CALVIN Roberts couldn’t be happier that he had an opportunity to participate in the just-concluded 7th Annual Youth Parliament, using the platform to represent, once more, his fellow Indigenous Peoples.

Looking at the example set by his role model, the late Stephen Campbell, influences his vision and the work he aims to do. “Stephen Campbell was the first Indigenous parliamentarian; he fought for our right to freedom, land titles, and our freedom of speech.

“Today, I feel compelled to do the same for my Indigenous brothers and sisters who are still being marginalised by society, and those who may still not have the courage to speak out and raise their voices,” Roberts told Pepperpot Magazine recently.

In his role as Minister of Amerindian Affairs in the Youth Parliament, he pointed out during his presentation that out of 100 countries in the ‘Communities & Culture’ category of the 2022 Green Destinations Story awards, The Rewa Eco Lodge in the Rupununi, Region 9, placed second. This speaks volumes about the potential of hinterland tourism, and investments should be made in its development, he pointed out.

“Before oil discovery, when one heard the name ‘Guyana’, the first thought that came to mind was nature; the Land of Many Waters containing some of the most diverse species of aquatic life; virgin forests, untouched and waiting to be discovered. Think of the new species of flora and fauna we can find, and the scientific and environmental breakthroughs that can happen. Let us not neglect our rich, multi-faceted culture that accompanies our fascinating history. These are all avenues to develop, which will propel Guyanese into a brighter future,” he expressed.

With a plan of sustainability in mind, Roberts noted that whatever is done now must cater for future generations. “My ministry will develop a plan to see that each village is equipped with a modern guesthouse that is eco-friendly, where tourists can be truly immersed. Not only will these accommodations be a magnet for businesses to set up, but it will also generate employment for the residents within the village,” Roberts told his audience.

During the initiation phase, he continued, interested residents from each village will undergo training sessions in skilled areas that are fundamental to the development of enterprises such as food handling, accounting, customer service, entrepreneurship, business management etc. to build capacity and potential among the community members.

“One of Guyana’s greatest assets is its people, and the diversity among them. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will champion the promotion of cross-cultural communication awareness across all 10 administrative regions for both local and international tourist attractions,” Roberts shared.

Additionally, with the difficulties experienced with transportation in the hinterland, he offered that it is vital to develop a road linkage network to promote easier access to and from the interior locations. “Better roads are equivalent to better businesses in terms of saving on time and cost. This road network will link communities and the residents to more opportunities for business,” he said.

“According to the Guyana Tourism Authority, in 2021, Guyana earned approximately $24B (up to September 2021), based on the average expenditure per visitor per type at US$1,060. In 2021, most visitors travelled to Destination Guyana for holiday (64 per cent); business (12 per cent), and visiting friends and relatives (10 per cent), among other reasons (14 per cent). 64% of those persons came to Guyana for holiday.

“Now, imagine what that number might look like once hinterland tourism is promoted and developed effectively. Our GDP would increase significantly. We can create a tourist hub like never seen before. Where in the world can you find hinterland attractions like ours? We must take advantage of our uniqueness, and use it for the benefit of our people,” Roberts continued.

Launched in 2015, Youth Parliament promotes the development of elocution skills, ensures young people are involved in parliamentary democracy, and provides education about the functions of Parliament.