The Main 'Big Lime'
WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY
The one-day Main 'Big Lime' organised by the Tourism Ministry in collaboration with the private sector and civic society was held on Main Street on Saturday. We asked some of its patrons to share their views on the cultural extravaganza: Lloyd King - teacher: `I believe it is a very good effort. I must congratulate the organisers for showcasing Guyana in a more productive way. It is good for racial harmony, cultural togetherness and it is one avenue of hope for economic progress in the future. Guyanese in general must work together to make this venture an annual event. I believe with good organisation, planning and good support that the Big Main Lime is here to stay. It will give the international community hope and confidence that the Guyanese people are ready to meet international standards in terms of trade and tourism investments.' Flor Azocar - Venezuelan national: `It is a welcome activity to start off the Christmas season. It is a good opportunity to get people together from neighbouring countries to enhance co-operation and lasting friendships. I am glad that in this event we have been given the chance to showcase our Latin cultures which basically have the same roots as Guyana in spite of different languages and cultures.' Ronald Singh - training officer: `Lots of resources and time for just a few hours is not good enough for an activity of this magnitude. It should have been held for a longer duration probably a two or three days. I also see it as an activity which could culminate in a carnival-type activity. It definitely sets the stage for Christmas and Mashramani and it is the way we need to go in the years ahead. I think that as companies will make money out of an activity such as this one it would be a good idea that some of the profits they make could be given over to a fund to further develop the tourism industry.' John Yong - assistant manager: `Activities of this kind should be held on Main Street at least twice a year. It is something that would promote tourism and other investments in this country. It is ideal for promoting local tourism. Guyanese would now want to see some of the attractions which resorts now advertise. If this activity is being held for the first time and has attracted so many people before noon today [Saturday] with more advertising and good planning it would be bigger and better next year. Tourism brings in a lot of money into a country. Because lots of money is involved organising and getting the event off the ground it should not be held only for a day.' Lizzie Ramlall - UG student: `This is a big tourism extravaganza and it is good for tourism development in Guyana. It is opening the door for the local tourism industry to attract Guyanese at home as well as visitors from overseas since Guyana is on the edge of getting into the business of not only eco-tourism but mass tourism as well. This main Big Lime is showcasing not only Guyanese cultures but those of neighbouring countries which is the beginning of a process of bonding, good relations and friendships. The activity should not be held only for one day but for three days, perhaps. Some of the funds generated from this activity should also go to tourism development.' Michael Nunes - aspiring tour operator/businessman: `This is good. People have to realise that they do not have to go overseas to enjoy a holiday, the wonders of nature and side attractions. We have it all here in Guyana, which unlike what other countries offer, are unspoiled. The major issue for holidaying in Guyana is the high cost for staying at resorts. I think that this is an issue that eco-tourist resorts are turning their attention to with the aim of addressing it in favour of attracting local visitors. Chipstead Ranch, that is my operation on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, is looking at a low cost package for local visitors. Many other established resorts are not here today. I think they are testing the waters to see if things will get better next year but it should not be a one-day event only. Tourists coming to Guyana could see what is there to offer in one or two days and then return to stay at the resorts on another occasion.' Stephanie Torres - housewife: `I like what I see along Main Street. I wish something like this could be held in Santa Rosa, Moruca where I come from. I think it should be taken to other parts of the country so that country people like myself would see and experience other people's cultures. Many of us in the interior feel left out because we are never a part of these activities and we only hear about them when they are finished. I am only here in Georgetown and on Main Street because I had an appointment to see a doctor because of ill-health. But I am happy to be a part of the first Main Big Lime to be held in Guyana. I am sure that after this there would be other `limes' in the country.' Patrick De Groot - administrator/businessman: `This activity should be held annually. It can do a lot to promote tourism. Instead of going to the Caribbean islands, Guyanese can stay right here in Guyana and enjoy the same facilities, the islands offer. The only national social-cultural extravaganza Guyana has is Mashramani. I welcome President Bharrat Jagdeo's announcement that Mashramani will be bigger this year. This activity could be developed into something bigger and like the President said fused with the Christmas season and Mashramani. As this is the winter season in North America and Europe many people would be escaping the cold and it would be a good time to attract tourists. The Main Big Lime is the start to the Christmas season.' Tessa Rodrigues - private sector employee: `The activity at this time [mid-morning on Saturday] is looking pretty good and well supported. It is an indication of what to expect later in the day. I am looking forward to the cultural performances by our Latin American neighbours. I think it is a pretty good event to promote tourism especially along Main Street where our main international hotels are located. I have noticed a lot of visitors paying a lot of attention to our art and craft. If my suggestion is worth anything, I would suggest that it becomes an annual event.' Marlon Williams - marketing consultant: `It is a good beginning to attract tourists and we need more events like these. This is heading in the right direction to get the tourist industry moving. It has great potential. However, too much time and money have gone into this event for it to be just for a couple of hours. It should have been at least a two-day affair, giving companies the time to get back their investments. More private companies should get involved as well. Companies holding back to see what comes out of such activities is what is holding back development. This is the perfect start for tourism. After our people or visitors would have seen what the resorts have to offer, they may want to visit. Instead of the Jamaican dub only, we should have more local music, nice steel pan, masquerade bands and Guyanese music.'
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