THE annual two-day Rockstone Fish Festival concluded on Sunday after a series of activities, for which Guyanese journeyed from several parts of the country, with their families and friends, to be a part of the exciting sport fishing.

Rockstone is located on the right bank of the Essequibo River in the Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice region, about 14 miles West of Linden to which it is linked by road.
Among those at the event was Timothy Mohamed and his group from Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, who went to the location since Friday.
Mohamed said he has been participating in the event for the past five years and he and his friends won first prizes last year for the most fishes caught.
Overseas-based Guyanese Quinn Anderson was also at the event, and he caught the smallest fish. There were also some youths from Bartica who rode to Rockstone on motorcycles and all terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Speaking on behalf of the latter, Brad Bell said it was the first time he and his 10 friends had gone there and enjoyed themselves.
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Scenes from the Rockstone Fish Festival that was held on Sunday. [/box]

Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Administrative Officer Kemie Williams said they were pleased to be associated with the eighth Rockstone Fish Festival, which is a signature event for the Ministry of Tourism.

NEW FEATURES
She commented on the marked improvement owing to the new features that were added this year, with the aim of gathering Guyanese together to showcase local talent and culture as community-based tourism.

Meanwhile, President of the Rockstone Tourism Association, Lynette Benn, told reporters that 2013 was successful as the others, despite some challenges.
She was high in praise for the support of the sponsors and the Ministry of Tourism, noting significant improvements and the prizes offered for the different categories.
Benn was also pleased with the family-oriented atmosphere on Sunday and with the numbers participating.

Executive Officer of the Rockstone Tourism Association, Faye Allicock, said they want to develop the area with better roads and bridges and, generally, upkeep the community.
Also present at the Fish Festival was Chairman of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Sharma Solomon, who, in brief remarks lauded the efforts of the organisers in staging the event.
He said it was planned for people to see the beautiful tourist destination and they have achieved that but, for 2014, Rockstone will be properly featured.

Sunday saw several activities including fish catching, fish cooking, fish deboning and watermelon-eating contests.
The packed stage programme included several dances and songs by Brandon Harding and Diana Chapman.

(By Michel Outridge)