9 new tour guides receive licence from GTA to operate

A total of nine individuals were conferred with the ‘tour guide’ badge after undergoing a series of training under the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) to ensure that they were fit to conduct excursions while ensuring that guests are safe.

In a press statement on Thursday, the tourism body highlighted that all fees associated with their training programmes were waived for six months in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this period ends in September.
The Guyana Tourism Authority Regulations of 2008 mandate that an operating licence is mandatory before conducting any services associated with tourism and hospitality.
“Based on the Guyana Tourism Authority Regulations of 2008, tourism accommodation establishments, tour operators, tourist guides and interior lodges and resorts are required to have a Guyana Tourism Authority Licence to operate, or can be fined by the Authority for not being in compliance with the associated regulations,” the statement indicated.
Among the nine new guides were Bhagwandas Balkaran, Delven Adams, Kenneth Butler, Rovin Alvin, Ruffino Davis Edwards, Cain Edwards, Johan Paul, Vivian Smith and Quadad De Freitas. They were trained in First Aid/CPR precautionary and emergency measures, a requirement for licensing.

“Through this training, participants will be able to implement a coordinated response in emergency scenarios, which will ultimately build confidence to respond to incidents where time is of the essence, significantly reducing the potential for fatalities. In addition to its being mandatory to improve their overall operations to ensure the health and safety of their guests, this training is pivotal now more than ever,” the GTA insisted.
In early May, the GTA assumed new leadership when Carla James was elected as Director to run the operations. James had said that in these challenging times, they will be preparing for the rebound, and would be improving the quality of services offered to return stronger. She has taken up the role at a time when there was little to no tourism activity in the country.