What do you have planned for the vacation season ahead? Walking on the warm, sunny beaches of the Caribbean? Frolicking in the blue waters? Trolling the concrete jungle of New York? Gawking at Niagara? Visiting the Queen? How about exploring the Land of Many Waters? Are you up for that?
If you are reading this and you are Guyanese, then you need to consider how you, as a citizen, can contribute to Guyana’s eco-tourism, while also visiting an exciting place in your own backyard that you have never seen.
For instance, you can go hiking through the Kaieteur National Park before or after gazing at the majestic falls of the same name, one of the natural wonders of the world. A walk along the canopy above the trees at the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve could prove just as breathtaking. There’s bird watching, turtle sighting, horse riding in the Rupununi, fishing at Rockstone, riding the rapids at White Water; the tourist resorts offer comfort, sometimes even luxury, or you can ‘rough’ it if you prefer.
A ‘staycation’ with relatives or friends in rural areas offer an opportunity to reconnect with your roots and immerse yourself in the ‘country’ culture. There’s land crab catching at night along the Essequibo Coast or in Berbice, fishing in the rivers and eating fresh catch; fresh fruits that can be eaten straight off the trees in the backdam and sweet, thirst-quenching, belly-filling, fresh coconut water.
These are just a few of the pastimes Guyana has to offer to not only the world, but to the average Guyanese as well.
There are thousands of people who live in the capital and have never ventured out; or if they have, have not gone beyond the coast. They would drive along the East Bank Demerara on their way to the airport on their foreign trips and that’s it.
Yes, Georgetown is now synonymous with garbage, so is most of the country. There is a breakdown in systems, but people need to stop being part of the problem and find the solution; clean up after yourselves, please!
Garbage aside, Georgetown and New Amsterdam are two beautiful towns filled with rich heritage and unimaginable culture, the spirit of the people is high and they exhibit warm smiles. Anna Regina can lead you to the beautiful Lake Mainstay Resort. Corriverton and Linden are always welcoming people to their unique way of life, each boasting something that makes them indescribable. Orealla and Kuru Kuru are always prize winners with hospitality and cultural wonder.
Not only would you be exposed to the different cultures and lives of people from all the corners of your country – you would also get to gaze on the natural wonders this country has in abundance. From the green carpets and dazzling waters of Port Kaituma to the white and clay hills of Linden, from the flat drawn out lands of Anna Regina to the dry air of Lethem.
Climb Roraima. Swim at Orinduik. Ride horses in the Rupununi. Breathe pure oxygen in the rainforest. Enjoy your country for all it has. After all, isn’t it better to admire and appreciate your own backyard before you lust over your neighbour’s? (Jairo Rodrigues)
