The Rupununi Rodeo garnered a $1M pledge from the government on Saturday, the Government Information Agency reported yesterday.
GINA said that the sum will be utilized to upgrade the venue at which locals and foreigners turned out this weekend to see vaqueros test their skills at wild bull riding and cow milking. The annual Easter event is organised by the Rupununi Rodeo Committee.
GINA said that in the lead up to the Rodeo, flights to Lethem for the activity alone, averaged about 17 a week for Air Services Limited and 14 for Trans Guyana.
GINA said that Prime Minister Samuel Hinds joined President Donald Ramotar in Lethem on Saturday for the rodeo along with Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai and other officials.
GINA noted that the event had its genesis a century and a half ago when vaqueros/cowboys would meet for wild bull riding and other activities.
It said that the tradition has been kept alive by the Rupununi Rodeo Committee which has been responsible for the installation of lavatory facilities.
Ayla Kenyon, the 2013 rodeo queen, greeted President Ramotar in the company of horse riders, GINA said.
GINA said that the Proprietor of Sleep Inn hotel promised to sponsor a new prize for the rodeo next year and also hinted at plans to build a hotel in Lethem.
