As August 1 approaches, Guyanese, especially Berbicians who normally flock the Number 63 Beach on the Corentyne, are wondering how they will gain entry into the popular tourist destination as the entrance is still very much impassable.
Even though a report was carried in this newspaper more than a month ago, to date the beach is still in a filthy state with benabs and pavilions falling apart. There are also filthy and dirty washrooms and change rooms.
Also, there are still huge pools and streams at the entrance.
The current state of the access to the beach when KN visited Friday.
August 1 sees thousands flocking the site. It is the second most popular ‘beach day’ other than Easter Monday when the area is visited by locals and foreigners alike.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has developed several Number 63 Beach Redevelopment Visions over the years. If implemented, those plans should have enhanced the shabby appearance and surroundings of Guyana’s premier beach. Sadly, none of these initiatives ever came off.
The Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCCI) in collaboration with the U.S. Government (USAID) had erected dozens of no- littering signs and billboards across the beach two years ago. All of those signs have been vandalized.
The government and the Region Six Administration have chosen to remain silent about the plans for this beach, especially the poor state of the entrance road.