Dear Editor,
I agree with Mr Herman Gomes that ‘The President should appoint a Minister of Tourism’ (SN, Sep 19). This is not to take away from the sterling performance of the acting Minister, Mr Irfaan Ali, who is also the Minister of Housing. Minister Ali’s performance and dedication to both ministries is not an issue and neither ministry seems to be handicapped. Tour operators praise his acumen and people in general have said he has done quite well in the housing sector.
I don’t know why Mr Manniram Prashad gave up his job as a Tourism Minister in the last administration, but I thought he did a very good job with Guyana being promoted worldwide during his tenure and many obtaining employment.
During his tenure, cruise ships visited Guyana regularly and visitors to the interior increased significantly. Minister Prashad also promoted agro-production as part of his tourism initiatives with Guyana’s products showcased in the US and Canada.
Minister Ali has been doing an exceptional job expanding on the initiatives undertaken by Mr Prashad on eco-tourism, and is now looking into medical tourism and initiating a yachting industry. The Tourism Ministry claims that the number of visitors to Guyana has increased this year, benefiting the economy and by extension helping people, and bookings for Christmas are solid according to the three main carriers flying into Guyana from North America.
His position acting as the Minister of Tourism apparently has not handicapped Mr Ali. He has gotten around a lot and has been very pro-active in promotion. The Minister made very informative presentations in New York, Trinidad, Miami, and Toronto earlier this year, attracting appreciative crowds. Many Americans told me they were very impressed with the natural beauty of Guyana after hearing the Minister and watching videos at Caribbean Expo Week last June in Grand Central. They are interested in eco-tourism – visiting our rain forests, waterfalls and other scenic places.
While Minister Ali deserves kudos for his fantastic work, having a full time minister at the ministry or a junior minister to assist him would yield greater dividends to the country. More and more countries are getting into eco-tourism, medical tourism, educational tourism, the yachting industry, and other aspects.
Guyana needs to devote more time and resources on tourism. President Ramotar should give Mr Ali all the support and personnel he needs to make tourism more successful as it will be a major player in job creation.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
