Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of President, Saturday joined with Mahaicony residents in celebrating their grand and cultural fun day at the Mahaicony Community Centre.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds addresses Mahaicony residents.

The morning began with a church service at the Mahaicony Deliverance Temple, which is done annually for this one-day celebration.

Prime Minister Hinds, who hails from Mahaicony, implored the residents to work together in unity and harmony to build a better future for their families and youths.

He stated that racism should not exist nor should it be allowed to interfere with the progress of Mahaicony and the country as a whole. He noted that it is only when persons from different backgrounds and cultures work together that there is ultimate progress in whatever they set out to accomplish.

Mr. Hinds said that Guyana certainly needs many more things, such as sufficient storage and management of water and other related issues in the area of drainage and irrigation. He said Government is at an early stage of development and there are many more things that have to be done.

The Prime Minister greets a Mahaicony resident.

The Prime Minister noted that Mahaicony has progressed tremendously over the past years, and has produced some very prominent figures in society, not only in the area of Government, but also in health and business.

He further challenged the community to produce more and improve the quality of their education and production, because Government believes that if everyone works together in all areas, there will be a great level and quality of production.

The event entailed a number of exhibition booths with art and craft, agriculture produce and traditional foods. There was also a cycle race.

Mahaicony is an Amerindian word which means ‘water bird’, and is approximately 2, 952 square miles, consisting of 120 villages.

Earlier, slaves cultivated cotton, coffee and sugar. Residents today cultivate mostly rice and cash crops, and are also engaged in the rearing of cattle and livestock, and the cultivation of coconuts. (GINA)