CARICOM Bottling Company Inc, yesterday, donated $3M towards the staging of the highly anticipated August 8 to 10 Guyana Festival. The contribution was handed over in the Georgetown boardroom of the Ministry of Tourism by Marketing Manager of the donor company, Mr. Mondale Smith, who emphasised the need for local companies to support such initiatives which sell Guyana in a major way.
He said the donation is a manifestation of the company being supportive of local events through which tourism is boosted.
Acting Minister of Tourism, Mr. Irfaan Ali, who accepted the cheque on behalf of the Ministry, acknowledged the efforts of the company and stressed the importance of having more companies on board, adding that the Festival is seeking corporate partnerships.
The minister noted that the preparation for the Festival continues to see the participation of the Private Sector and corporate community buying into the event.
“We have Fly Jamaica, Travel Span, Suriname Airways and Caribbean Airlines, which will be facilitating travel arrangements for tourists…We also have hotels coming on board to provide accommodation for these tourists,” he said.
According to the minister, advertising overseas has commenced and, only on Sunday, a parade was held at Parika Market promoting the event via distribution of flyers and other media.
Recently, too, a festival shop was launched at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, offering local arts and craft to tourists and persons leaving Guyana, he reported.
Some of the attractions expected to be featured at the Festival include a ‘Festival Game,’ which will see past cricketing legends battle for glory against the President’s Eleven; Alpha United Football Club clashing with Slingers Football Club; a celebrity booth, where past and present legends will avail themselves to sign autographs and take photos with members of the public; a multiplicity of local foods and beverages as well as many other local elements of the rich Guyanese culture.
In addition, a ‘Festival Passport’ costing $3,000 will be on sale and would allow access to all events and provide discounts for its holders when shopping. A ‘Festival Car’ would also be up for grabs at the event