THE feedback was enthusiastic yesterday from the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) and the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCCI) after weekend meetings with Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Mr. Manzoor Nadir and a team.

In a joint statement, the two chambers said Mr. Nadir brought to the weekend meetings the fresh air that accompanied former Minister, Mr. Geoffrey Da Silva - a commitment to talk about development, to discuss issues raised by the chambers and to drive for concrete progress while minimising talk of party and partisan politics.

We are also encouraged that an idea full of promise that Mr. Da Silva had taken on board has found top billing with the new minister.

The chambers, particularly the UCCCI, are upbeat about getting plans off the ground to develop the popular No. 63 Beach into a booming tourist resort.

Developing this beach has long been talked about and we welcome the positive signs that have emerged from this latest round of meetings on the issue.

Urgent action is clearly needed at No. 63 Beach, judging from the reports of callous dumping of garbage there by firms and individuals.

A short-term solution perhaps is for the ministry and the chambers to seek help to trap those dumping garbage there and prosecute them under available laws to send the message about the need to conserve the environment.

The Regional Administration and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils can play a meaningful role here by getting residents living in communities around the beach to be more involved in its protection.

They would appreciate the significance of caring for it if they are properly apprised of the benefits that could spring from its development into a tourist resort.

It has the potential and the beach should be spared the dangers from persistent garbage dumping.

The Berbice business chambers said they have agreed to work with the other agencies to begin developing this "uniquely beautiful stretch of warm water and wide, sandy beaches into a litter free place for family fun and recreation."

They have set the ambitious overall goal of creating a competitive, well-maintained tourist attraction with easy access, proper sanitation, safety patrols and activities related to water sports and this deserves all-round support.

Another significant development yesterday was the announcement that Minister Nadir has established a Ministerial Advisory Committee on Tourism (MACT).

It is geared to assist the minister and the ministry in identifying, planning and coordinating activities for tourism development in Guyana, a release from the ministry said.

The committee is to work in collaboration with the ministry to engage key stakeholder groups for the development of this sector.

These are concrete steps to help this country realise the full potential of tourism, the fastest growing industry around the world.

We wish the new committee well and look forward to the early development of No. 63 Beach to its full potential.