On visit to Rewa…
– Rewa dubbed a ‘Hot Spot’ for sport fishing
REWA, situated in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), has been identified as having the most potential for sport fishing, adding another attraction to Guyana’s now blooming tourism sector. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad made the pronouncement during a two-day visit to the remote location on the bank overlooking the Rewa River.

He had led a ministerial team, including from Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Executive Director, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh and Coordinator of National Events in the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Avalon Jagnandan.

Journeying 52 kilometres along the Rupununi River, from Annai, they saw the overhanging jungle and the cacophony of sounds emanating from its depth.

As the visitors arrived at the landing leading to Rewa Eco-Lodge, two and a half hours later, they were greeted by Toshao Patrick Honorio and several children from the village, who sang a special song for them.

In his address to the community members, Prashad said their exploratory mission was long overdue because the area has been identified as a sport fishing destination.

He announced that his ministry is, presently, in discussions with representatives of OCEARCH (Ocean Research) and Costa Del Mar about the development of sport fishing in this country.

“It is important that this team, from the Ministry of Tourism, has a first hand look at Rewa and its potential as a destination which will promote this type of attraction because much is already known about the rich wildlife in the area, including the caiman spotting and bird watching,” Prashad said.

He pointed out that the central idea of promoting eco-tourism at Rewa surrounds the concept of adventure and the area is ideal for the promotion and sustainability of it.
“Tourists want to get away from the lights and everything else associated with city and they want to experience the pristine rainforests and rich hospitality of the people. This is what they will be able to find when they come here, an ideal place for bird watching, sport fishing and other wildlife activities,” Prashad informed.

ABUNDANCE
He emphasized that sport fishing will put the community on the map, as the surrounding waters are teeming with an abundance of freshwater fish, including Catfish, Hymara, Payara, Dogfish and the prized Lukanani or Peacock Bass, as it is commonly known by sport fishers. 

Prashad also assured the community that the planned activities would be conducted in a sustainable manner in keeping with the conservation aims of the village.
“We know that the protection of the environment is the most important thing and we are aware that the area is a protected one but the whole idea of sport fishing is catch and release,” he explained.
Prashad said most of the tourists who will be attracted would be willing to pay a large sum of money to partake in such a venture and look to document the size of their catch rather than capturing the fish.
Honorio said the village would welcome the venture.
“I think this is a good idea to develop sport fishing in the area and the attention that our village will receive will add to its development. So we are all in support of what the Ministry of Tourism is doing here,” he said.
However, Honorio expressed concern over the activity as it relates to the safety of the protected Arapaima species found in the Rupununi waters.
“We are in agreement but it is our job to protect the Arapaima fish, which live in these waters,” he asserted.
After a welcoming ceremony, Prashad and his entourage equipped themselves with fishing rods and ventured into Rewa River to assess its potential.
In less than ten minutes, they caught the first eight pounds Lukanani and excitedly reeled it into their boat. An hour into the expedition, the vessel was filled with ten fishes of all species.
Commenting on the catch, Prashad said: “This is sport fishing at its best and this is what we want people to experience, what we want the world to see. Come to Rewa for the best sport fishing experience.”
Along the journey to the fishing grounds, lines were cast alongside basking caimans and playful river otters.

CONSERVATION
Prashad suggested that in such areas, conservation should be on the forefront of any planned development and reiterated that his ministry will do what is necessary to protect the unspoilt environment that is home to thousands of species of plants and animals.
“We look around us and the forest is alive with birds and animals and even the river is coming to life and we realize the importance of protecting such places,” he said.
As to the success of the trip, Prashad said the chosen area is ideal for the promotion of sport fishing and will, undoubtedly, attract more visitors desirous of experiencing the ‘Land of the Giants’.
In November last year, he had met with officials from OCEARCH and Costa Del Mar Company to discuss the development of sport fishing here.
During their conversation, President of OCEARCH, Mr. Matt Shilling said their interest is not in making a profit but that sport fishing is really a great way to protect the environment because it is sustainable.
”Guyana is a beautiful place and it does have a huge amount of potential, I believe, for sport fishing,” he concluded.
He also gave assurances that OCEARCH would bring experts, provide technical support to help train the indigenous people and develop a lucrative niche market to also attract high end customers.
Guyana shares 1,800 fish species with the Amazon River, among them several game varieties, such as Payara, Arowana, Hymara and what is considered by professional anglers worldwide as the world’s most popular freshwater game fish, the Peacock Bass (Lukanani).