3-year plan crafted for Karasabai’s tourism
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DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, October 23, 2018
The Ministry of Business and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) are assisting the Karasabai Village to craft a three-year plan that will guide the development of the Hinterland Community’s tourism product.
The plan highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the village, as well as the required capacity building and infrastructural development necessary for the successful development of the village’s tourism product.
GTA officials along with Minister of Business, with responsibility for Tourism, Dominic Gaskin and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe recently met with the villagers to discuss their new tourism drive.
In January this year, the Region Nine village launched its $5Million Kezeé Eco-Lodge. Deputy Toshao and Tour Guide, Andrew Albert explained that the Village Council is presently constructing more cabins to accommodate additional tourists.
“We want the world to experience our way of life and the captivating beauty of Karasabi. We want to develop the area, so we can accommodate both local and international tourists… We would like to see that by 2021, all villagers are both direct and indirect beneficiaries of the tourism industry,” the Deputy Toshao stressed.
The Villagers are optimistic that Karasabi has what it takes to be a leading tourist destination in the country and they are prepared to do all that is required to make their tourism dream a reality.
GTA’s Director, Brian Mullis explained that the primary aim is to work with the community to determine their vision, goals and priority actions to get tourism off the ground. Based on the information gathered, the GTA will be creating an action plan for the village.
Minister Gaskin expressed optimism that coming out of the discussions between the GTA and the village’s tourism committee, will be something tangible. “We are not here to just have a chat with you and leave; we are here to start a process,” the Minister said. He encouraged the villagers to work with the GTA so that the expected outcomes of their discussions are realised.
Meanwhile, Minister Garrido-Lowe acknowledged the beauty of the village, known for its Golden Sun Parakeet, Giant Anteaters, flora, fauna and the seasonal pink and grey dolphins, among many other attractions. However, she noted that “in order to share your product with the rest of the world you must prepare it to receive visitors and that is why GTA and Minister Gaskin are here.” She noted that Karasabai has the potential to be one of the major tourism destinations in Guyana.
The village is already booked to receive its first group of overnight international tourists from January 2019. Now the race is one to ensure everything is in place for those tourists to receive a remarkable experience.
Karasabai, one of the largest villages in Region Nine is nestled in the heart of the Pakaraima Mountains and is accessible by land and air. The community has a population of approximately 1600 of mostly Macushi Tribe whose main source income comes from agriculture. Meat (beef, and mutton), peanuts and cassava by-products such as farine and cassreep are just some of their primary products sold to generate income into the community.
Synieka Thorne
Image: Ministry of Business.