EXCITEMENT and revelry filled the air as the fifth annual Rockstone Fish Festival in the fishing community of Rockstone in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) culminated yesterday. The festival coincided with the opening of Tourism Awareness Month 2010, under the theme “Community Based Tourism: Preserving the Unique Character and Culture of Communities”
Tourism Awareness Month was launched simultaneously at the weekend in two indigenous communities, at the Rockstone Fish Festival and at Orealla where the second annual Regatta hosted.
Scores of persons from across the country converged on the two communities to enjoy the two day festival, dubbed as one of the Tourism Ministry’s  more  popular calendar events. The happening featured fishing, cooking, camping, diving, swimming and boat ride competitions.
At the opening ceremony, visitors were treated to a cultural display of lively songs, dances and poetry reflective of the warm hospitality of the residents there.
In his address to the crowd gathered at the festival, Minister of Tourism Manniram Prashad extended greetings from President Bharrat Jagdeo.
“He asked me to wish you well and especially for the continued success of the Rockstone Fish Festival,” Prashad conveyed.
Minister Prashad also expressed gratitude to the Toshao of Rockstone, Rance Allicock, and to other members of the organizing committee responsible for making the event a success.
In highlighting the arduous preparation efforts, Minister Prashad said, “Before the festival, there were many weeks and months of planning and several training sessions were conducted within the community.”
He pointed out that it is the intent of the Ministry of Tourism to host similar events not only in October but during the Easter vacation and August break as well.
Alluding to the support to be given to such an undertaking, Prashad said, “This is the only organized fish festival in Guyana and we are willing to assist the Rockstone community; every weekend people come here to fish as we have some of the best species here.”
Prashad revealed that Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud had advised that patrons should not overfish or use nets in the activities, stressing the importance of abiding by the rules and regulations of the event.
The Minister also explained that the occasion is testimony to President Jagdeo and the Government of Guyana’s vision to see communities develop through Government facilitation.
“This is one such community where the Toshao and the Rockstone Tourism Authority are working hard to make the event a lasting and successful one,” the Minister posited.
Prashad indicated that since the inaugural launch of the Fish Festival in 2006, the facilities have improved significantly to cater for an increased amount of participants over the years, a classic example of Community Based Tourism, ensuring the community develop and grow into a viable one.
He said, “This is what the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Toshao in collaboration with the Government of Guyana is trying to do,” adding, “especially President Jagdeo who has a special interest in the area.”
Amidst applause and shouts of approval, the Minister of Tourism officially declared the event open, “On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I officially declare Tourism Awareness Month and the Rockstone Fish Festival open,” Prashad announced.
Rockstone Toshao, Rance Allicock, in his tribute, extended appreciation to Minister Prashad and the collaborating partners that made the event a successful one.
Alluding to the importance of continued support, Allicock stated, “Without the efforts of the Tourism Ministry it would not have been possible and I hope it will continue throughout the years.”
After the official opening ceremony was over, the festivities and more importantly the fishing continued well into the afternoon, until the judging ceremony began.
Overall, there were nine contestants in the catching competition and according to member of the Rockstone Tourism Association, Candace Gillis, even though there were more entrants last year, the catch was definitely bigger this year.
The prize for the biggest Arawana was awarded to Kenneth Bloomheart, the biggest Lukanani was caught by Andre Lam, and the biggest catfish was captured by Rawleston Boyle; but topping them all of was Gregory DeSouza who was recognized as having the largest catch of the day.
For their valiant and dedicated efforts, the participants were promised a trip to Kaieteur Falls by Minister of Tourism, Manniram Prashad.

Tourism Message
In his address at the Launch of Tourism Awareness Month (TAM) celebrated from November 1st – 30th, Minister Prashad pointed out that TAM 2010 is a very significant milestone in our quest to promote tourism in Guyana.
“It demonstrates the commitment of the government to further expand and promote this industry of the future, and allows us to celebrate cultural diversity of our heritage and our people, and reflects the contribution of all stakeholders in the tourism industry,” he said, adding, “It also gives us an opportunity to educate persons and bring awareness to our tourism product and promote our country in a meaningful manner, internally as well as overseas.”
He pointed out that such sustainable tourism not only creates employment for persons in the communities by generating income, but at the same time, contribute towards protecting and preserving our natural environment.
“Sports fishing is another niche market being explored, Rockstone community is one of the areas that have potential for sport fishing,” Prashad stated.
Prashad revealed that the ministry and GTA has been working with the Rockstone Tourism Association (RTA) to promote the community and the annual fish festival which is in its fifth year as part of the calendar of events.
The small riverine village, some 18 miles from Linden, was made popular after being featured in a 2003 National Geographic article headlined ‘Catfish Hunters’.
Nearby is the Golden Beach and Gluck Island, which has a rich population of birds, at least 140 species, and is a natural habitat for the giant otter, big river turtles, ‘Howler’ monkeys, labbas, iguanas, bush hogs, and black caimans, and is home to the National Flower, Victoria Amazonia.
“Two thousand and nine was a successful year for tourism in Guyana, a record- breaking year for arrivals with a nine per cent increase over arrivals in 2008,” Prashad emphasized, adding, “I want to encourage all Guyanese to be a part of TAM 2010, and be ambassadors of tourism as we work together to make our beautiful Guyana one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world.”