Latest update December 25th, 2024 1:10 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Developing the tourism product

Mar 28, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
When Mr. Jad Rahaman operated his Tour Company at the Barakara Resort in the Mazaruni River, he painstakingly kept the nature trail that leads to the Barakara Falls (opposite to the resort) in a clear and clean state.
Mr. Rahaman, you will remember, received a Caribbean Entrepreneurial Award some years ago for being outstanding in the development of his resort and the facilities and attractions offered to the tourists who used the trail to relax and “bathe” in the Waterfall.

Since the closure of this resort, several tour companies have been using the nature trail to take tourists to enjoy the ambiance of the Waterfall and its surroundings. For overnight guests, Jad even used flambeaus at nights, which lit up the trail to the Falls in a magical and fairytale manner.
Alas, now most of the tour companies have not been making an effort to keep the trail in good condition and tourists have complained about this (overhanging trees and branches, and rocks along the rail in disarray).

There is one exception, however, and that is Mr. Ray Boodhoo who owns and operates “Old Fort and Tours”` from Parika.
He personally works with his workmen to keep the trail clear and clean and maneuverable for tourists to negotiate the trail to the Falls.
He even built a small pool area for children by arranging rocks in a circular manner.
In my opinion this is unfair, and again (like Orinduik) the other tour companies are waiting to see who will “bell the cat”, and provide facilities etc. at the Falls, e.g. a small benab (as Jad had), a small changing room in the benab for guests to change from their swim wear to dry clothing.

The changing room can be partitioned with palm leaves that abound in the area, seats around the benab can be made from the trunks of small trees whereby guests can sit and enjoy their snacks, drinks etc.
All nature trails also should have at the opening of the trail, a signboard or graphic/pictorial representation of what can be seen along the trail e.g. the Bamboo Grove, the Kokerite Palms and fruit (referred to as “buck toffee”) – no offence meant to my Amerindian brothers and sisters – the Kissing Bridge, the Granite Rock Face and deposits of mica along the ground.

All this is meaningful to tourists and aids in developing the tourism product and making it attractive. Why, oh why, can’t the various beneficiaries of Barakara Falls come together and work on the trail with cash or kind (labour)? Ray Boodhoo has led the way, follow him. Come on gentlemen “bell the cat” together.
Jim Holder

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

The wait is over, all roads lead to KMTC for their Grand Boxing Day Horse race meet

The wait is over, all roads lead to KMTC for their Grand Boxing Day...

Dec 25, 2024

Over 70 entries in as $7M in prizes at stake  By Samuel Whyte Kaieteur Sports- The time has come and the wait is over and its gallop time as the biggest event for the year-end season is set for the...
Read More
Xhiya Hercules – flipping the script towards Gymnastics history for Guyana

Xhiya Hercules – flipping the script towards...

Dec 25, 2024

Road Warriors, Bent Street, Team Cruel & Gold Is Money into quarter-finals

Road Warriors, Bent Street, Team Cruel &...

Dec 25, 2024

Deol maiden hundred outshines Matthews’ as India take series

Deol maiden hundred outshines Matthews’ as...

Dec 25, 2024

Moraikobai village two days football competition and fun day set for Old and New Year’s Day

Moraikobai village two days football competition...

Dec 25, 2024

BCB thanks cricket fraternity for strong support in 2024

BCB thanks cricket fraternity for strong support...

Dec 25, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]