Guyana is blessed with one of the most unique “jewels” of the world-Kaieteur Waterfalls which has a total height of 822 feet rendering it the world’s highest single-drop waterfall (741 feet) with a flow rate of 30 million gallons of water per minute.

Its environs — an area of some 627 square kilometres (242 square miles) — also has the distinction of being home to a host of rare and endangered species, including the rarely seen Cock-of-the-Rock, and the brightly-hued Golden Frog which spends almost all its life inside the giant Tank Bromeliad.

It is however unfortunate that most Guyanese have not been able to visit this unique “jewel.” In fact, it is ironical that more non-Guyanese may have visited this gem. This has been so because most Guyanese simply cannot afford to make the visit.

In this regard, it is therefore encouraging to note that through collaboration between the Roraima Group of Companies and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce weekend flights on both Saturdays and Sundays until the end of the year cost for a trip will be reduced to US$150 per person compared to the regular price of US$220.

This is indeed a significant reduction and a fine gesture and it would be hoped this special package would enable an appreciably larger number of Guyanese to visit Kaieteur which is one of the most rewarding, enthralling and indelible experiences one could encounter in his/her lifetime.

Managing Director of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia noted that during the past few weeks, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad has been talking with tour operators about making tourism more affordable for Guyanese not only here but visiting.

He stated that Roraima has “taken a step further” and responded to the request through the joint effort of the private sector and the government.

This is not only going to be for Guyanese, this is going to be for all people who want to see Kaieteur Falls,” Captain Gouveia pointed out.

He expressed his hope that Guyanese will take advantage of this offer since it is a US$70 reduction and also disclosed that it is going to be combined with the tours to Arrowpoint Resort on the weekends with an extra US$70 added.

Minister of Tourism, industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad noted, “It is a very special day” and the initiative is of significant importance to his ministry and the tourism industry in Guyana.

Sometimes when history is in the making and when you see a transformation taking place you don’t really grasp the situation until many years after,” he explained.

He said the step is as a result of efforts over the years by previous tourism ministers and a result of the call made by President Bharrat Jagdeo last June at a tourism seminar for tour operators and players in the tourism industry to make tourism more affordable to locals.

This is the direction the local tourism industry should pursue because in times of global financial crises like the current one, influx of foreigners may dry up and there may be greater dependency on local tourism.

But very importantly, more Guyanese would be given an opportunity to travel across their country and appreciate the beauty of their country which actually lies in the remote parts of the country.

Strange enough it is more than likely that if a survey is done it show that most Guyanese have travelled more overseas than they have done within their own borders. As such there are more knowledgeable about the geography of foreign lands than their own country.

It is therefore not surprising that so many Guyanese tend to be foreign minded and go for foreign products even though there local equivalents which are superior in quality and price.

It is these anomalies in our society that we have to iron out if we are to rekindle the patriotic fervour in our people which is so badly needed.