Government will soon amend the Marriage Act to facilitate speedier weddings in a bid to boost wedding tourism in this country.During his recent address to the National Assembly, President David Granger hinted at the move. “Your Government will amend the Marriage Act to put new procedures in place for non-nationals applying for a Special Marriage Licence.”

Managing Director of the Roraima Group of Companies, Captain Gerald ‘Gerry’ Gouveia, who holds an annual wedding exposition here, had long lobbied for the Marriage Act to be amended to facilitate tourists tying the knots at the event. Gouveia had said that the absence of legislation was one of the main hindrances to the expo expanding, and he had criticised the current legislation, which requires that couples travel to Guyana two weeks in advance of their wedding, in order for their marriage to satisfy all legal requirements.

“Change the legislation! You cannot have a legislation that says people must come here two weeks before they get married…. We need to change the legislation,” Gouveia had said. “The waiting period is much shorter elsewhere in the region — a matter of a few days — and understandably, that situation is much more attractive for people who simply want to fly in, get married, enjoy a nature-filled honeymoon here, then leave,” he said.

“I have been discussing the issue of looking at the legislation to make the lead time shorter with local officials for some time now; but, frankly, there is no evidence that any progress has been made,” Gouveia said.

Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes had then given Government’s commitment to seek amendments to the laws by the second quarter of 2016. “Wedding tourism holds huge potential, and we are definitely happy to lend our support,” Hughes had said. She had even assured that the process to amend the legislation had started.

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has declared 2016 ‘The Year of Romance’ in the Caribbean – which celebrates everything romantic about the region. Through the campaign, CTO said, its member countries and hotels would highlight the Caribbean as the leading choice for a romance vacation for consumers and travel planners selling the region.

“With over 30 destinations to choose from, the Caribbean region provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway: highlighted by pristine beaches, secluded accommodations, an abundance of land and water activities, top-notch spa services, and personalised attention that meets the needs of the most discerning traveller,” said Hugh Riley, secretary general of CTO. “The Year of Romance in the Caribbean will spotlight the romantic features of our region beyond the traditional times of year, such as Valentine’s Day. A romantic theme is easily embraced by all of our member destinations 365 days a year,” Riley noted.

Throughout the year, CTO, in cooperation with its private sector partner the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, would assist member countries with an assortment of ideas which can be implemented around the theme of romance, to appeal to consumers, travel agents and tour operators. Innovative ideas will be developed around first-time or second-time marriages and the renewal of vows; as well as the most romantic locations to “pop the question” or to say “I do”.

“We anticipate that in addition to the ideas we provide our members, the countries and hotels will develop their own plan of action for promoting romance in their individual destinations,” said Riley; adding: “The theme is inclusive of our partners, both public and private sector. Caribbean hotels, travel agents and tour operators are urged to create their own romantic ideas or adopt ones being embraced by the destinations. We envision airline partners getting involved with their own ‘love is in the air’ offers, and recognising bridal parties onboard who are heading to a destination wedding in the Caribbean. We think video bloggers, too, will get involved in featuring the winners of the most romantic ideas.”

CTO has envisioned 2016 The Year of Romance in the Caribbean as a catalyst for sellers and promoters of weddings and honeymoons, bridal publications and websites, as well as wedding planners and service providers at the destination end.