Guyana's Controversial Jonestown Tourism Plan

Guyana is considering transforming Jonestown, the site of the 1978 mass suicide-murder led by Rev. Jim Jones, into a tourist attraction. This plan has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it disrespects the memory of over 900 victims, including children, and exploits a tragic past. Survivor Jordan Vilchez, who lost family in the massacre, believes Guyana has the right to benefit from the site but stresses the need for respectful and educational context. Law professor Neville Bissember and others have criticized the initiative, labeling it as 'ghoulish' and questioning its representation of Guyanese culture. Despite the backlash, the country's tourism board sees potential in converting the site, drawing parallels to other historical tragedy sites like Auschwitz. Accessibility challenges remain, as Jonestown is only reachable by boat, helicopter, or plane, with further travel required over rough terrain.