Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad says he is particularly happy to partner with Bikerfest 2010 while Government fully endorses the activity that is billed for August 15 at the National Park, the Government Information Agency reported.
And with more and more overseas-based Guyanese coming home for summer events, Minister Prashad said there are ongoing talks within the public and private sectors to explore the development of linkages that would see Jet Blue and American Airlines operating flights in and out of Guyana.
The annual Bikerfest event is being marketed as a good one for families and Prashad also encouraged corporate sponsorship of the event which will showcase motor cycles (600 CC class), skateboarders, BMX dirt bikes and rollerblades as the main daytime activity for families. In the evening, the main bike show will be conducted where specialists will be performing coordinated stunts.
On Friday Prashad met with members of the executive committee of Bikerfest 2010 – Roger Gilgeous, Kerry Griffith and Richie Singh.
Referring to the activity as a “huge event for the summer”, Prashad indicated that expected projections suggest that approximately 15000 people will converge at the National Park for the show which is in its third year.
After the launching in June, a contingent of Guyanese bikers rode cross-country, across the border, to Suriname to “hype up the event”, building interest in the sporting form (motor racing and displays) that continues to grow in popularity.
In addition to persons from North America, the Caribbean and Europe, a few hundred Surinamese are expected to be in Guyana, as motor racing and its fan base continues to grow, the organizers indicated.
They noted that the event was deliberately planned for this time of the year when overseas-based Guyanese are in the country for the August holiday.
According to the tourism minister, there has been a clamour by nationals to vacation in Guyana, participating in the many activities that are being planned for the summer, including Jamzone, a yearly concert organized by Hits and Jams Promotions.
According to GINA, with all four daily flights by Delta Airlines to Guyana being filled, Prashad posited that “people want to come home”.
There are ongoing talks within the public and private sectors to explore the development of linkages that would see Jet Blue and American Airlines operating flights in and out of Guyana, he noted.
Additionally, he said that Government may explore the restart of a national airline as a means of “bringing people home.”
This point was reinforced by the fact that reunions that were previously conducted elsewhere are now being held in Guyana, with hundreds of persons returning. This is evident in the instance of St. Stanislaus College in 2009 and will be apparent when the alumni of President’s College conduct anniversary celebrations in commemoration of the school 25th year in existence.
Emphasizing thrills, adventure and safe fun for the entire family, it is noteworthy that all performers will be wearing necessary protective gear, pads and helmets, GINA added.
