Brave, adventurous, passionate nature lovers. All this describes little Kayseri Persaud, 7, and Stephen Surujbally, 11, the youngest recipients of Certificates of Accomplishment at the Guyana Tourism Authority’s (GTA) Appreciation Ceremony for their participation in the 2009 Pakarima Mountain Safari.

Kayseri Persaud, 7, proudly displays her Certificate of Accomplishment for participating in the 2009 Pakarima Mountain Safari.

At the function held at the GTA’s offices, Sophia Exhibition Site, on Saturday night, 50 persons received certificates, presented by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds. Along with his wife, Mrs. Yvonne Hinds, the Prime Minister also undertook the adrenalin-teasing adventure Safari from Georgetown to the Orinduik Falls.

Organised by and done under the guidance of Frank Singh, Managing Director, Rainforest Tours, the 26-vehicle convoy, left the capital city at midnight on March 27 last, journeying across 529-miles of jungle and harsh mountain-terrain, ferrying about than 100 persons for the thrilling Mountain Safari. On board also was former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta, who had organized the first Safari several years ago.

Excited at receiving her certificate, Kayseri Persaud, now seven, but who was just six when she accompanied her mom, Reinette Persaud, on the journey, recalled it was one of the best gifts her mom ever gave her.

Stephen Surujbally 11, the youngest male recipient of the Guyana Tourism Authority’s Certificate for his participation in the 2009 Pakarima Mountain Safari.

An only child, the seven-year-old pupil of St. Margaret’s Primary School in the city, said that her favourite subject at school is Art, and the opportunity of making the trip puts her in an ideal position to be able to graphically share some of the wonders of her experience with her relatives and friends at school.

For her, the most captivating moment was viewing the Orinduik Waterfalls, and she recalls savouring every moment of the time spent there with her mother and friends. “And perhaps I’ll draw some of the birds, butterflies … and the Falls for my teacher,” she smilingly said.

The Orinduik Waterfalls also holds a certain fascination for 11-year-old Stephen Surujbally, a Sixth Grade pupil of the School of the Nations who traveled in the company of his parents and grandfather, Steve Surujbally of the Guyana Elections Commission.

After journeying for four days, making overnight stops along the way, and sharing interesting new experiences, Stephen said he found the trip so exciting, at every leg of the journey, he was beginning to think he’d encountered perhaps “the most scenic beauty ever.”

But little did he know that the crown of them all was tucked away, and only to be experienced at the end of the 529-mile Pakarima Mountain Safari.

“As we were traveling over the cliff, I heard a great rumbling sound and wanted to know if it was the sound of an earthquake, but lo! It was the magnificent Orinduik Falls.” Thereafter, he used it to advantage – “It was a great experience, I can tell you,” he added.

Asked whether he would go on the Safari again, should he get the opportunity, Stephen impulsively replied, “I will always go.”