-exposure of isolated communities expected

THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with various stakeholders introduced a new “adventurous and thrilling” event which will see explorers travelling through Yarrowkabra and St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Region Four to Moraikobai, Region Five. Adventurers were called upon by Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, to oil their motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and even 4x4s for the “Wet Savannah Drive” through the sand and mud trails, which begin at Yarrowkabra.
In an addition to the North and South Rupununi Safaris, this initiative which is set for the Phagwah weekend, March 12-13, is expected to attract many exploration enthusiasts who are seeking new ways of fulfilling their appetite for travelling.
This Savannah Drive which incurs a registration fee of $5,000 is the best way of inviting both foreign and local tourists, on a “thrilling” safari or trip to or through an area that offers much to see, said Haralsingh.
For instance, one of the trips from Georgetown to Moraikobai through the sand trail begins at the Linden/highway junction and allows the visitors to enjoy an adventurous ride as they watch the terrain change from clay to sand while approaching the village.
Added to that, the thrill of getting stuck and having to find alternative trails piques the interest of those who are involved. The overland trek (the trail) presents an opportunity for tourists to experience a different atmosphere from what obtains in the Rupununi Safaris.
The trails also allow persons to do bird watching, Caiman spotting at the various creeks, duck hunting and many other things that cannot be done in the urban areas.
But, the trip would not be complete until the trekkers get an opportunity to experience the vast culture of the indigenous people who live in communities along the trail.
“Residents from hinterland communities that are along the route look forward to these events. Almost every vehicle is stocked with gifts for residents of the various villages, particularly the children such as kites, sweets and other goodies, as well as books and school supplies,” said the GTA’s Director.
So with the opportunities at hand, Haralsingh pointed out that it presents a great opportunity for the GTA to expose the cultures and other features of the isolated communities.
The exposure will allow persons to realize the struggles and even potential of those communities, so those residents will be given the opportunity to widen their perspective of life by being able to access new job opportunities and so forth.
Haralsingh also sees opportunities for training, and even boosting the communities’ income generation from its main economic activities: small-scale agriculture and logging. People are seeking a paradise with new things to offer; hence, in an effort to satisfy this need and promote “Explore Guyana,” the GTA, along with its partners, is seeking to develop the tourism products of other villages, such as St. Cuthbert’s Mission and Orealla.
As such, in order to make that a reality, the GTA and other tourism stakeholders are looking to capitalise on the holiday weekends by introducing new safaris and treks this year.