Council eyeing tourism as main revenue earner

By Indrawattie Natram

THE Capoey Village Council in Region Two is currently eyeing tourism as its main revenue earner for the upcoming years. This was according to Toshao of the Indigenous Community, Melrose Henry.

Henry said that the village is blessed with its own natural tourism setting and as such the council is aiming at enhancing the infrastructure in an effort to attract more visitors.

The Toshao said that the community is in need of a development boost and called on the government to intervene, especially in providing better access by way of rehabilitating the existing road and trail that leads to the community. Henry said while she understands that the government cannot do everything she pledged the council’s commitment in supporting any initiative that will boost the community’s economy.

“The villagers need the road to fix. The community through self-help and also donations from the business community has been able to rehabilitate the road but we need a proper one built to withstand years of endurance,” Henry said.

“BLACKWATER TOURISM”

Henry said that the council has plans to extend the eco-lounge to offer visitors a better stay whenever they have the intention of overnighting. She noted that Capoey is known for its singing birds and freshwater fish. She said in the morning one can enjoy the symphony the birds would create when flying around. Additionally, the canoeing experience along the lake top and mission top are also must-do activities for visitors.

“Once we have the necessary improvements in the infrastructure then we have a lot to offer to visitors. Capoey is beautiful; one has to experience it,” Henry further stated.

Henry said that although agriculture plays a pivotal role in the community’s economy she is confident that tourism will be a bigger revenue earner once the infrastructure is improved.

The Capoey Indigenous Community is one out of nine Indigenous communities in the region that have tourism potential. The lake over the years has managed to capture the attention of many and on weekends, a buzz of activities is usually held by promoters. The community has a population of approximately 550 persons and is accessed by road and boat. Persons are involved in agriculture and lumbering as a way of providing a livelihood for their families.