The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce will be working with the Wakapau and Akawini Village councils to develop projects that can help promote tourism in the two Amerindian communities.
Minister Oneidge Walrond disclosed the plan when she recently met with the Region Two Regional Democratic Councillors (RDC) during an impromptu visit. Walrond was allowed to speak during the council’s statutory meeting after Regional Chairman Vilma De Silva suspended the standing orders.
Walrond, during her address to RDC councillors, noted that tourism plays a vital role in Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and so her ministry is currently traveling to various areas to get a firsthand view of available tourism products. Walrond visited the Wakapau and Akawini and it was observed that the Wakapau community has a lot to offer in the area of tourism. As a result, she said her ministry would be working with the communities on projects to develop their tourism potential. She mentioned that persons in the communities will be trained as tour guides to assist visitors.
Walrond noted that everything that is established in the community will be owned by the respective village councils and the benefits will trickle down to residents as all revenues will remain in the communities. “We are working to resuscitate tourism in the Wakapau, Akawini communities… we, the ministry, will help them to identify the tourism products and to help them build on it…our policies gears towards community involvement and as such the Toshaos will overlook and make visitors comfortable,” she further said.
The ministry has been working with the Capoey Village council in developing its tourism capacity as well.
Walrond also mentioned that her ministry is working with small businesses through the Small Business Bureau by making grants available to them. She said government, through her ministry, has approved $150 million, for grants to assist small businesses to prosper. She, therefore, said that persons can apply for grants once they have a registered business. Those who do not have a registered business and would wish to access the grant are asked to visit the SBB office to get assistance.
The minister said the ministry will also be working closely with the region’s Tourism Association in helping to develop the tourism products within the region.-
