TOURISTS, both overseas and local, including holidaymakers all over Guyana have come to the conclusion that the Number 63 Breach, located in East Berbice is the star of the region. In Demerara (Region 4), both the rural and city populations as well as Lindeners and the West Demerara population regard the Providence Stadium as the ‘Mecca’ of our Garden City of Guyana.
But in Essequibo, Region 2, with a population of over 70,000, we have the undeniable right to regard the Mainstay holiday resort as the ‘ICON’ of this working-class conglomeration.
This three-mile square ‘Coca-Cola’ coloured water with various temperatures at various depths is unmatchable with any Caribbean resort and takes precedence, in its nature ecosystem, so much regarded as ‘Spa’  that can ease arthritic stiffness while bathing in the warm areas of this giant reservoir.
Unlike at some Caribbean resorts, the water at Mainstay allows safe bathing at 45 metres from its parameter, with no obstacles or water-borne shells or barnacles.
However, while the management of this vast complex strives to maintain this resort and its glamour by promoting events such as Essequibo Regatta, the private sector, civil society and other social and cultural groups must come on board to be part of this process in promoting our heritage.
While the central government and Region 2 administration are improving the road link, the Community Council of Mainstay, the main collector of ‘Tolls’ must make adequate road stability to afford ingress and egress by local holidaymakers.
Dozens of vehicle owners who transport sand from this area must also offer some help since they are now, for the first time, owners of ‘Front End loaders’ and as such, the destiny of the progress is not a private perspective.
Above all, the airstrip located in the vicinity of this resort is operative and owners of the ‘air service’ must come up with a ‘package’ to advertise this hidden beauty.
The sand banks in the Essequibo River which have put the Supenaam/Parika ferry on temporary tide schedule have also impacted on holidaymakers who would have come on Saturdays and leave on Mondays.
Either the MV Sandaka or MV Bonasika should be rescheduled from the Essequibo run. Coming to Mainstay resort will afford tourists viewing the Capoey new village, the statue of Revolutionary Damon of 1834 at Anna Regina as well as the tallest super structure of all the regions, located at the in-transit secondary town of Charity alongside the Pomeroon, being the deepest river in Guyana.