Moraikobai Eco-Tourism Project underway

 

• village council seeking more partnerships in eco-lodge construction

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, June 24, 2018

Land clearing for the construction of an eco-lodge in the Moraikobai has begun. This was disclosed to Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin by Toshao of the village, Colin Adrian.

The Minister who also has responsibility for Tourism and a team recently conducted an outreach to the community on the Mahaicony River in Region Five to assess the extent of the land clearing on the site that has been earmarked.

Toshao Adrian said the village council plans to construct one main building, three cabins and a double cabin to attract local and international tourists to the community.

He said while they have already received support from the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry more partnership is needed for the construction of the lodge. “As a community, we are looking at partnerships as we go further into this venture because that will provide job creation for the community and will benefit everyone,” Adrian said.

Minister Gaskin assured that his ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is on board with the development of the eco-lodge and will assist in various aspects of the project. He noted that while the construction of the proposed eco-lodge is commendable, certain standards must be attained.

“Each one of our villages or communities that want to participate in tourism has to work to develop their tourism product. It means they will have to ensure proper accommodation at various standards comparable to other tourism countries,” Minister Gaskin said.

In May the Director of GTA and the Indigenous Affairs Minister visited the village to further assist with the development of the plans.

The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs has set aside $5Million to startup an eco-tourism project in the area. $500,000 was handed over to the community to begin clearing of land on which the eco-lodge will be constructed.

By: Crystal Stoll.

Image: Leon Leung.