The annual Rockstone Fish Festival was officially launched on Friday last at Rockstone Village, Region # 10, to the delight of residents there. Contrary to the hosting of the launching of the event in Georgetown like before, the Tourism Ministry this year felt it would be more fitting to launch the event at the location where the two days festivities are customarily hosted.
Addressing the gathering was newly appointed Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Donald Sinclair who was officiating in place of Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes, who was attending an important Cabinet Meeting in Georgetown at the time.
In his address Mr. Sinclair told residents that his ministry was committed to the development of the event, as well as finding the resources they need to make the festival an ultimate success. He added that that among the expectations of his ministry is the need to see significant growth of the event to attract a larger volume of attendees, not only locally, but from the Caribbean, North America and other areas.
The Director General encouraged committee members to discourage ‘cassnet fishing’, and other modes of fishing that will cause spectators to deviate from the policy which dictates that patrons catch fishes at the event and return them to their home in the dark waters of the Paramakoushi River and its tributaries.
He also urged promoters of the event to ensure large, ‘eye-catching’ signs are posted at strategic points to ensure persons coming to the event arrive without glitches, since the lack of proper sign boards have led to persons missing the turn off point, and ending up at other locations instead.
Mr. Sinclair emphasized that with more people attending the event, the organisers will be able to earn more, while the Rockstone area will develop its own identity in the Caribbean and even globally. He added that while the fish festival is already enhancing the image of Rockstone, the ministry will do all it can to make the event better and to make the area a better tourist attraction.
Rockstone Hospitality Manager, Lynette Benn thanked the team from the city for attending the function, noting that this year there would not be a pre-registration process, since all competitors at the event will be required to register upon arrival. She added that no illegal vending will be allowed, and paying vendors are only allowed to sell fish and wild meat meals on the location.
Committee member Faye Allicock delivered the vote of thanks before the brief event came to its conclusion.
The Fish Festival offers boats tours to beautiful destinations, fishing and cooking competitions, cycling races from Linden to Rockstone, nature trails (three options), music, meals and tons of fun for the entire family. This year the event will also feature fish deboning, fish catching, and the largest fish competitions. Added to that, there will be camping, picnics, tours to Gluck Island, swimming and fish cooking contests, as well as rafting, tug-o-war, and lots of games for the children.
They will also be a cultural show featuring top performers from Rockstone and Linden. Admission to the event has been set at $500 for adults and $300 for children. There will also be an essay competition for schools around the area.
Parking fees has been set at $1000 for cars, $2000 for mini-buses, $3000 for 4×4 pickups, large buses, and canter trucks, while the fees for large trucks is $4000.
The festival is the brain child of Guyana’s Tourism Brand Specialist and Innovator, Donald Sinclair. On a fishing excursion to the location in 2006 he envisaged its potential for community-based tourism. He then engaged the people living in that community, and together they created the blue print for the festival.
The naturally accommodating environment includes open spaces for camping and easy access to the Paramakoushi River, its tributaries and nearby creeks.