‘Rediscover Home’ initiative taking root

– Guyanese returning home

Close to 100 members of the Cort family arrived in Guyana last Sunday morning as the recently launched “Rediscover Home’ initiative takes root.
Excited and exhausted at the same time, the group touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) amidst a flurry of hugs and hellos as many met their kin for the very first time; their Family reunion began.
The Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, greeted the guests as they disembarked and welcomed them to Guyana, particularly those coming for the first time.

According to Haralsingh, the fact that such a large group arrived all at once augurs well for the success of the ‘Rediscover home’ promotion, which was designed to woo Guyanese in the Diaspora back home and to boost tourist arrivals.
“We are targeting overseas based Guyanese directly, to come home to rediscover and enjoy their home. We can already see from this large group that has arrived, the success of this initiative; more Guyanese are returning home to rediscover their roots, heritage and most importantly to reconnect with their families,” he explained.
The Cort contingent was also welcomed by their Guyanese relative, Mr. LeRoy Cort who was also reunited with his daughter Karen, after 41 years.
“This is the first time that I am in Guyana and I am looking forward to seeing everybody. It took years of planning but we are all here and excited to experience the country,” Karen said.
As to the magnitude of preparation for the reunion, she said, “I am so excited that we are finally here. For two years we have coordinated and it even took several trips back home to get everything set for this reunion. Everyone is excited to see more of Guyana and their family.”
For those arriving in Guyana for the first time, anticipation abound, as the fog covered horizon held promise of new discoveries interspersed with possibilities of rekindling old family ties.
“I’m excited to be here. I expect to see more of the country where my parents came from. I am especially interested in eating the foods, I don’t care what it is, just cook me some Guyanese food and I’ll eat it,” 21-year-old Dominique said as she prepared to board the bus to their Hotel.
The Family will be staying at the Grand Coastal Hotel for the duration of their trip and will also be participating in a series of trips around the city, to historical sites and nature destinations including, Splashmins, Arrow point, and Kaieteur Falls.