Berbice:Plans for improvements of the facilities at the number 63 beach in Region six, are underway as the Tourism Ministry spearheads the selection of a new Management Steering Committee.
During a meeting convened at the City Inn Hall, in Corentyne, recently, several major stakeholders met to discuss issues affecting the development of the area; participants included representatives from the Chambers of Commerce operating in East Berbice, the RDC, Reg #6, Corriverton Town Council, Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Guyana Police Force, Sea Defence Department, GuySuCO and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG).
Several issues were raised during the engagement, including the fact that, to date, there has not been an effective management team, the inability to raise funds for beach improvements, and the clear lack of land ownership, among others.
In his contribution as Chairman of the Committee, representing the Tourism Ministry and Head of the Small Business Bureau, Mr. Derrick Cummings reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to resuscitating the “vibrant, proactive and visionary” beach committee.
He repeated the Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali’s commitment to developing the popular tourist attraction in Berbice and towards ensuring that the Committee is re-established to push the development and enhancement of the area.
Meanwhile, Director of the GTA, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh noted that the reformation of the beach management committee provided the opportunity for the involvement of corporate Guyana and for the marketing, promotion and branding of the attraction.
Haralsingh also pointed to the investment opportunities that exist and urged that the committee work towards developing an action plan that will take advantage of these opportunities.
“There are many opportunities that exist for investment in this facility, these include jet skis, water based activities, accommodation, camping, tours and sporting activities,” he added.
Key among the issues raised was the blatant littering along the beach and the flagrant disregard for the anti littering laws that exist to protect environments such as the # 63 beach.
It was suggested that an entrance fee be levied on beach goers during major events, this will assist in offsetting the cost of any clean up activity following events staged at the facility.
More importantly, it was noted that any enhancement of the environment surrounding the beach must go hand in hand with an education exercise”.
Participants also discussed the branding of the facility, the enhancement of the surrounding area (demolition of derelict buildings), security and other vital components that hinder the overall development of the area as a top tourist destination.
The stakeholders are set to meet again next week to elect the Committee and to formalize plans for the future development of the # 63 Beach.
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