By Rustom SeegopaulThe first edition of the Tourist Map of the Rupununi and Lethem was launched, as the North, Central and South Rupununi gathered for the 2012 Lethem rodeo.One of the key players behind the production of the map, Shirley Melville,Wholesale China Jerseys, explained that the launching of the map was a historical move for the entire Rupununi. “I have always been approached by persons entering the Rupununi for directions, where to go in Lethem and so on,Wholesale Authentic Jerseys, and for years I have been drawing directions on a piece of paper,” explained Melville.The tourist map, which is to be an annual publication, features key locations within Lethem and the wider Rupununi. These locations may hold interest to tourists whether as potential destinations or locations where specific services may be garnered.In later publications of the map, surrounding areas to Lethem,Discount Football Jerseys, like Culvert City, Saint Ignatius and Tabatinga, may be included as Lethem and its surrounding areas continue to grow at a tremendous pace.The process of creating the tourist map has been filled with challenges, trials and errors.? Melville likened it to a “step in the dark” as there was nothing to build on or any specific guidelines which could be followed.She explained that she feels confident that future editions of the map will get better, as lessons are learnt and experience is gained.With tourism on the move in Lethem, the Rupununi and across Guyana,Cheap NHL Jerseys, Melville said that this venture represents a step forward.At the same time, Melville sought to recognize the persons who worked with her to get the map ready for publication,Wholesale Jerseys Online, including Jessica Underwood, who was responsible for graphics and layouts; Jessica Xavier, who contributed to sales of advertising space on the map and Dr. Han Overman, who played an integral role in the development of the map from its inception to publication.At the rodeo, Melville said, she was greeted by numerous persons who extended congratulations and said that it had helped them to find services across Lethem and the Rupununi. She also noted, with a certain amount of satisfaction, that she was told by well wishers that all of the contact numbers on the map were accurate.With the large influx of people to Region Nine, Melville said that this is the right time to have a tourist map in circulation.Before the next edition of the map is published, Melville said that work will continue closely with communities who have embarked on tourism activities.While the map is a project undertaken, almost singularly by Melville’s tourism company, Rupununi Adventures, it has been endorsed by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and fully supported by the business communities in both Georgetown and Lethem.It will be distributed both domestically and internationally.Melville has been working in the hospitality sector in the Rupununi in Guyana for more than 25 years and heads her own tourism company, Rupununi Adventures,NFL Jerseys Outlet, which specializes in eco-tourism in the Rupununi.