celebrates Indigenous Heritage and World Tourism Day

THE Region Two Tourism Association hosted a vibrant mini exposition at the Anna Regina Independence Park last Friday, celebrating the rich culture of Guyana’s Indigenous people.
The event featured a diverse array of food, beverages, art, craft, music, and dance, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Indigenous traditions and heritage.

The day’s festivities concluded with a big-screen viewing of a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cricket match, followed by a live performance from the Castro Brothers, a dynamic band hailing from Region Seven, whose Indigenous songs energised the crowd.
Joel Fredericks, a member of the Region Two Tourism Association and the event’s coordinator, explained that the expo was timed to coincide with World Tourism Day, celebrated globally under the theme “Tourism and Peace.” He noted that the event also aligned with Guyana’s Amerindian Heritage Month, further emphasising the country’s commitment to recognising and preserving Indigenous culture.

Fredericks highlighted that the event attracted numerous visitors to the region, providing a welcome boost to local tourism. “This is the first time the Essequibo Tourism Association has hosted an event of this kind, and it gave agro-processors, artisans, and vendors the chance to showcase and sell their products,” he said.
Families gathered to enjoy the lively atmosphere, socialising while browsing locally made jewellery, handmade dishes, and other crafts. Vendors were given tables and spaces to sell their items, adding to the sense of community and celebration.
The mini exposition successfully blended culture, entertainment, and commerce, offering a platform for local talent and businesses while promoting the region’s growing tourism sector.