-as ninth expedition gets off to spirited start
AS SPECIAL emphasis continues to be placed on the development of adventure tourism, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds yesterday morning officially sent off participants of the 9th Pakaraima Mountain safari.
The convoy, which consists of 19 4×4 vehicles, three All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), one Land Rover from Jamaica, and one motorcycle from Canada, will, during the 529-mile, eight-day journey make brief stops at Karasabai, Tiperu, Rukumoto, Morabaiko, Yurong Paru, Monkey Mountain, Tuseneng, Paramakatoi, Kato, Kurukubaru, and Itabac, culminating the journey at Orinduik, in Region Eight.
Prime Minister Hinds told the Government Information Agency (GINA) during an interview at the GuyOil Regent Street depot, from whence the convoy moved off, that the government will continue to allocate funds to the event and facilitate the enabling environment to ensure that it continues, as it provides the perfect opportunity for tourists and locals to experience Guyana’s unique blend of customs.
So as to improve its standard and quality and raise the level of the event, Prime Minister Hinds added that finance has already been budgeted, and contracts will be issued shortly for the commencement of the road network which is expected to make the journey even more enjoyable.
“The road would not primarily be for the safari alone, but will create better linkages between particular areas and people in the villages… In time, we want this road to serve the economic development of the villages,” he said.
Mr. Hinds however expressed hope that potatoes can be grown again in remote areas such as Kato and Kurukubaru, with the aim of ensuring that livelihoods are enhanced.
While traditional activities were the centre of attraction, the Pakaraima Mountain safari has grown to such an extent that the Tourism Ministry has decided to facilitate a second safari for 2011 in August.
The safari is a collaborative effort of the  Tourism Ministry; The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Local Government Ministry; Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL/CASTROL), Rainforest Tours, Air Services Limited, Geddes Grant, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) , and the administrations of Regions Eight and Nine.
The first safari was held in March 2003, with a convoy of four Land Rovers and two tractors and trailers that journeyed from Karasabai in Region Nine to Orinduik Falls in Region Eight.