Dear Editor,
KINDLY allow me some space in your newspaper to vent my frustration about the way Kaieteur Falls is being managed. Presently I have no bones to pick with the ruling Government of Guyana, but right is right.
First of all, I am from the Indigenous village of Chenapau, the only Indigenous village on the Upper Potaro River that is closes to the Kaieteur Falls.
From time immemorial, my ancestors have been traversing this wonderful waterfall and never encountered any man-made barriers preventing humans from visiting this magnificent waterfall from the top.
For us, Kaieteur is sacred. In our indigenous Patamuna nation’s language, we pronounce this marvellous falls Kayik Tuwak meaning “Old Man falls” not “Kaieteur Falls” and we don’t know anything by that name. To prove me right we have a rich history, heritage and culture about this sacred waterfall.

Mr. Editor, during my visits to Kayik Tuwak this year, I noticed two man-made barriers built from wood to prevent humans from visiting key areas on top of the waterfall. I would like to elaborate more about this prohibited area. It is considered the viewing area for tourists, due to its pristine beauty; it is also considered the best they have ever seen. The overhanging rock is the best spot for photos too. All the above- mentioned areas are now deemed to be prohibited. What a sad situation.
I spoke to one of the park wardens about whose idea this was. “Management” was his reply. It is said the reason for such barricade was to prevent people from committing suicide by jumping off the falls. Somehow I believe that the present management doesn’t have godly love for nature and treat humans like cattle. I wonder how the Kaieteur National Park management will treat Prince Harry when he visits? Will the Kaieteur National Park management treat him like cattle too? I hope not!
What about Johnson’s view, Scout’s View and Rainbow View? All of these viewing areas have high drop- offs, but still humans are allowed to go there without any barricade(s) in place. For some reason this convincingly proves that the management for Kaieteur National Park is incompetent – square pegs in round holes. It is time for them to wake up and stop day-dreaming.

Here are some of the things they must pay attention to: the deplorable guesthouse walls that are falling apart; leaking toilets; lack of proper cooking utensils. The trails also need cleaning and must have safe walking paths for the elderly and the incapacitated.
Recently I’ve had the opportunity to read the management plan for Kaieteur National Park and the village of Chenapau. To my surprise, it was not strong enough for meaningful participation in decision- making. Having us employed as boat captains, tourist guides, administrative clerks and senior wardens is not enough. I strongly recommend that the village take part in the decision- making process, such as having members from Chenapau village sit on the Board of Directors. What about that? For me, that is what I call meaningful participation in decision-making.

Sincerely,
Tony Melville
Former Toshao of Chenapau