THE TOURISM Ministry is working assiduously to ensure that the development of this industry in Guyana is not limited to any one particular area, but that the country’s beauty is holistically showcased. Minister with this portfolio, Manniram Prashad, so pronounced Wednesday when the third annual Orealla Regatta, a prime activity for Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) was launched in the boardroom of the Tourism Ministry, at South Road in Georgetown.
Attending the event was Managing Director of Cortours Eco Tourist Resorts, Mr. Motee Singh.
The Third Annual Orealla Regatta is set for tomorrow. Hosted by Cortours Eco-Tourist Resorts on the Upper Corentyne River, the activity will receive partnership from the Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) to ensure its success.
Minister Prashad acknowledged the Singh family as pioneers of tourism in Guyana, particularly in Berbice, they being the owners of facilities at Orealla, Cow Falls and Wanatoba.
In addition to promoting other tourism sites in Region 6, including the Number 63 Beach, Prashad explained that the Tourism Ministry will also be focusing attention on advancing the fortunes of Fort Nassau and Orealla.
“We are promoting the Orealla regatta because we feel that tourism must not be limited to any particular area,” the minister said. He added that persons can experience the beauty of the Corentyne River and explore the community while enjoying the regatta.
He explained that the event forms part of the activities planned for Tourism Awareness Month, and  that scores of visitors from Georgetown and other parts of the country, as well as participants from Suriname and French Guiana, are expected to flock Orealla, located approximately 50 miles from Crabwood Creek on the Corentyne Coast, to participate in the regatta.
Prashad noted that foreign participation will benefit the regatta in that it will “open the way” for Guyana to compete with other countries at other regattas.
Like Rockstone in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) and Rewa in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), Cow Falls is another hotspot for sport fishing, with its waterways teeming with fishes of all sorts, including what is considered by professional anglers worldwide as the world’s most popular freshwater game fish, the Peacock Bass (Lukanani), he added.
Minister Prashad pointed out that Orealla has a population of about 1500 persons and is ideal for a regatta, and residents of the Amerindian communities will be afforded an opportunity to showcase and even market their craft.
Alluding to other upcoming events, including the finals of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship set for November 13, 2011 at the newly-restored South Dakota Circuit, and the Sixth Annual Rockstone Fish Festival on November 19 and 20, 2011, Minister Prashad said these activities augur well for consolidating tourism development in Guyana, as they attract more visitors.
Meanwhile, Mr. Motee Singh announced that a series of fun-filled activities will be staged at the regatta. These include boat races, canoe races, cassava grating competition, greasy pole climbing, canoe tug-o-war, and cultural activities, in addition to an indigenous cultural show featuring participants from Orealla and Siparuta.
According to the Cortours managing director, competitors from Suriname are also slated to be present at the event, and this will help to promote the event on an international level to include the three Guianas :- Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.