THE Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce hosted a vibrant prize-giving ceremony on Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre to honour the top 20 winners of the annual SnapnShare 58 Photography Competition. This event, held in celebration of Guyana’s Independence Day, showcased the diverse beauty of the nation through the lenses of its talented citizens.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce since its inception in 2021, SnapnShare invited all Guyanese citizens to submit photographs capturing the essence of the country’s tourism destinations. The competition’s judges evaluated entries based on creativity, image quality, and their appeal in promoting tourism.
Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, hailed the photographs as a testament to Guyana’s rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. “Each image—from intimate portraits of children with wildlife to breathtaking landscapes of waterfalls and mountain ranges—tells a unique story about our destination,” Minister Walrond remarked. She emphasised that SnapnShare not only encourages artistic expression but also inspires travel and appreciation for lesser-known gems across Guyana.
This year marked a milestone as the Ministry awarded a Canon DSLR camera as the top prize for the first time, aiming to support winners in furthering their photography passion. Additionally, the top five winners will receive specialised photography training from local experts, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to developing Guyana’s tourism sector in collaboration with its citizens.
Permanent Secretary, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, praised the competition for showcasing Guyana’s extraordinary tourism destinations and enhancing the country’s appeal as a tourist destination. She congratulated all participants for their outstanding contributions, which have significantly enriched
Guyana’s budding tourism sector.
With over 1,000 entries received this year, the top five winners—Kevon Lorrimer, Robert Wall, Nashminie Hume, Romario Hastings, and Vijayanthi Ramsami—were recognised for their exceptional photographic skills. Their winning images will adorn the walls of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, offering a visual treat to the venue’s annual visitors. Moreover, these photographs will feature prominently in the Ministry’s SnapnShare Magazine, distributed across government offices and tourism establishments locally and internationally.
The SnapnShare 58 Photography Competition not only celebrates the beauty of Guyana but also underscores the power of photography in promoting cultural heritage and tourism. As Guyana continues to position itself as a premier tourist destination, initiatives like SnapnShare play a crucial role in showcasing its unique landscapes and inspiring exploration both among locals and visitors alike.