Minister Walrond – Tourism is a lucrative sector

Guyana’s beauty must be showcased, so that the country can earn more through tourism,
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond told members of the media.
Walrond made this statement at Lake Capoey, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) on Friday,
when she led a media familiarisation tour in the Essequibo as part of the planned activities for
Tourism month. She said tourism has proven to be a major economic earner for a number of
places. “Countries like Dubai that I just came back from, they built their entire economy on
tourism. Tourism is now a multi-billion-dollar industry in Dubai and they continue to advance it
and refine it, especially in this pandemic. Guyana needs to be showcased,” the Minister said.
The tourism, industry and commerce minister pointed out noted that experts advise that
socialisation during the pandemic needs to be done in wide open spaces as like Capoey Lake,
Lake Mainstay, and Tapakuma Lake.

Regional Chairman of Region Two, Vilma Da Silva said the region has immense potential for
tourism, especially in the nine Amerindian villages. She said the attractions in the Essequibo are
unique. “They have unique foods that we call the cassava water, for most Amerindians that’s the
main dish, and I said to them every time tourists come, we should have some of that for them.
We also look at agri tourism. So, we will incorporate the agri tourism with ecotourism and our
citizens of the region will benefit tremendously with this drive,” Da Silva reiterate.
The Region Two RC is grateful that the Government has recognised the immense potential of
tourism, and is showcasing and branding Guyana for its picturesque beauty. Walrond declared
that further development of these sites is imperative, as “people pay where there is value.”
She noted that Guyana, the land of many waters, is blessed with breath-taking waterfalls, cloud
piercing mountains, pristine rainforest, and sprawling savannahs. She said it is home to many
giants like the anteater, leatherback turtle, black caiman, anaconda and the jaguar.
The country’s national bird, the Canje Pheasant, the magnificent toucan, colourful macaws and
the bright cock-of- the – rock are some of the amazing birds found in the 83,000 square
kilometers of Guyana.