– Tourism Minister

‘FISH FESTIVAL LAUNCH’: Minister Manniram Prashad (centre), officials and others at the media briefing to announce plans for this year’s Rockstone Fish Festival. (Sonell Nelson photo)

THE fourth annual Rockstone Fish Festival, billed for October 24 and 25, is promising bigger and better activities this year.

Taking place at Rockstone, the small fishing community 18 miles from Linden in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice), it will be jointly hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Rockstone Tourism Association (RTA).

First staged in September 2006, the aim is promoting the location as a major tourist attraction and generating income and opportunities for the community.

The programme begins on Saturday, October 24 and continues with some happenings as early as 04:00 h the following day, including the fish catching competition in the waterway teeming with fishes.

The small riverine village was made popular after being featured in a 2003 National Geographic article headlined ‘Catfish Hunters’ and it is now gearing itself to be transformed into a hub for actions, among them a fishing expedition, fish catching and cooking competitions and guided river tours.

Rockstone has one of the largest freshwater fishes in the world, the Arapaima and nearby Gluck Island, which has a rich population of birds, at least 140 species, is a natural habitat for the giant otter, big river turtles, ‘Howler’ monkeys, labbas, iguanas, bush hogs, black caimans and is home to the National Flower, Victoria Amazonia.

The surroundings offer possibilities for bird watching, river safaris, nature walks and sport fishing and, as such, the Ministry is moving to develop the area as a major attraction for visitors.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, speaking last Monday at the official endorsement in the South Road, Georgetown offices, assured that his ministry fully supports the event.

He reminded that it started as a collaborative effort between the Ministry, Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP), Region Ten Tourism Development Association and the RTA.

Prashad said it is very important for tourism, his ministry, the residents of Rockstone and Region Ten as a whole.

But, this year, the RTA has indicated that it wants to do the sponsorship collaborating with the local community, the Toshao and the Ministry.

EXPECTED
He said, although Rockstone has a population of just over 300 persons, the festival is expected to attract 5,000 people from all across Guyana as it is the kind of attraction to which tourists look forward.

Prashad said the facilities available are improving, a guest house has been constructed and the whole village has come alive but it is the Ministry’s aim for Rockstone to become self-sufficient and the festival to develop into a regular activity throughout the year.

Declaring it a bold initiative, he said it is Guyana’s only fish festival when the whole riverside area is transformed into a beautiful international resort like atmosphere and people camp out with their families and friends.

Prashad wished the coordinators success and said the profit made from the venture will be invested back into the development of the community, after his ministry provides technical assistance and most of the prizes on offer.

He said, as the festival becomes more and more popular, it will boost domestic tourism as more and more locals help put Rockstone on the map.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the event, Ms. Lynette Benn said the committee is working to ensure the hosting and is currently engaged in preparing Rockstone Landing, food courts and the ground.

She said entertainment will be provided for all including children and camping spots will be made available at a cost of $1,000 per person.

Director of Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh; Rockstone Toshao, Mr. Lance Allicock; RTA President, Mr. Donald Williams and other members were with the Minister.