Essequibo: Few dining locales anywhere in Guyana could be more picturesque than on the Lawns of the Court of Policy, on Fort Island, overlooking the country’s biggest waterway, the Essequibo River.
For the hundreds that participated , this event was nothing short of extraordinary and for $10,000 each, they bought for themselves a priceless helping of adventure, history, romance, music and a taste of authentic Guyanese fare.
Romancing the Fort- Dinner at Fort Island brought families, friends and colleagues together, Saturday evening, for a unique experience intended to wow the senses every step of their nine hour journey across the country’s thoroughfares and waterways.
During their guided bus ride towards the waiting ferry, Sandaka, the patrons were afforded the chance to soak up the historical facts about the villages and communities along their route, adding to the allure of their impending adventure and their hour long journey to the island.
A guided tour of the Fort and the Court of Policy, shortly after their arrival, allowed the visitors to hear tales of the Dutch legacy in Guyana and to see the inescapable remnants of our predecessors; another short visit to the Court of Policy (the backdrop during dinner) swept them back in time to when it served as a church and courthouse during the week- criminals once received the death sentence in this building.
With their curiosity somewhat curtailed, the guests then made their way to the dining area to prepare to delight in the culinary surprise and to be serenaded by the sounds of Dave Martins and Friends; for many this in itself was a treat and a grand opportunity to see the legendary Guyanese singer during a live performance.
Moments before the buffet was opened, the Honourable Tourism Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali, who conceptualized the event , welcomed all to the island and regaled them will the intent and purpose of the grandiose idea of Romancing the Fort.
“This is Christmas for me here tonight, this great moment; I want you to applaud yourselves for making it possible. While walking along the walkway of the Fort, the residents thanked me for bringing life to Fort Island and for brightening up the island. It is you who saw it necessary to fall in love with their country and to experience that love with your friends and family,” he said.
He emphasized too that their attendance at this inaugural event will guarantee them a place in history which they will celebrate in a few years time when Guyana’s tourism product will take its rightful place as the number one product in the Region for every visitor to enjoy.
He said, “We have one of the most comprehensive products, and we have one of the most beautiful products. What keeps the Tourism Ministry going now is that every time we say yes , ten persons say no, and every time ten persons say no to one yes, we work hard to prove that ten that they were dead wrong, tonight we proved them wrong.”
During the much awaited dinner, the guests were serenaded by Dave Martins and Friends with renditions of “Is We Own”, “Cricket in The Jungle” and “Honeymooning Couple”; if this did not satisfy then the servings of Caribbean Twist, Fish in Honey and Garlic Sauce, Garlic Prawns, Lentil Rice and a delectable Sweet Rice dessert (served by the Minister himself) were sure to satiate.
The stars were all aglow and the venue came alive with the melodious sounds of karaoke , when guests and their partners took to the stage for another round of live entertainment which hit all the right notes ; there was even the chance to dance under the night sky .
Not long after dinner, the guests boarded the waiting ferry, accompanied by the karaoke band and began another rousing bout of singing filled merriment and contentment at having made history by romancing the Fort.
This event was attended by members of the Diplomatic Community, Corporate Guyana, overseas visitors and other supportive Guyanese.
The GTA Director, Indranauth Haralsingh reminded that the objective of the dinner was to promote the island as a tourist attraction, he also reminded that by purchasing tickets for the event, they were supporting their heritage and history; he also implored them to visit other historical sites in Guyana to keep their invaluable importance alive.
“Guyana has a very rich heritage and culture and each one of you got a taste of that today,” he declared.
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