CUMMINGS Lodge resident Alim Mohammed was crowned winner of the 2012 Rockstone Fish Festival held last Sunday at Rockstone, Essequibo River, Region 7. He placed first in two categories of the competition: the Largest Catch, and the Most Unusual Fish Caught. Mohammed’s 13-fish catch comprised three types of fish, including a piranha and a large stingray.
For his efforts, he copped cash prizes totalling $20,000.

The second place winner had a nine-piece catch which included hymaras among other fresh water fishes.

Other winners were Sarwan, who won the Fish Filleting competition by filleting his fish in less than half a minute; and Jailall, who copped second place in that category.

A large crowd assembled from all parts of Guyana and even from neighbouring countries to witness the mega-event.

The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs were well represented at this event.

Paddle boat competition and archery were also items on the itinerary of events. The tug-o-war was, however, hindered by periodic showers of rain.

The scene was more reminiscent of a picnic style activity, and most of the patrons indicated they were satisfied with the activity.

This newspaper spoke with three foreigners. Karen, from Australia, said she was visiting Guyana for the second time on a yacht which is presently anchored at Fort Island.

She indicated that she had been enjoying activities on the Essequibo River since November 8th, when she arrived. She said she would travel to Suriname and French Guiana, and return to Guyana for the 4-day Main Big Lime prior to heading off to visit the Caribbean.

Shery Mounter, a Saint Lucian here on vacation, said she was very excited to come to Guyana. She said she was enjoying the hinterland scenes, and was taking a lot of photographs and videos to showcase Guyana on her return home.

She noted that this event was the first time she had witnessed the beauty of Guyana, and she would seek to promote Guyana in her home country and seek to have some St. Lucians visit Guyana next year.

Deago, a Brazilian national working on a mining concession a few miles down the Essequibo river, indicated that the staff at his camp had reported the activity and had persuaded him to come and witness the event. His team was there since Friday evening, camping out where they began doing some BBQ fish, beef and chicken. He has since contacted his other family members and friends who were in similar business in Guyana to support the event next year.

The Rockstone Fish Festival was sponsored by corporate Guyana, and deemed a success by the organisers and the Ministry of Tourism.