HRH Prince Harry arrives in Guyana to ceremonial welcome

Ending his tour of the Caribbean, His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales on Friday touched down on local soil to a ceremonial ‘red carpet’ welcome, kicking off a three-day State visit.

Leading up to the arrival of the TransGuyana aircraft at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, the media, both local and foreign, were already positioned to capture the historic moment.

Also waiting to get a glimpse of the Prince were eager members of public and staff of the airport, who slipped away from their regular routines. Braving heat under a mostly cloudy atmosphere, the well-decked out Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Band was also set to greet the fifth in line of the British throne.

Ten minutes into the wait, the lights of the red and white beechcraft emerged from the cloudy skies and descended onto the taxiway. The door to the aircraft was opened and a female from the Prince’s convoy deplaned, walked towards the flag poles and handed over the Union Jack (The Royal Flag), which was immediately hoisted, signalling the presence of royalty.

Subsequently, a tall gentleman exited the aircraft, raising anxiety among those present – but it was not the Prince. The red-bearded royal emerged in a navy blue suit and was officially welcomed by British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge. He then gracefully made his way down the red carpet and onto the podium, where he stood as the GDF Band played the two countries’ National Anthems.

Without hesitation, he was ushered to his vehicle and was about to head out of the airport, but stopped to greet a gathering of about 50 persons comprising of travellers and airport staff.

Cheers erupted as he exited the vehicle and approached the small crowd gathered to get a glimpse of him. He was offered and received bouquets before returning to the vehicle, which sped out of the compound, leaving those spellbound behind.

Escorted by the Police, Prince Harry was led to the Ministry of the President to pay a courtesy call on President David Granger, whom he had already met two days ago in Barbados. Following a brief meeting between the two, the British Royal headed over to the Independence Arch on Brickdam, where he was again greeted by the GDF Band and more eager onlookers.

After taking the salute, he proceeded to the base of the arch, where he laid the floral tribute. He was then escorted to his vehicle but again stopped to acknowledge some of the locals gathered to witness the British hierarchy.

Prince Harry was then ushered off to the GDF Headquarters – Base Camp Ayangana – where he met with the top brass of the military and was given a brief tour of the facility. He then made his way over to Rabbit Walk, Kingston, to pay respect at the Commonwealth War Graves. There, he was again greeted by the GDF Band and laid another wreath.

The fifth in line to the British throne had a brief interaction with High Commissioner Quinn and Colonel Nazrul Hussain of the Defence Force, both of whom accompanied the British royal to the various activities.

Following that, the Prince was taken to the Marriott Hotel, where he will be staying during his visit here. Later into Friday evening, Prince Harry was escorted to the British High Commissioner’s residence in Bel Air Gardens, Georgetown, for a reception, which culminated day one of the royal’s visit to Guyana.

Today, he will be travelling to the hinterland to visit three locations. His first stop will be at the Amerindian Village of Surama, North Rupununi.

The Prince will receive an official welcome from villagers, around the gathering point of the village Totem Pole. His Royal Highness will also hear about traditional village life, and take a short trip to the village’s Eco Lodge to see how the community is embracing eco-tourism.

He will then fly over to the Iwokrama Reserve, where he is scheduled to meet with rangers to learn about the work carried out there and how steps are being taken to protect this important forest. However, before arriving at the reserve, Prince Harry will briefly call into Fairview Village.

The Prince’s final tour destination will be at Guyana’s pride – the majestic Kaieteur

Falls, which is the single largest free-fall waterfall in the world, with a drop of 741 feet, making it nearly five times as high as Niagara Falls in Canada. He will embark on a short trek through the jungle to reach the falls with local guides, who will educate him on the local flora and fauna along the way. The waterfall visit will culminate day two of his visit.

On his final day in Guyana, Prince Harry will pay a visit to the Joshua House to see how vulnerable young children in Guyana, between the ages of 5 and 12, are supported.

His Royal Highness will tour the facility and meet both the children and staff who live and work at the facility. He will then have a brief engagement with First Lady Sandra Granger, after which he will head to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport for departure, and thus wrapping up a two-week tour of the Caribbean.