Guyana's Controversial Pilgrimage: Jonestown's Dark Tourism

Guyana plans to open the infamous Jonestown site, where over 900 people died in a mass suicide-murder led by Jim Jones, to tourists. The proposal has sparked controversy, with critics likening it to morbid tourism, while supporters argue it could serve as an important historical site.

Guyana is revisiting its painful past as it considers opening Jonestown to tourists nearly 45 years after over 900 people perished in a mass suicide-murder orchestrated by US Reverend Jim Jones. This divisive proposal seeks to turn the neglected site into a historical attraction but is reopening old wounds.

While supporters argue that a well-curated tour could offer meaningful insight into the tragedy and attract much-needed tourism, critics worry it disrespects victims and trivializes their suffering. Jordan Vilchez, a survivor, expressed mixed feelings, stressing the need for any tour to treat the past with respect and context.

Despite ongoing public backlash, the proposal has gained strong support from Guyana's tourism authorities, who draw parallels with other global sites of dark history, like Rwanda and Auschwitz. The evolving debate reflects the broader challenge of balancing the need for economic growth with preserving the dignity of historical memory.

(With inputs from agencies.)