PLEASE allow me once more to give a brief evaluation (from my own perspective) on the recently held Conference on Sustainable Tourism. As one who had the privilege of interacting with the numerous foreign reporters and travel writers present, I thought it would be good to show another face on how the conference was perceived and accepted by others. Therefore I’ll use the instances as was told to me by the journalists, so we can have a balance on how they felt. 1. Trip up the Essequibo sponsored by Mr. Brian Tiwarie to Fort Zeelandia, which is situated on Fort Island, Fort Kyk-Over-Al at the mouth of the Mazaruni River, and The Teperu Falls and Quarry. The writers felt that the trip was an excellent opportunity to see Guyana on another level. The food at the quarry was superb. However, the boat ride, which is lengthy in general, added to some tiredness, since the group had to be back in Georgetown by a particular time to attend the opening of the conference. They wanted to spend more time exploring the old Dutch forts. However, since some participants arrived the very same day, the departure time had to be pushed back, and this added to the small time window for the visit, as departure time was pushed back to late in the morning. 2. Conference Opening Ceremonies The pomp and pageantry at the opening lent to the usual grand style that is a regular feature at such conferences. The parade of flags by the Guyana Defence Force was superb, but  the absence of the many hoteliers who run businesses in Guyana was not good. More invitations should have been extended for persons to attend the opening ceremony.
3. Feature Addresses The Prime Minister did an excellent job in his delivery of the feature address. The message from former President Jagdeo was also a welcome feature. However, it was felt that since schools were reopened that day, maybe some senior formers and possibly industry study students from the University of Guyana should have been invited.
4. General Sessions
The general sessions were well conceptualized and to the point. The absence of hotel operators was again very much evident. The opinion of some was that the conference attendance fees were a little too steep for such persons. We must remember, however, that every participating journalist or travel writer is invited to cover the conference; and therefore their travel, accommodations and boarding are the responsibility of the host country. These funds are usually added to the fees for hosting the conference. This is the reason there are always fees to attend these conferences. We can’t pay for the coverage we earn through the travel writers and journalists. In general, the conference was well organized, except for a few minor glitches. The fact that the President had returned in time to host a reception in their honour was also a welcome event. Again, even with the good ambience of State House and its well manicured grounds, some were a little disappointed that they had to live with fruit juice and rum punch. They really wanted to put some licks in our world rated liquors. After the event, most of them had to settle for a wash-down at various spots in town, which provided the owners/operators with some sales, and allowed the foreigners to dump some dollars in our economy. President Ramotar’s interaction with the journalists in the stately living area of the Presidential Home was also seen as accommodating and personal. The journalists did welcome such an opportunity. Minister Irfaan Ali was seen as very visionary on the subject of the industry’s future, except that they wished the conference was held at a time when Parliament was not in session, since his attendance would not have been interrupted. However, with news that the tourism budget has been left as presented, all of the writers felt that Guyana would enjoy the best of their writings and compliments.
Finally, Editor, the sight-seeing trips to various points in our country took the cake. All of our visitors were impressed in every respect. The big question, however, was why we are sitting on such a large gold mine and not developing it. Don Bobb from United Nation’s Radio in New York questioned why he was unable to purchase a postcard or memorabilia from the Kaieteur Falls Visitor Centre. Irwin Claire from Jamaica asked when Guyana would position itself for the world to see this unique destination. In answer to the many questions, I reiterated the President’s statements that Guyana would be represented at the Caribbean Week festivities in New York in June, as well as a tourism confab he would host for business persons and Guyanese in the diaspora while he attends the UN General Assembly in September. Kudos were also given to Minister Ali, who was able to sneak out of Parliament on the closing night to come and say farewell to the visitors and special invitees. All in all, Editor, we had a great conference, and our respective sustainable locations won us three of the four top prizes for efforts to remain within the confines of sustainable tourism development. We must act now, and start the process of creating awareness and promoting Guyana to the world. Except for some minor glitches, Guyana, you did us proud and well. It’s Trinidad & Tobago’s turn next to host STC-14. Thanks GTA