Major stakeholders reaffirm commitment to Number 63 Beach
MAJOR stakeholders in the Number 63, Corentyne Beach, last week reaffirmed their commitment to its maintenance and development as the number one tourist destination in East Berbice. Among them were Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCCI), the Beach Management Committee and the Numbers 52-74 Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), within whose jurisdiction the location falls.
Their representatives made the pledge during a recent community consultation meeting at the Number 64 Village Countryside Cinema.
They reviewed recent improvements at the beach, particularly the initiative of the UCCCI which led to grant funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), for a public awareness campaign on developing and maintaining the place.
The Number 63 Beach awareness drive consisted of installation of two large billboards at the entrance and exit, 50 ‘no littering’ signs, production of two public service announcements (PSAs) encouraging its preservation, broadcasting them locally and  regionally and a national consultation to highlight efforts and get inputs on the way forward.
Those at the meeting commended the UCCCI for its intervention which has had a major impact on moderating litter on the beach.
Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh congratulated the UCCCI for its collaboration with USAID and others in ensuring that the  beach maintains its number one attraction status in the country.
He stressed that it has the potential for a number of business opportunities, such as restaurants, mini-resorts and water parks etc, as well as hosting fund-raising activities like volleyball competitions between countries, because it provides a hard surface for various sporting events that can attract many visitors from the different Regions of Guyana and foreigners.
Haralsingh said, during this holiday season, there were some 850 visitors arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on a daily basis, 50 per cent of whom are Berbicians.
Consequently, developing that beach in a sustainable manner can create local employment and much needed recreation for all visitors, he proposed.
Haralsingh emphasised, though, that there are many challenges which continue to hinder development and investment and he noted that, over the years and as recently as in 2009, several benabs, changing facilities and toilets were built while water for the washrooms was supplied by GuySuCo.

VANDALISING
But vandalising of those amenities is one of the lingering problems that needs to be seriously addressed.
Haralsingh said the general consensus, on the way forward, included the need for the access roads to the beach to be upgraded; toilet facilities being kept clean on the busy days; offering of  franchises to those wanting to operate businesses; lobbying for legal framework regarding littering and fund-raising.
Among the plans proposed are the establishment of a police outpost tower at the site for enhanced security; first aid on location on busy days; development of a nearby recreational park to add to the beach value and a large welcoming arch at the entrance.
Other GTA support are provision of 5,000 garbage bags, potable water supply from Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and planned fortnightly excursions in a forty-seater bus.  
President of UCCCI, Mr. V. Doerga welcomed the recommendations and said they will be communicated to all interested parties.
He indicated that officials of the Mangrove Restoration Project would visit early in January in an effort to promote restoration and in the process create employment for the local population.
Ms. S. Ramnauth, on behalf of the UCCCI, also thanked all the participants for their inputs during the life of the USAID project at the beach.