Splashmin's - a shot in the arm for eco-tourism
by Stacey Davidson
THESE two beauties pose for photographer Robin Pieters in the shallow waters of Splashmin's Fun Park and Resort, Madewini, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The complex was opened to the public yesterday. GUYANA's eco-tourism was given another shot in the arm yesterday with the opening of Splashmin's Fun Park and Resort at Madewini, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. And citizens turned out in their hundreds to christen the sprawling 135-acre complex which boasts a gift shop that sells mainly swimwear and water toys, lifeguard towers, dressing rooms, and a children's play park, all fully modernised. The food and drinks bars were stocked with varieties of delicacies and beverages for those who decided to spend a care-free day out with their families and friends at the country's newest recreation spot. The multi-million tourist resort and park also has installed a deep well to service washrooms. A restaurant will be opened soon. It was a fair day yesterday, despite some slight showers which did not hinder the splashing fun and merry-making of the children and adults who made optimum use of the facilities available to them. Some visitors enjoyed kayaking, and riding the pedal and banana boats, while others decided to relax on the floats, or bask in the sun while reclining on the beach chairs. The melodies played by Stereo Sonics were wonderful background sounds and helped put day-trippers in a festive mood. Some family groups and teenage threesomes walked around enjoying the scenery while the less adventurous sat under benabs catching up on gossip and happenings. The resort will be open daily and will have different musical bands in attendance. Businessman Mr Lennox John, who is also owner of Ashmin's Trading Company in the city, explained that permission to grant him the lease is in the processing stage, and almost completed. The businessman said he received permission from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-INVEST) to commence construction. Construction on Splashmin's began in 1997 when workers bulldozed vegetation off a an area of the Madewini swamp, and then began compacting sand to create a `beach' some 800 feet in length. Today, Splashmin's looks like a tourist spot somewhere in the Caribbean.
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