The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce lauded the Rockstone community’s hosting of the 4th annual Fish Festival.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release this is the first year that the two-day Festival was hosted without support from the Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP) and the Linden Tourism Association. The ministry markets the Festival as one of the popular calendar events which features fishing, cooking, camping, diving, swimming and boat ride competitions. Winners are awarded trophies and other prizes.
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority Indranauth Haralsingh said “The Rockstone fish festival as a domestic event allows many of us to leave where we live and to travel this far and enjoy what another community has to offer…the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Authority will continue to support the Rockstone Fish Festival in terms of product development, marketing, training and we continue to promote this on our website; in our product literature and so forth.”
Haralsingh also extended greetings from Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad who was at the time attending the Caribbean Tourism Organisation Ministers meeting in St Lucia. He related that Prashad said he is committed to developing the event, given its potential as a viable tourism product. He also said Prashad “was elated about the idea that the Rockstone community has taken on the mantle of single-handedly hosting the fourth festival.”
Region Ten Chairman Mortimer Mingo echoed these statements. He said that the festival will remain close to the people of Linden and Region Ten. “The Rockstone Fish Festival is one that is looked forward to every year from its inception by all people from Linden and its environs.” Mingo said the Festival has grown and now persons from across the country meet in the tranquil community of Rockstone to recreate and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Essequibo River. He also lauded the organisers but more particularly LEAP for its instrumental role in promoting the event.
Mingo said now that LEAP “is departing from this capacity” he is heartened to see the community, through the community CDC (Community Development Council), the Toshao and its council as well as the Rockstone Fish Festival community rising to the challenge to ensure not only continuity but an enhanced event.
