Dear Editor,
On learning of the tragedy which occurred at Orinduik Falls, where the life of a visitor to this magnificent attraction was unfortunately snuffed out, the news triggered my memory of a treacherous and extremely dangerous traverse at the falls.
My family and I visited Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls exactly one week prior to the above mentioned tragedy, and I could not but lament on the observations I had made while visiting the Falls. These included the absence of any signage about the depth of the gorge and strength of the water’s current, also strikingly missing was any type of handrail or other device to hold on should one lose their footing, along with the lack of any floatation devices.
Subsequent discussions with our tour guide and persons in authority, revealed that the tour guides and caretakers are under the employ of the Ministry of Tourism, while the companies operating the tours really do not partake in overseeing these attractions.
It is not my intention to point fingers at anyone, but to suggest that the tour operators and the Ministry of Tourism begin dialogue and implement some safety measures for the tourists they serve, as I am sure it is well within their means to share the responsibility and interest in maintaining installed safety equipment.
Just to be clear, I am in no way suggesting that the natural beauty of the falls be desecrated through installation of safety equipment, but with discussions, these could be strategically placed to blend in with the terrain.
Yours sincerely,
Howard G. Carter