THE world is a cycle and everything happens in a circle,” as Richie Spice (culture singer) would put it or also as brother Bob says, “What goes around comes around.” Yes the earth has spun its 365 days and now November is back with us again hoping to prepare for another grand “tourism bashment” throughout the country.
It is a disappointment that this year in the Chronicle, the Ministry of Tourism didn’t publish their yearly calendar of events which in the previous years used to be very helpful in identifying various tourism destinations, where activities would occur for Tourism Awareness Month and would give the public an idea what is in store.
We at N0. 63 Beach always celebrate the last Sunday in the Month that will be November 28, 2010 as Tourism Fun Day. Last year it was bright, but had to end early due to a spring tide, with music, barbeque and people socialising and relaxing to the cool Atlantic refreshing breeze.
This year, despite we do not have a calendar of events we will be hosting the same barbeque and lime for people to come out on the beach and enjoy. Not because there isn’t a calendar of events this year, it doesn’t mean you can’t try to do something for the country.
Saturday last, Splashmin’s advertised through the Guyana Chronicle that they will be hosting a grand show with Dave Martins for Tourism Awareness Month which I heard about from friends who attend UG and that it was something unusual and great with steel pan music causing a sensational infusion in the air with enthusiasm from the crowd. My point here is, that, I am trying to make us do something for the country, no matter how little it is. At least you can say you tried. Like Bob Marley sang in one of his songs, “We take it as a one drop, so we still find time to rock. We take it as a one drop, so we don’t have nothing to lose, so I sing, I know Jah (God) never let us down. Did you hear me? I know Jah never let us down.” The lyrics to this song are so true. Whenever I try to do something with my family’s small business on the beach I make a little profit and enjoy myself.
I am still contented at the end of the day for what God provided for me. So individuals go out there and try your luck! It just might be your lucky month to plan a tourism extravaganza to attract customers and provide entertainment. The tourism industry in Guyana has grown significantly in the past decade with the private sector introducing tourism resorts and facilities nationwide. This must be applauded for that has helped to strengthen our economy, brought more entertainment to boring areas and most of all we are now in a competitive market with other countries so we have to try our best to impress.
I am presently encouraging more people who migrated to America and Canada to come back to Guyana as re-migrants and invest in tourism businesses to liven up the atmosphere around and this would boost the country, strengthen our dollar and also create employment. It was so nice to hear tourism awareness month was launched in Orealla with a regatta this year, under the theme: “Community Based Tourism: Preserving the unique character & culture of communities.” Wow! What a powerful theme. Those strong words have moved me to say what I said before. We must start with small tourism based ventures first before we can realise and materialise other bigger and better endeavours. We must showcase also from our tourism based businesses what type of unique individuals we are with our interesting ideas and the heritage that we came from, our roots, our culture that dignifies us and makes us shine like tiny gold stars in the dark velvet blue night sky. Like the Amerindians for instance showcased fruit cheese and their way of life. Indian people would show case their curry and roti and other traditional aspects they inherited from their ancestry from India. The Africans can show case their cultural attire and their drumming music rendition etc.
We also have to learn and accept one another’s culture and gain exposure and knowledge about our unique lifestyles. Tourism Awareness Month is all about getting a tourism venture done in a noticeable manner also portraying much hospitality when doing so.
I do hope our people plan to do something great this year and wish them all the best of success in their vital plans and ideas they have set forward towards the tourism industry. Happy Tourism Awareness Month!