the role the tourism sector is already playing.
He said that with the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the construction of the Marriott International Hotel in the making and the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project for cheaper and reliable electricity, the government is intending to expedite the process by which Guyana can further develop.
Challenge
However, he warned that this process is being challenged by the political opposition exploiting its one-seat majority in Parliament. President Ramotar used the occasion to voice his disappointment over the vote against the anti-money laundering amendment bill, and the implications that will follow.
The opportunities Guyana may lose as a result of setbacks in the construction of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project following the political opposition’s rejection of key pieces of legislation were also highlighted.
Nevertheless, the residents were encouraged to look forward to a bright future and amid problems, and be proud of the contribution the island has been making in the agriculture sector.
