All arrangements are in place and patrons can expect a packed programme for the fifth annual Rockstone Fish Festival set for Saturday and Sunday.
Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad and members of the Rockstone Tourism Association (RTA) said measures are in place for the hosting of the event. “A lot of interest has been expressed in the festival,” Prashad said, adding that foreigners are expected to attend. The festival, which is part of the Calendar of Events, is expected to be bigger this year, as the ministry has upped its efforts to promote sport fishing in Guyana.
“Come to our festival,” Lynette Benn, PRO of the Rockstone Tourism Association, said at a press briefing hosted at the Ministry of Tourism on Friday last. Benn said patrons will be treated to a weekend packed with events including fishing expeditions, guided river tours, fish catching, deboning and cooking contests, mountain bike racing and a photographic exhibition.
On Saturday night, there will be a campfire and Brazilian dance competition. Camping space will also be available along with a special area for children. Parking space will also be available but no trucks will be allowed. Also, police will be posted along the Rockstone road to maintain law and order.
Prashad said too that the festival, which is a partnership between the community and ministry, has grown in numbers since its inception in 2006. It greatly benefits residents and has given rise to investment opportunities, he added.
The minister opined that the location of the community provided a great avenue for sports fishing tourism and for nature exploration.
Additionally, the ministry is exploring a similar type of tourism activity at the Rewa and Cow Falls. Commenting on the benefits derived from the festival, Prashad said, “The basis of community based tourism is the community must benefit.” He said the community has used the proceeds to fund various projects including the construction of a guest house with all amenities. Benn said the community plans to build log cabins and a walkway to provide comfort to its visitors with the profits derived from this year’s festival.
Meanwhile, the minister said that a number of events have been planned for Tourism Awareness Month which will be launched on Sunday in Orealla.
