I write to shower praise on, as well as to thank the Acting Minister of Tourism, Mr. Irfaan Ali, and Corporate Sponsor BK Tiwari International for their efforts to promote Guyana as a tourist destination (“Local, international journalists given tour of Essequibo”, Apr 16). Corporate sponsorship and government role are essential in promoting tourism. Foreigners coming to Guyana will help in creating jobs and upgrading the infrastructure of our country. Mr. B.K Tiwari, whose company sponsored a trip to Essequibo for delegates of the STC, is among a few who showcases and promotes the beauty of the hinterland of our country and for this he must be applauded.

I am very much pleased to read frequently in the daily media of efforts being undertaken by Minister Ali to promote tourism ever since he assumed responsibilities for the ministry in December. Much more needs to be done to promote our country as a tourist haven, and I am confident Minister Ali will expend more resources on infrastructure as well as on media promotion to attract visitors. More tourists will create jobs and wealth for our nationals.

I have travelled to dozens of countries and visited virtually all of the continents, and I have also done a lot of sightseeing in Guyana, including our virgin rainforests. Guyana has unique flora and fauna and sites for global tourists; and tourists from all over the globe are interested in Guyana’s natural beauty. Like me, they are mesmerized by our thick vegetation as well as the wildlife and waterways as shown on promotional DVDs and brochures. Not surprisingly, so many media people have attended the conference on sustainable tourism and have been so fortunate to see so many historic sites in the country, compliments of BK International.

My foreign friends whom I brought to Guyana on earlier visits marvelled at crossing the mighty Essequibo, visiting several islands as well. They were not lucky to visit Mr. Tiwari’s quarry, but were told his operations are quite expansive and impressive.

B.K Tiwari should be applauded for hosting the tourists for lunch and showing them how blasts are carried out at his quarry. That visit itself would have cost him hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of dollars. Not many businesses or individuals seek to promote Guyana or sponsor delegations visiting our homeland to reduce the burden on the treasury. Mr. Tiwari stands out among the few who sponsor events that benefit the nation and promote the country to nature lovers.

I recall a few years ago he hosted the CARICOM Heads of Government (who were fascinated with Guyana’s inherent beauty) at his quarry, without charging the government for what would have been tens of millions of dollars. That is responsible, unselfish corporate sponsorship of a major regional event at which to showcase Guyana. BK International has stepped up to the plate — not just obtaining contracts from the government, but returning some of it through sponsorship of worthwhile events.

Thanks B.K International and Minister Ali for taking measures to promoting tourism to and in our country!