After biggest turnout…
THOUSANDS of Guyanese flocked Number 63 Beach, at Corentyne, Berbice on Monday for the traditional Easter celebrations where they were joined by President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad with Aleecia Bacchus and her winning kite for best depiction of tourism. Standing at right is President Bharrat Jagdeo

The winners were Keshwar Sukhlal (largest); Correna Ishmail and David Jhaman joint winners (most unusual) and Aleecia Bacchus (best tourism depiction).

Each of them won a free trip to Kaieteur Falls while several other participants received tourism DVDs and Bradt Guide on Guyana.

Prashad, noting that this year’s turnout was bigger than in 2008, said it was anticipated because of the opening of the Berbice River Bridge that resulted in the greater influx of people.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad flanked by winners of the kite flying competition at the #63 Beach on Easter Monday

Prashad said the aim of the Beach Committee, that was formed last November, is to improve the facilities and maintain a high standard.

“It is important to note that this Beach Committee did not charge a single cent to anyone coming here, because it is our policy not to,” he stated.

Observing that in Georgetown some places were charging for parking, Prashad said it is something the Number 63 Committee is looking at for the future, to organise parking and maintain the facilities.

“We have to look in the future to maintain and uphold this beach at a very high standard and what has happened here today is significant and historical. It is the first time we have had things organised in this manner and, with all the necessary facilities available, we hope, from now on, we will continue improving,” he said.

Prashad also predicted that the Berbice Bridge will trigger increased economic activities and tourists will utilise the beach not only on holidays but weekends.

“More and more people are coming back and they are spreading the word around about what is happening in Guyana. Guyana is now on the move,” he offered, adding that tourism is on the rise and its future looks great.

GTA Director, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, who was also there, said it was the second year of their joint Easter venture at the beach and they decided to sponsor the kite flying contest as a tremendous part of leisure and recreation, in keeping with the promotion of domestic tourism.

Host
“We are all involved in tourism and each of us in Guyana is a host, so this is a wonderful way to reach out,” he said.

Chairman of the Beach Committee, Mr. Adrian Anamayah expressed satisfaction but admitted that the biggest challenge is getting the location ready for Easter.

He, too, concurred that the Berbice River Bridge contributed to the biggest ever crowd attending on Easter Monday, with people from as far as Parika, East Bank Essequibo and Essequibo Islands.

Anamayah disclosed that one of the main preparatory steps was the setting up of security huts at the two main entrances to control the traffic and people including vendors.

It was also the first time portable toilets were placed along the beach and work was done on the benabs and pavilions and the two main entry points at Numbers 63 and 61 were graded and landfilled.

Anamayah confessed that the ongoing challenge is to keep the beach clean as it is being used almost every weekend now.

He announced that, among the plans for the future, is adding more benabs, installing showers and creating a fun park to provide entertainment for children.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Ms. Nicola Mathison of the United Kingdom Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) Literacy Specialist, who is here for a three-year stint, said it was her first Easter in this country and she was enjoying it.

“What I like most, about this, is the friendliness of the people,” she offered.

Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, of New Amsterdam Hospital, took note that the abundance of people, from all over Guyana, seemed to be having a nice time.