Fact-finding mission impresses GTA

LUSH greenery, the rich Arawak culture, numerous activities and exciting trails caught the attention of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and tour operators who, over the weekend, sought to explore the tourism offerings of Moraikobai in Region 5 (Demerara-Mahaica).Led by Director of Tourism, Indranauth Haralsingh, members of the team, comprising the General Manager of Rainforest Tours and Coordinator of the North and South Rupununi Safaris, Frank Singh; Project Development Officer for Wilderness Explorers, Salvador De

Caires; Birding Expert Leon Moore and other officials of the GTA, explained that the aim of their visit to that Indigenous settlement in the Mahaicony River was to check out information they had received regarding its potential for tourism, particularly the possibilities of introducing a Safari from Georgetown to Moraikobai.

The trip from Georgetown to Moraikobai through the sand trail begins at the Linden/highway junction and allows the visitors to enjoy an adventurous ride as they watch the terrain change from clay to sand while approaching the village. Added to that, the thrill of getting stuck and having to find alternative trails piques the interest of those who are involved. And according to Haralsingh and Frank Singh, the overland trek (the trail) presents an opportunity for tourists to experience a different atmosphere from what obtains in the Rupununi Safaris, thus they would, in February, be seeking to take a group of tourists on a four-by-four safari to Moraikobai, given that the village can accommodate at least 20 vehicle loads.

However, persons who are not interested in participating in a safari can still be enticed to visit the settlement by another path, which involves a two-hour boat ride down the placid Mahaicony river, later connecting to the Francois Creek which leads visitors straight to the landing at Moraikobai.

One interesting feature of the village is that tourists are welcomed therein by a sign which reads, “Welcome to our home paradise.” Based on its being labelled a paradise, Haralsingh has indicated, persons, after reading the sign, can expect the best from the village and its villagers. This has been proven in many ways: from the hospitality of the people, to the rich Arawak culture displayed by the more-than 1000 villagers, to the other natural aspects of the village.

In an effort to portray their village as a paradise, the villagers had, within hours, put together a cultural programme which included dancing, singing, and other cultural activities which had the members of the team ready to abandon their seats and join in the festivities.

In addition, a competition to grate cassava was held to demonstrate the skills of the Moraikobai ladies. Skills in the area of cooking were also demonstrated, as team members were treated to a variety of delicacies, such as cassava bread, stewed Lukanani, and other mouth-watering dishes. Villagers also harvested the Tacoma worm from the Ettai tree, to the delight of men, women, children, and even members of the team, who indulged in the resultant feast.

“Moraikobai’s culture is very alive and rich. They have what tourists are looking for, and we just need to tweak some areas to ensure betterment in every aspect of its tourism product,” Haralsingh explained.

Besides the obvious impact villagers can make on tourists, the natural aspects, such as the creek, also present an opportunity for Caiman spotting, exploring other wildlife; and there is also potential for bird watching, owing to the fact that Moore listed over 50 species of birds during the visit.

This alone, Haralsingh said, confirms that the Village has potential to be a major tourist attraction. “We are keen on diversifying Guyana’s tourism product, hence our focus on community-based tourism will grow as time goes by,” Haralsingh stressed.

Haralsingh also sees opportunities for employment, training, and even boosting the community’s income generation from its main economic activities: small-scale agriculture and logging. People, he iterated, are seeking a paradise with new things to offer; hence, in an effort to satisfy this need and promote “Explore Guyana,” the GTA, along with its partners, is seeking to develop the tourism products of other villages, such as St. Cuthbert’s Mission and Orealla.

Moraikobai Toshao Colin Adrian has welcomed the GTA effort to develop tourism, not only in the community but also nationally. “This is the first visit of its kind to this village, and we are happy that we are being recognised… Recently, we had a group of bikers who expressed their interest in starting a trek to the community,” he explained.