Rockstone fish festival set to bite

Rockstone is set to come alive this weekend with a roster of activities including sport fishing, safaris and nature tours, when the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) hosts the 7th annual Rockstone Fish Festival from Saturday.

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh is inviting the public to participate in this “quality, community based event” that incorporates a celebration and promotion of this indigenous community as well as the unique and diverse Guyanese culture as a tourism product.

The fete, which is organised annually by the GTA, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Rockstone Tourism Authority (RTA), was launched on Wednesday morning in the GTA boardroom, Exhibition Site, Sophia by Haralsingh and RTA Promotions Manager Candacey Giles.

“Rockstone fits perfectly with our theme of re-discovering home; encouraging many Guyanese and our overseas guest to leave our homes and go to a new area to experience indigenous culture to be a part of a fish festival,” said Haralsingh. “It is a meeting of so many people who go out there for a day of fun and a day of leisure as well. It is a family oriented event so persons can take their entire family,” he added.

The festival provides the opportunity for exploration and leisure and promises fun for the family costing $500 for adults and $300 for a child over the age of 12. In addition to the main fishing competition which has seen a number of top sports fishermen registering, there will also be a fish de-boning contest, individual paddle boat races, canoe tug-of-war, an eating competition, archery and an art competition for two age categories: 7-9 years and 10-12 years.

Persons can also choose more leisurely activities such as birding, a river safari and nature walks or be entertained by the cultural programme that will showcase the culture of the community through songs and dances. Camping accommodations is also available for interested persons.

Rockstone is small indigenous community located 18 miles from Linden, Region Ten.