Vilma De Silva elected as President of Region 2 Tourism Association
In an effort to boost tourism in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the Tourism Department of the Tourism Ministry, oversaw the election of a new executive body for the region’s Tourism Association on Wednesday.
The election took place during a meeting with business owners at Jaigobin Hotel’s Conference Hall, Henrietta.
Velma De Silva, the Regional Chairperson of Pomeroon-Supenaam, was elected as president, while Devin Mohan, the Mayor of the Anna Regina Town Council, was elected as vice-president. Other executives include Wazeeda Bacchus as secretary and Greg De Young as assistant secretary. Dhanraj Singh was elected as treasurer, and Lavern was elected as assistant treasurer.
The newly elected executive members of Region Two Tourism Association
Community members elected include Dudley Stephens, owner of Star Light Restaurant, and Natram Nandanan. Joel Fredricks and Joan Allen were nominated as trustees.
The newly elected president emphasised the importance of tourism for the economic growth of the region and the pivotal role the people of Essequibo should play in exploring various tourism opportunities.
“For the entire Region Two, we can identify individuals responsible for different categories of tourism. For example, Miss Jane can handle the registration for those interested in agro-tourism, and Mary can oversee sports tourism and to assist with the hotel tourism if they want to be in the hotel industry…. listed like that I want to see because the government offers opportunities to support every sector, and we want to ensure everyone benefits from this support. You have to register and be legal,”” she explained.
She stressed the importance of guiding individuals to meet the requirements for attracting tourists, whether it’s starting a hotel or running an Airbnb.
“Standards and requirements must be met, and the tourism body will provide guidance to ensure this. We want to see that growth happening in Region Two,” she added.
De Silva as the president of the new elected body called on the members to function effectively and inclusively, ensuring that everyone with potential in tourism benefits.
The first task for the newly elected body is to plan and prepare a proposal of activities for National Tourism Day, which will be observed on September 27, 2024.
