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Despite late advertising, thousands turned out to be a part of the seventh annual Rockstone Fish Festival last weekend.
The adventurous and fun-filled festival was held along the banks of the Essequibo River, and drew people from all walks of life. They hunted, fished and more importantly for some, it was a day to spend with their families and loved ones.
Those who have been attending the festival from the inception agreed that while it has grown over the years, the 2012 activities drew less people than the previous year. They blamed the organising committee for not advertising the event much earlier.
Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh attended the event and reiterated their support for the event. He noted that the GTA has been with the fish festival since 2005, which started with less than 500 persons, adding that over the years, it has grown significantly with respect to vendors, visitors and sponsorship.
He disclosed that it is a unique event since it is the only fish festival in Guyana that is kept at the level of the community, with the aim of developing tourism.
“This is one of the hallmarks of the tourism product and of the Guyana tourism events,” Haralsingh said.
He added that in two consecutive years, Guyana has won the Sustainable Tourism Award in the Caribbean, while underscoring the fact that the festival was held at an opportune time when Guyana is celebrating Tourism Month under the theme, “Rediscover Home”.
“These events and others have allowed Guyana to have greater recognition,” he contended, stating that the GTA has been making recommendations to the Local Organising Committee of the fish festival, to host the event twice yearly, and to have other events since the community is accessible.
