The ninth Rockstone Fish Festival was launched on Friday with organisers hoping to attract more than 2000 patrons this year.
The activity will be held this weekend from October 25-26 at Rockstone, 18 miles from Linden in Region 10. The Govern-ment Information Agency (GINA) reported that close to 2000 people are expected to participate in the event that is aimed at promoting community-based tourism, generating income and economic opportunities for the community, while showcasing the rich culture of the residents, according to Rockstone Tourism Association (RTA) President, Lynette Benn.
According to Benn, this year, the facility has been upgraded and patrons can expect a more spacious environment which has parking for more than 200 vehicles. The upgraded Arawana Lodge will be available for patrons who are seeking the comforts of home while at the festival, Benn said. Camping accommodation will also be available for the entire family.
This year’s activities will see the patrons competing in fish catching, making of smoked fish and cooking competitions. There will also be cultural activities in the form of songs and dances performed by the Rockstone youths. Patrons will see an exhibit and be able to partake of the Amerindian cuisine such as casiri, piwari, fly, farine, tuma pot, cassava bread and pepperpot.
Prizes will be available for the best smoked and roasted fish, largest fish in different categories and a grand prize for the person who catches the largest fish overall.
GINA reported that aside from fishing, Rock-stone offers a variety of nature based activities such as the exploration of Gluck Island and its environs, nature walks, sight- seeing, picnicking, and swimming. This Amerindian community only has a population of about 300 persons and it is the home to rich populations of birds and is a natural habitat for giant otters, howler monkeys, labbas, iguanas, bush hogs and black caimans.
Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh said that the festival is one of the largest events on GTA’s annual calendar of activities and pledged the ministry’s continued support. According to GINA, the festival has grown and experienced tremendous success since its beginnings in 2006 as a collaborative effort among the tourism ministry, GTA, RTA and the Region 10 Tourism Development Association.
