South Rupununi Safari makes inaugural trip into Brazil

─ Foreign Affairs Ministry teams up with Rainforest Tours in observation of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Guyana and Brazil

─ 10 countries participating in biggest South Rupununi Safari since it began 16 years ago

─ the two countries have since signed a number of agreements in areas of culture, education, health and agriculture

DPI, Guyana, Friday, October 12, 2018

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is collaborating with Rainforest Tours to host the first ever South Rupununi Safari: Brazil Edition.

The safari was launched today at the Ministry’s Takuba Lodge, boardroom. Director of the Department of the Americas at the Ministry, Ambassador Charlene Phoenix, said the partnership is in celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Guyana and Brazil.

“There’s quite a lot to celebrate and so what we want to do with this occasion is to ensure that the public is aware of what is happening. This is the kind of activity that brings your public onboard because it’s linking our peoples,” Ambassador Phoenix said.

Guyana and Brazil celebrated their jubilee anniversary in August, but several activities are scheduled to mark the observance for the remainder of the year. Diplomatic relations between the two countries was forged on August 26, 1968.

The two countries have since signed a number of agreements in the areas of culture, education, health and agriculture. More recently, Brazil has been assisting Guyana with the drilling of artisanal water wells in South Rupununi, Region Nine.

Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Brazil, Minister Paulo Borda Silos, noted the two countries shared “50 wonderful years”.

Silos added, “I think that this initiative is one of the finest that we have developed because it gives people access, in an indirect way, to diplomacy and they see that diplomacy has practical and fun aspects.”

Managing Director of Rainforest Tours, Frank Singh, noted it is the first time the Safari will cross the border since it began 16 years ago. “This is considered the biggest safari of the year,” Singh added. “The important objective of this safari is to promote domestic/international tourism giving Guyanese and foreigners an opportunity to experience the culture, learn about the heritage and history while indulging the unique cuisine offered by destinations visited.”

Some 10 countries are participating in the safari which will have a 30-vehicle convoy.  The South Rupununi Safari: Brazil Edition will be held from November 20-25. The safari will spend a day touring the capital of the state of Roraima, Boa Vista in Brazil before continuing onto the South Rupununi.

Director General of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Donald Sinclair said the safari is important to strengthening tourism links between the two countries.

Persons interested in participating in the safari can contact Rainforest Tours or the GTA.

Tiffny Rhodius.

Images: Kennyann Bacchus.

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