The Rockstone Tourism Association (RTA) over the weekend teamed up with the
These two gentlemen showcase part of the cat of the Rockstone Fish Festival
Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism Department of the Business Ministry to present the 11th annual Rockstone Fish Festival in the remote Region 10 (Upper Demerara/at Berbice) community.
While some ventured for the sampling of various fish delicacies, others undoubtedly went for the adventure associated with the exotic, naturist side of the picturesque community of Rockstone. The fish festival held over two days – Saturday and Sunday – attracted many people from across the country, who went to explore as well as be entertained.
Saturday saw the hosting of the annual camping event, nature walks along the trail and numerous fish cooking activities, while on Sunday the Rockstone landing hosted the customary opening ceremony when patrons were also treated to river tours around Gluck Island, boat trips to Sand beach, nature walks, in addition to fish catching, cooking, scaling, roasting, and deboning competitions, among other activities.
A minifashion display also added a touch of culture on Sunday.
This newspaper caught up with Sharon Peters, a craftswoman from Leguan, Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), who noted that she had travelled to the community for the first time to display and sell her craft.
The event was also graced by visitors on board a helicopter which settled at the edge of the bank of the river for a few minutes, much to the amusement of those present.
As customary, the fish festival saw intense competitions with winners being awarded trophies. While two participants were disqualified at this year’s event, attendees were thrilled by the variety of fishes caught which competed in various categories.
The largest catfish (23 inches) was caught by Sharan Ramishwar while Sarwan Kumar caught the largest pariah (11 inches). The two also teamed up and won the prize for the heaviest catch (18lbs) and the biggest lukanani (13 inches).
Meanwhile, Hugh Johnson was awarded for the largest catch and the biggest arowana. Others were also awarded in several other categories.
Though the turnout to the festival was not a grand one, those present, including families, took the time to indulge and relax in the entertaining atmosphere.
Speaking at the opening event, GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh noted that there is a very high interest in the Rockstone Fish Festival, which is known to be attended by a wide cross-section of people. In this vein he stressed the need for more effective planning, pointing out that the festival has a lot of potential. Haralsingh said events such as these are what people need in Guyana.
He added that the Ministry of Business, the Department of Tourism and the GTA were very pleased to collaborate with the community of Rockstone to host the event. Haralsingh said that while GTA has shown support with the organisation of the event since 11 years ago, it could be better organized. He also stated that had it not been for the motor racing championships held the same day, there would have been a larger turnout. Nevertheless, Haralsingh noted that GTA will continue to work alongside the Rockstone community with the promotion of the annual festival, which is notably the only fish festival in Guyana: “We will continue to work with Rockstone because this is a very unique event: It’s the only fish festival in Guyana and this can grow to be much larger.”
Such activities Haralsingh added are what brings and drives the demand for tourism. He encouraged the RTA to conduct activities more than once a year as a means of encouraging domestic tourism. As a means of promoting the fish festival, Haralsingh said more collaboration is needed in addition to focusing more on the promotion of fish.
With the observance of Tourism Awareness Month, Haralsingh also encouraged Guyanese to leave their homes and visit somewhere else.
GTA Tourism events officer Ronald Smith also implored Guyanese to take time out of their busy schedules and explore the natural side of Guyana by visiting communities such as Rockstone. He said attendance at events such as the fish festival is about creating lasting moments.
“Each one of these communities have something that is unique – you can take a boat ride up the Essequibo River…Rockstone is a great camping ground. You can go fishing…then there’s the creek,” he encouraged.
