Minister of Tourism Manniram Prashad on Wednesday commissioned a “Giants of Guyana” billboard at the head of the Main Street avenue, as part of a bid to promote eco-tourism.
The billboard shows wildlife such as the harpy eagle, anaconda, black caiman, giant anteater, otter and jaguar, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
Prashad, GINA said, explained that the animals depicted are the largest species of wildlife in the entire Amazon. Similar billboards will be mounted countrywide, including at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Rahaman’s turn, the Prairie Hotel, the Russian Embassy turn and at Moleson Creek.
Prashad also said the ministry will be visiting the areas known to be the animals’ habitats, including Gluck Island, near Rockstone, which houses the black caiman, at Iwokrama where the harpy eagle nests and at Yupukari and other locations.
He said documentaries will be made of snakes at Rewa to inform the public of the habitats of local wildlife. The ministry will also be producing brochures on the various animals and a birding trail will soon be established along Hope Beach, East Coast Demerara.
According to GINA, the minister said the cost for mounting billboards across the country is about $5M and he urged corporate sponsors to come onboard to help promote eco-tourism. Prashad noted that so far Demerara Tobacco Company has expressed an interest in collaborating with the ministry to have the billboards mounted.
