MORE THAN JUST AN ADVENTURE
2007 Pakaraima Mountain Safari
Guyana Chronicle
February 18, 2007
IT is already being touted as a test of performance, skill and endurance, but one that provides timeless memories, filled with breathtaking mountain vistas and intriguing Patamuna culture.
However, far from just the adventure and its impact for tourism development in Guyana, the Pakaraima Mountain Safari, offers a chance to explore the window of opportunity for development of the Amerindian villages scattered in these mountains.
The safari is only possible because of the vital road linkages that have been made to connect Regions Eight and Nine. These roads linkages are seen as crucial for not only the development of tourism, but for the economic well being of the indigenous Patamuna and Makushi people who live in the mountains.
Former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Harripersaud Nokta believes that the soil type of the Pakaraimas make it ideal for sustainable agricultural development.
The safari this year is being organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, private tour operator Rainforest Tours, and the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL).
GUYOIL has decided to come on board again this year, and will provide free fuel and lubricants to those participating. According to GUYOIL Marketing Manger Indranauth Haralsingh, the company is sponsoring the safari because it is synonymous with the company’s high performance fuel.
The People
The official safari leg takes off from Karasabai in Region Nine, where as is customary, it would be sent off by a high ranking government official who attends the annual Dr. Cheddi Jagan Memorial. Residents in the community have set up a monument in memory of the late president.
From Karasabai the Safari takes off to Orinduik Falls in Region Eight, passing a number of Amerindian villages.
They customarily welcome guests with a drink, with all requiring to sip out of the same bowl. Refusal could offend them. It is customary served in a calabash, but an alternative could be a plastic bowl.
Thatched roofs and traditional Amerindian housing are still standing, and while captaivating, there is always a warning to respect local customs and cultures. For example, some people are shy about cameras and could run away if you try to take their pictures. On the other hand, some find it fascinated by digital cameras, which they are excited to see back immediately.
The Amerindians, locked out from the coast because of the sheer distance, are fascinated with the high powered vehicles and may want to take a ride. Of course, the coastlanders heading to the unknown are most happy to oblige, if they could.
On the previous safaris, some persons camped out in hammocks, while others used tents. However, according to Managing Director of Rainforest Tours, Mr. Frank Singh, this year, only tents would be used so as to make sure that all members of the safari are together.
All tents would be spread in the open -around would most likely be vast mountains, and above, a star filled sky. The temperature at nights is cool, and a river bathe at dusk prepares one’s mind for an evening of idle chatter and tons of laughter.
Stories of the dreaded Kanaima might come up around a bonfire, but its all in the fun.
Stories of the Amerindians in these villages are fascinating. They have traversed the mountains for years on foot, eking out a living by planting whatever vegetation they prefer, and off course, hunting wild animals for food.
To get from village to village, they have no choice, be they to carry their belongings in Warishees on their backs, strung across their foreheads. It is fascinating for coatslanders to see them, but in their faces are one of utter strength and endurance in the face of hardships.
Whatever they farm, there is no market for it, so they just plant to eat. There is no money circulating as much, except for government workers who get paid.
In 2001, then minister Nokta initiated an exploration for a road linking regions Eight and Nine as a means of getting the Amerindians to get their produce out to communities where they could sell.
Construction of an access road later started after a friendly terrain was identified. The Amerindians, true “human machines” used simple agriculture tools to clear the terrain that was identified.
First, it was a rough pathway traversed only by tow tractors provide to the Region Eight authority by the government. In December 2002, monies were allocated to complete the last portion of jungle access from Morabaiko Creek in region Nine to Young Paru, the last village.
In March 2003, Minister Nokta, led a safari of four land rovers, two tractors and trailers from Karasabai to Orinduik, signifying the creation of a road link between the two regions.
Now, safaris to the breathtaking Pakaraimas are possible, and this year is expected to attract the largest number of participants.
According to Singh, some 20 vehicles could participate in the safari this year.
The safari team would include the Ministry of Health, which will use the opportunity to discuss with Amerindian communities their health needs.
According to Ms Patricia Singh, the safari also allows the Ministry of Health to take much needed drugs to the communities.
Registration for the 2007 Pakaraimas has begun and will end on February 28. Persons wishing to register and to find out the requirements for undertaking the adventure can contact Frank Singh at Rainforest Tours, Hotel Tower, or call 231-5661.