Tourism and hospitality on Fort Island
COUNTLESS boats and even more people venture to Fort Island daily. The captivating little island has developed into one of Guyana’s most popular tourist hotspots. Although the historic fort is what calls most, the people of the island are often what captivate visitors. The small community of people has become the definition of hospitable, as more people seek to experience the island. Among the people who help to create the experience of Fort Island is Videsh Debideen, a lifelong resident of Fort Island; he now plays a pivotal role in the village’s Transport and Harbours Department. As the tourists continue to outnumber villagers, Videsh is just one who encourages others to keep coming to the island; Fort Island is a unique place everyone should experience.
Life on Fort Island is among the most peaceful Pepperpot Magazine has ever seen. Surrounded by trees and a history as deep as the bond the people share, there was never a dull moment growing up on Fort Island. This is how Videsh describes it. The young man is among the few sons of the soil Fort Island has to offer among its many settlers. Today, he manages the village’s Transport and Harbours Department. His job is more than keeping track and making notes; Videsh knows much about Fort Island tourism, and even more about its people.
The popularity and historical importance of Fort Island cannot be overlooked. Videsh explained that Fort Island is most often the first stop on many Essequibo tours, “This port here is the main tourist destination in the city. So most tourists going up the river will stop here first. Weekends, our stand will be a bit busy. It’s not a busy port, but on weekends, we will have tour boats.”
Fort Island was shaped by its history, and this unique origin story, beginning more than two hundred years ago, keeps people coming today. As Videsh explained, “We actually have more persons visiting the island than the actual population because of the two historic sites. The Fort Island Court of Policy, which is now the Dutch Heritage Museum, and Fort Zealandia. Visitors will be very interested in the history of Fort Island. We have a rich, rich history.”
As one of the oldest intact remnants of Guyana’s past, people venture to Fort Island every day to get a glimpse of the many historical sites on the island. As Videsh shared, “People still come to see those sites. On a daily basis, we have two boats; approximately 30 to 40 persons daily. On weekends, we have almost 400 to 500 persons per weekend. We have a ferry system in place currently; we have a ticket system.”
Visiting the island has been made easy by many investments of time and effort from many different people. Pepperpot Magazine ventured to the island from Parika; this is just one of the ways curious tourists can reach the island.
Fort Island has done a tremendous job of managing its ever-growing tourism sector. As more people visit the community, Fort Island sees more developments. As Videsh explains, “It’s easier in Fort Island, I would say. We see great development here. And the Stelling, the main port of entry, has been coming and rated for two years now since it opened to the general public. I would say, first, I would like to start by going up here. I find it calm, the tranquillity, the calmness of the place.”
As much as tourism is a big part of the island, the people have maintained a steadfast hold on their identity, keeping their diversity alive. “The environment, the people, and the small population. The two main economic activities here on Fort Island are farming and fishing. Some persons work with the government. We have a small population school. We have a health centre, primary school, a nursery, and a coast guard base. So, gradually, the island is developing.” Videsh further added, “I can see significant change: Rehabilitation, a school for defence, drainage and irrigation, road, solar street lights. So, yes, our community is developing and not left behind.”
Videsh encourages those seeking adventure to visit the island, “I encourage persons who have not visited Fort Island or who have the mind to visit Fort Island. Fort Island is a peaceful place. You can come visit. You can make bookings with local tours. Or you can organize and make contact with the locals on Fort Island. And you can come take a tour. And, as I said, you can use the ferry service too. We, the people of Fort Island, are very peaceful.”
Moreover, visiting the island is similar to discovering a different aspect of Guyana, its history, and all that went into the past of all Guyanese. The people of the island add another layer of fascination and appreciation, as Videsh shares, “We are hospitable. And we are respectful too. I must say that the island has a rich history. That is most important. And it’s very peaceful. So, persons from the coastline and who are in the capital city. If you want to relax your mind, you come here from the hustling and bustling. And you can relax. It’s very calm and peaceful. We have beaches. And we have locals. We are very hospitable. It’s peaceful.”
