Over the years, the Tourism Ministry has been placing a lot of emphasis on domestic tourism, and in this regard, it has implemented several initiatives such as the ‘Wakenaam Nite’, ‘Essequibo Nite’, and several expos.
In expanding on the ‘Nite’ initiative, the ministry last week launched the ‘Leguan Nite’, to allow individuals to visit and explore the island and see what it has to offer. At the ceremony at the Tourism Ministry’s South Road Office, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh said the event, which is expected to have a greater outcome than Wakenaam Nite, is scheduled for November 9 at the Greens Park ground, Blenheim.
Leguan is a small island in the Essequibo River, with a primarily rice farming and cattle rearing community, and is home to approximately 4000 people. The event is expected to attract a large crowd, because it will serve as an open exhibition to the Region Three island.
It will offer a tour of the island, along with a visit to the beach, which can be used as family time to relax or play a game of cricket or volleyball while allowing visitors to experience life on the island, which includes rice farming, cow milking and fishing, along with other daily routines. Overnight camping will also be facilitated at the community centre ground and in the school’s compounds.
“We continue in our efforts to promote domestic tourism and afford all Guyanese the opportunity to see their country and experience the various cultural nuances that define each community,” Haralsingh said.
The main attraction of the event, however, is the pageant which consists of five segments and will see nine young women sponsored by residents or former residents of the island competing for the crown. The young women were at the launch of Leguan Nite and highlighted their platforms: pollution, peer pressure, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, women empowerment, rights of a child, child abuse and unemployment.
Entertainment for the evening will also be provided by the Shakti Strings Orchestra along with local dancers and singers. Local delicacies such as duck, chicken, and iguana curries and coconut choka will be on sale; while there will be lots of games and fun activities for children.
Transportation to the island is by boat, and speed boats are expected to work 24 hours on the day of the event to accommodate passengers travelling to and fro.
The ferry will also be making its usual trips to and from the island; however the ministry is working to have an additional trip added onto the ferry’s schedule for the day. The Leguan Cultural Committee, which has organised the event with the ministry, has secured sponsorship from Banks DIH, Gizmos and Gadgets, the Guyana Chronicle and residents from the island. (GINA)
