IMAGINE the impact of an iconic photograph of Prince Harry standing on the ledge at one of the viewpoints at Kaieteur Falls. Certainly, this is likely to boost tourism in Guyana by appealing to an international audience which longs for that eco-tourism experience.And indeed, this will be one of the many impacts of the Prince’s visit to Guyana between December 2 and 4.

“I think so. I think the picture of the prince standing at Kaieteur, that iconic picture is something which cannot do any harm to tourism here. I think that is something which he is very happy to promote in any way that he can” said British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn during a media briefing on Friday.

On Saturday December 3, Saturday, Prince Harry will be taken to Surama – an Amerindian village in the North Rupununi and Fairview (another village), after which he will make his way to Iwokrama. Iwokrama Rain Forest is one of South America’s bird watching hotspots with many of Guyana’s 800+ species on display.

Following the visit to Iwokrama, the Prince will then make his way to the famous Kaieteur Falls.

According to Quinn, the visit to Iwokrama was always something the commission wanted to happen, and it is very fitting for the prince, since his father, Prince Charles, is directly connected to it.

First becoming the Iwokrama International Centre’s patron in 2000 and renewing his commitment in 2005, Prince Charles of Wales had been a strong supporter of Iwokrama’s work to develop modern rainforest conservation practices and new approaches to valuing the ecosystem services which tropical forests generate for the benefit of mankind. As such, the British High Commission underscored the significance of a visit by one of Prince Charles’ son.
“And you can’t go into the hinterland and not go to Kaieteur, so it would be crazy to take him [the Prince] to Iwokrama and not take him to Kaieteur” the High Commissioner said. He noted too, that the commission wanted the Prince to experience firsthand, what people in the hinterlands are doing to improve economic and social life in the hinterlands. In that regard, the trips to the indigenous villages were planned.

But the Prince’s visit will not be solely recreational, as he is scheduled for several “formal” engagements the day he arrives – Friday December 2.

The High Commissioner explained that Prince Harry will arrive around lunch time, and will visit President David Granger upon his arrival. He will then make his way to Brickdam, Georgetown to lay a wreath at the recently-renovated Independence Arch.

The Prince will then head to Camp Ayangana to meet officers of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), after which he will lay another wreath at the Commonwealth War graves. On the evening of that night, a reception will be held at the British High Commission.

On Sunday, the final day of his stay in Guyana, Prince Harry will visit Joshua’s House – an orphanage – where he is expected to meet with children of that home.

“He [Prince Harry] loves children and is very keen that he should use his celebrity status to raise awareness about the problems about disadvantaged groups. So he would want to use the opportunity to flag up support for these organisations and remind us that we have a social duty to help those who are not as well off as we are,” Quinn said.

The High Commissioner said that after the visit to Joshua’s House, there is likely to be a social activity in the afternoon. However, this is not confirmed as yet. Later that evening, Prince Harry will depart Guyana for Barbados where his trip ends.

In relation to logistics, Quinn said that the commission has not been faced with any difficulties, and is having a smooth planning process for the Prince’s visit in early December.

“We’ve had no problems so far. We’ve had support from the government, both for the official activities and help with going into the interior. As far as we are concerned, it’s been relatively easy.”

Prince Harry’s tour of the Caribbean commences on November 20.