Guyana must capitalise on upcoming chairmanship of Caricom – Pres Ali

…will push for development of regionwide sports tourism products

With Guyana expected to assume the chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) next year, President Dr Irfaan Ali has identified developing a regional sports and entertainment tourism product as one of the challenges that must be tackled head on.
During a recent event by the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, President Dr Irfaan Ali reminded that this Region is the mecca of sports and entertainment. He also reminded that Guyana takes over chairmanship of Caricom next year and assured that this issue will be one of their priorities to push.

“We done talking. We’re going to do it and we’re going to position our tourism product second to none. We assume chairmanship of Caricom from February. And if we sit back, what we’re known for in this Region will be taken from us. Look at Saudi Arabia,” President Ali said.
“They’re now the talk of the town, golf, PGA. Formula One. Football. Going after cricket, entertainment. This Region is the mecca of sports and entertainment. We have to reposition ourselves as the mecca of sports and entertainment, if we’re to survive in this vastly changing world.”
According to President Ali, it is important that the Region builds tourism, sports and entertainment products island by island, that will adequately position the bloc as a destination for sports tourists.
“We have to build products, island by island, that position the Region in the strongest and most competitive environment. That is why this chamber is so critical. Because we have to fast forward.”
“We have to take the rawness of what we have today, apply the technology and innovation that exists in Canada and work together on developing that tourism product,” the Head of State explained.
When it comes to Guyana, the Head of State noted that Guyana will be positioned to be one of the best eco-tourism products.
“It is not an economy or a country that will be driven by oil and gas. It is a country and economy that will be supported by oil and gas. Where every other sector will be built out based on this revenue stream. It is a country that will offer to the world the best eco-tourism product.”
“None will be able to compete and put the infrastructure in place. We’re going to train our people and invest in their education. We’re going to invest in facilities and services. We’re going to change our attitude, culture and own behaviour.”
Guyana recently hosted the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finals, which resulted in an influx of sports tourists. For the occasion, the Government had built 30 eco-lodges with 100 per cent local wood, the first-of-its-kind urban eco-lodges that would be complemented by a pool, a 100 per cent local restaurant, and parking among other facilities. It had been announced that upon the completion of the CPL, the units would be available to anyone interested.
Last year, high on the success of Cricket Carnival initiative and coupled with the drive to diversify Guyana’s sporting sector beyond cricket, President Ali had announced that his Government plans to push sport as a major tourism product in the country.
During the Cricket Carnival Regatta in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), the Guyanese Head of State had shared their plans of using all aspects of Guyana, and more importantly, sporting events, to the best of their advantage. In turn, he had expressed that building a holistic and robust portfolio from the different sporting events can create a significant tourism package. (G3)