Kanuku Eco Lodge offers ideal excursion for hardcore adventurers

Catered mostly for “hardcore adventurers”, the Kanuku Eco Lodge located in the deep south of the Amazon Rainforest in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) was on Friday officially launched.

The multimillion-dollar investment was undertaken by Guyanese businessman Geer Meghan, Chief Executive Officer of the BM Enterprise which encompasses the Kanuku Suites.

The lodge sits on 500 acres of land and is located 100km north of the nearest civilisation at Apoteri.

Though it is still a work in progress, the resort currently offers eight double rooms as well as private huts wherein guests can experience wildlife at its best.

According to CEO Meghan, guests can easily spot jaguars, anteaters, and the like during their stay at the facility which has so far cost some US$200,000. It is anticipated that an additional US$500,000 is needed to fully develop the resort into a world-class facility.

He noted that for the past eight years, his company has been offering wildlife excursions to persons from National Geographic, the BBC, and Animal Planet.

In fact, Meghan said due to the costs associated with these adventures, lo- cals may not be able to afford them. However, he said the goal now is to try to tailor trips that meet the pockets of Guyanese.

“This kind of tourism is not geared for the locals because of the cost,” Meghan stated.

Noting that the tours offered are for “hardcore adventurers”, the CEO assured that strict safety regulations are in place at the Kanuku Resort. “The guides that we have, they are very trained, so there is no danger because of the safety they have been practicing,” he noted.

The resort is accessible by both air and land. During the launching ceremony, it was underscored that this new tourism experience is more than just the destination.

In fact, it was revealed that the journey to the Kanuku Resort is action-packed and provides breath-taking views and remarkable opportunities to spot wildlife in its truest forms.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir delivered remarks at the ceremony on behalf of President Dr Irfaan Ali, where he spoke of the overall transformation of the local tourism industry.

“Tourism has been identified as one of our economic growth poles, especially for sustainable development,” Nadir said, quoting the Guyanese Head of State.

“Region Nine…is one of the exciting frontiers for eco-tourism development. It is Guyana’s largest administrative region…The area has diverse ecosystems from rivers, savannahs, rainforests, mountain ranges, endemic biodiversity…in fact, all regions of Guyana have the potential to expand the number of ecotourism products and this is what makes Guyana truly unique in the

Caribbean,” Nadir continued.

It was outlined that in order to fully develop the country’s tourism product, significant investments would be needed as well as competitiveness and the strengthening of human resources.

“The development of eco-lodges requires what I would like to refer to as ‘ecological entrepreneurs’, persons and firm who understand the country’s wide array of natural attractions and assets and who have the vision, knowledge and access to capital to convert these into profitable and sustainable tourism products,” the House Speaker shared.

Guyanese fashion designer, Randy Madray recently launched the Miss Guyana Cultural Queen Pageant which will cater to females between the ages of 18 and 26. The coronation is slated for June 2023 and presents an opportunity for a life-changing experience for the delegates.

The winner of the pageant will become an ambassador for Guyana and will participate in the Miss

Caribbean Culture Queen pageant slated for St Kitts and Nevis later this year.

Madray related that the Miss Guyana Culture Queen should embody what the title says, "Queen of Culture", and must be ready and equipped with the knowledge and talent to adequately showcase Guyana's culture on a regional platform.

He acquired the franchise back in 2019 and selected Arian Dahlia Richmond to represent Guyana in the re- gional pageant.

She had secured the 1st runner-up spot and won many special prizes, with just a short preparation time.

This, he explained, demonstrated Guyana's ability to walk away with the coveted Miss Caribbean Culture Queen title if the necessary investment and preparation are done with an actual local pageant that is dedicated to training potential queens who can give Guyana and all that the country possesses, additional exposure on such a massive stage.

"Prior to us sending Dahlia, I have had the opportunity to design for many other countries for Caribbean Culture Queen, which is the regional leg of the pageant and I believe this proves to be a great platform to market Guyana through pageantry, while at the same time, providing an amazing experience for our beauty ambassador that is exciting and safe altogether. I would have been afforded the opportunity to attend several of the regional legs and I really believe Guyana needs to be well-represented on this stage. Hence, my reason for acquiring this franchise," the designer said.

He highlighted that in order to embody a true "Culture Queen", young women who are signing up should be poised and an ambassador for good, and a role model who is graceful and humble.

“She should be confident and a leader for the people.

Most of all, she should be genuinely Guyanese. The queen will walk away with a spectacular package inclusive of cash, a fully sponsored designer wardrobe for a year, endorsement deals, and much more.”

Madray is confident in his team to execute a spectacular and transparent production.

"I believe what sets us apart is our amazing team, experience, vision, and drive. The Miss Guyana

Culture team is a team filled with young, dynamic professionals who have served in the pageant fraternity for a while, showcasing their unwavering talents. This team is genuinely passionate about Guyana, pageantry, and the experience for contestants in pageantry. I believe it is the absolute dream team and if the passion is this consistent across the board, we can definitely achieve 10s across the board as well," he posited.

Madray explained further, that his acquisition of the franchise satisfies an even bigger purpose for Guyana and the local pageant industry. "Pageantry in itself is a concept that serves to bring people together, creatives together, a country together, and even beyond that for the sake of a common cause," he noted.

The pageant aims to empower and nurture young women through a programme that will benefit them for a lifetime. The programme involves mentorship, etiquette improvement, cultural adventures and projects, and of course the more direct competition segments.

“I believe by making this a reality, allows the industry to grow and satisfies our social responsibility to young people as they prepare to lead tomorrow. Apart from benefiting the contestants, I believe, based on the approach birthed by an amazing governing body, many creatives can benefit from being a part of this journey. I would love to see Guyana showcased in ways never done before, where tourists are encouraged to flood our tourism destinations and our folklore is not forgotten. And of course, we hope to achieve many crowns for Guyana as we build our presence in the Pageant world."

More information can be found on Facebook and Instagram @Miss Guyana Culture Queen.

The Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry released on Saturday, the music of the 14 artistes who will compete in the Soca Monarch 2023 competition as part of the calendar of events for Mashramani (Mash).

The competition will be held on Wednesday, February 22, at the Guyana National Stadium,

Providence,

East

Bank Demerara (EBD). This year’s competition will present lyrical structure and musical arrangements that are both tantalising, and road march ready.

A sampling of the music released in random order includes Akeem Alexander with – “Thank You Soca” and Cerinity – “Waistline

Trouble”.

Another competitor is Diana Chapman with her “Therapy Whine” while competitor Jada Harry performing under the stage name “Purge” presented “Mas-Mash-Up Soca”.

Meanwhile, Jamal Stuart will be in the competition and present “We Vybin”. Equally titillating is Jovinski – “Stink &

Dutty” while Jumo Primo will present his rendition of “Cockroach”.

Kwasie Ace will debut his song “Nothing Nah Badda Mi” while Lady T will present “Soca In Ma Vein”. Newcomer Mattick Queen will present “Whole Day”, while OKC will perform “Woman” and Timothy Roberts will put in his song “Celebrate

Life”.

Also, Vintage will present “Ready”, while the return of Adrian Dutchin with “Place Nice” is also expected to bring high energy to Mash 2023.

The Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry also announced the 12 finalists that will compete for this year’s Chutney Monarch slated for February 18 in the ancient county, Berbice, and 12 finalists for the Calypso Monarch to be held on Sunday, February 19, at the Classic Hotel parking lot in Skeldon.

Mashramani 2023 brings back the atmosphere of partying and celebration that was absent for the last two years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.