DIRECTOR of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, has announced that the seventh annual Rockstone Fish Festival will take place on November 24 and 25.

Speaking at a Sophia Exhibition Site press conference, in Georgetown, he reiterated that the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the GTA partner each year with the Rockstone community to organise the event.
He stated that this is a signature tourism month activity on the calendar and it is the only fish festival in Guyana.
“The event attracts thousands of visitors, not only persons from all parts of Guyana but also overseas visitors,” Haralsingh said.
According to him, Rockstone is an indigenous and a community-based tourism product and it is growing in importance. This year, they are hoping to have in excess of 5,000 people at Rockstone.
Haralsingh said Rockstone is located in close proximity to the bank of the Essequibo River and has rich fishing grounds, where persons can take a boat and go fishing.
He noted that the main activity is the fish-catching and  that approximately 10 persons have already registered to participate.
Persons would, usually, go there early in the morning, around 05:00 hrs and they have a time when they have to come back in to display and weigh their catch.
Prizes
Prizes are offered, depending on the species, weight and size of the fish, Haralsingh said, reflecting that the occasion has always been an exciting one, especially for sports fishermen whose passion and love is to go out and fish,
He said they are encouraging persons to camp out overnight, as Rockstone is an ideal location for camping. It is safe, secure and peaceful and has all the trappings of this outdoor environment where one can spend time with family.
Haralsingh reminded that there are adequate shower and toilet facilities.
Among the other activities at the fish festival is a fish- deboning competition, eating contests, individual paddle boat competition and a children’ art competition. There will also be a packed cultural programme with a lot of local entertainment.
Haralsingh assured that there will be lots of foods and beverages on sale and persons can also take their own barbecue grill if they wish.
He said this festival is family oriented and they are encouraging more persons to come out and be a part of this two-day programme. “If you love to eat fish, then the Rockstone Fish Festival, this weekend, is the best place to be, because there would be a variety of fishes,” he said.
Haralsingh said that the drive to Rockstone is just an hour and a half from Georgetown along paved, good roads and the trail is an adventurous one.
The entrance fee to the Fish Festival is $500 for adults and $300 for children (12 years and above). A fee of $1,000 will have to be paid for vehicles, such as cars and mini-buses and the fees for trucks and motorcycles are $2,000 and $500 respectively.
He said, for persons who wish to get there by way of public transportation, there will be buses at the Linden Car Park and the fare is approximately $1,000.
The sponsors include the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Ashmins, Banks DIH, Ansa McAl and the New Building Society (NBS).