The tourism sector continues to offer important opportunities for growth and expansion, and as such this year will see major focus being placed on key markets and increased attention on improving capacity and quality in the hospitality sector.
To this end, estimated proposals for the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce were approved by the National Assembly on Friday, subsequent to intense discussions on the budgetary allocation for the sector. The estimates of expenditure for 2010 were subsequently approved.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, responded to queries from opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Dave Danny who wanted to know what areas of training will be done in the sector.
Responding, Minister Prashad said training will be conducted at the level of machine operators and electricians.
Danny further asked the Minister to identify what forms of maintenance will be conducted on infrastructure.
Minister Prashad indicated that the maintenance of infrastructure includes replacement of external pipes, servicing and maintenance of main gates, fence and drains for the compound at Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) and repairs to western fence at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
The opposition member asked about the amount of funds allocated to the security service and queried about the reasons for the increase.
Minister Prashad, in his response, said that the Ministry has taken control of the GICC and being a large compound, the Federal Management Security Service was hired to secure the premises.
He explained that the monies being expended for the service at GICC and NEC, Sophia have increased. However, he stated that the Ministry is in the process of changing the guards at the NEC since they are found to be inefficient.
With regard to the purchase of equipment, Danny sought clarification from the Minister as it relates to monies allocated for the purchase of a generator for the GICC.
He explained that $16M will be expended for the generator.
Minister Prashad was further questioned by the opposition member about works which will be conducted by the Business Council and Bureau.
Responding, the Minister said that the budgetary allocation represents an increase in salaries, activities related to the development of the tourism sector and the improvement of standard consumer goods and services.
PNCR member Aubrey Norton sought explanation from the Minister in relation to installation of signs at the No. 63 beach area. He wanted to know whether consideration was given to the multicultural nature of the situation.
Minister Prashad in his response said that signs will be installed in Portuguese to aid tourists during their visit.
The Minister asked by PNCR member Danny about the type of facilities which will be constructed at the No. 63 beach. Responding, he said that the Ministry will build new benabs, install pipes and washroom facilities and construct more changing rooms. The Tourism Minister further highlighted that implementation of the institutional strengthening action plan that commenced at the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) in 2009 will continue to specialise training for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards officers, the procurement of laboratory equipment and high capacity weights for the GNBS and to accelerate implementation of the matching grants programme to boost exports of small and medium size businesses.