Tourism on the move in Guyana – President Ramotar tells Caribbean journalists in Canada

President Donald Ramotar has emphasised that his administration will continue to place prominence on the development of

new sectors in the country, particularly the burgeoning tourism sector.

The Guyanese head of state made this assertion on Friday while meeting with several Caribbean/ Canadian media representatives at the Guyana Consulate in Toronto. President Ramotar was joined by acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali, Guyana’s Consul General in Toronto, Sattie Sawh and Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Vice President Christopher Nascimento.

Ramotar and a high level delegation were in Toronto to attend the annual Independence Festival on Sunday, June 23.

In addressing the gathering, the president explained that in the time that has elapsed since his presidency, a new situation has developed and his government is doing everything to ensure that social sector programmes are not compromised and that political stability is maintained.

“Over the last seven years, the economy continued to grow though many countries were facing financial crisis. During this time, the economic base was broadened and we have moved away from the traditional sectors and saw the emergence of new segments of the economy, including manufacturing, agriculture and services,” he said.

He noted that government continues to invest in the social sectors such as health, housing and water, pointing out that 30 per cent of the national budget is spent on the social sector.

Expanding infrastructure

Fielding questions on  the importance of the Independence Festival and the thrust to develop the tourism sector in Guyana, President Ramotar pointed out that there is the need to expand the existing infrastructure to continue the growth; which is one of the primary reasons the administration is concentrating on the development of new sectors, and is working on the upgrading and expansion of new hotels, transportation system, the expansion and improvement of existing roadways (Linden-Lethem road) and the airport expansion, the deep water harbour, and cheap energy through the Amalia Falls Project. “Once we get these developments underway, we can then move up to the developed country status,” he opined.

The president reiterated that great prominence is currently being placed on promoting tourism in Guyana, including the development of sports tourism.

Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali assured that the tourism sector will in the near future emerge to be one of the major growth poles for Guyana. He called attention to the major promotional and marketing campaign currently underway in Canada and the United States. “Within the next five years, tourism will be among the top three sectors in Guyana,” Minister Ali declared.

Challenge

The tourism minister acknowledged that airlift has been a challenge, particularly with the exit of Delta Airlines this year; however, he assured that efforts are currently underway to engage additional airlines, including Fly Jamaica.

This airline is expected to begin operations in July. He acknowledged the continued efforts by Caribbean Airlines to mitigate some of the impact of Delta’s withdrawal. “Even though CAL’s pricing is sharp, they have done a lot of good in filling the gap created. By the end of July, Fly Jamaica is expected to start its Georgetown to New York route and a month after that they are to start the Canada route,” he explained.

In addition, Ali spoke of initial discussions with COPA Air as well as other private airlines interested in servicing the Guyana route.

Private sector representative Kit Nascimento announced that the relationship between the private sector and the government is presently at its strongest, as ongoing collaborative efforts across the board are bearing fruit, contributing to the country’s overall development.