…and a good time was had by all
Wakenaam Nite 2010, last Saturday, was fun, fun, fun.
A live band, the Shakti Strings Orchestra; performances by dance troupes; pageantry and eight beauties; a showcase of talent Wakenaam youth; music that had everyone swaying, some more adventurous that other; engaging hosts, Mondale Smith and Chad Ramsaroop; and, believe it or not, four Michael Jacksons were all part of the show that went until the wee hours of Sunday morning. Threats of a thunderstorm on the island in the Essequibo did not deter organizers; and in its third year, the event was bigger and better, as promised, seeing close to 8,000 in attendance.
The introduction of the activity was meant to encourage Guyanese to visit other parts of the country, to bolster domestic tourism, and create and awareness of what Wakenaam has to offer. ‘Wakenaam Nite’ also serves as an expo of sorts.
Patrons of the event quickly filled up the pavilion at the Wakenaam Community Centre and covered a large section of the ground, as they gathered around the centre stage – the hub of all the excitement.
On display was everything from pottery to food and cosmetics. The booths set up represented support from both the private and public sectors. Ministries of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Agriculture were there, in addition to other government agencies, such as the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS); and games and a merry-go-round
Those manning the booths concurred that participating in Wakenaam Nite served to disseminate useful information, particularly so for the government entities, or advanced the interest of their businesses, one of the primary reasons for the event.
Director of Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, addressing the gathering on behalf of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad, commended the organizing committee on coming through on their promise of a bigger and better Wakenaam Nite.
He said the event attracted more booths and  better participation than the last time, and was testimony to better organisation.
Domestic Tourism
Haralsingh said events like Wakenaam Nite are the heartbeat of a tourist destination, the core attraction that pulls the interest of people.
According to the GTA Director, Wakenaam Nite worked well in helping to facilitate the advancement of domestic tourism.
“We want to encourage Guyanese to travel more…we want to promote travel at home and have our people explore, experience and enjoy their own country,” he said.
“Tourism is growing in Guyana…there are many opportunities in Wakenaam,” he said.
Among the opportunities are island tours, craft manufacturing, agro-tourism, night life and Wakenaam’s popular ‘fowl curry competition’.
“If you can add three or four more significant events to the Wakenaam’s calendar of activities, then more people will be brought out to the island and it will help to improve the quality of life and entertainment prospects for the people here,” he said.
The GTA Director commended the organisation of bed and breakfast operations and said the challenge is out there for private sector to invest in the establishment of a hotel.
He maintained that expos are a platform to advance varied interests and can only have positive impacts.
“Wakenaam is making a name for itself,” he said.
Chairman of Wakenaam Night Management Committee, Shiek Ahmad, told the Guyana Chronicle that the success of Wakenaam Nite is because of the tremendous support from the people in and out of Wakenaam.
Treasurer on the Committee, Mustaq Mohamed, echoed these sentiments and said the support from the diaspora was very encouraging.
Overseas-based Support
The Guyana Chronicle caught up with some of the overseas-based Guyanese enjoying the merry-making of the island’s biggest annual event.
Mr. Ram Persaud, from Florida, said Wakenaam Nite 2010 was his fourth time back to the island.
“My last visit was 10 years ago and a visit was overdue. Now there is much more to do. There has been much improvement,” he said.
Mrs. Shameeza Hackeek, from Canada, was born and raised in Wakenaam.
She said, “I was here two years ago with my children. If I let them have their way they’ll want to come every year, they love the island…this will always be home.”
Hackeek explained that after being away for 18 years, there have been many developments, particularly in the areas of housing and infrastructure.
“Like many other people who come back home, Guyana will always be home and it is a good thing when we can see improvements and help with it also,” she said.
Yasmin Jewnandan told the Guyana Chronicle  that this is  her first time back after seven years.
“I came back especially for this event,” she said.
And Kirt Shiwbalak, from Florida, said Saturday was his first visit to Wakenaam.
“I am staying in Leguan with family and we heard about Wakenaam Nite so we decided to come. I am not sorry I came. I am not disappointed,” he said.
Almost everyone else present for the event reiterated the same sentiment, there was no disappointment.
One moment that will undoubtedly stand out in the memories of the patrons was the spontaneous dance-off by three peculiar Michael Jacksons.

Urged on by the articulate hosts, Mondale Smith and Chad Ramsaroop, ‘Chubby Michael Jackson’, ‘Michael Jackson’s look-a-like’, ‘and ’10-year-old Michael Jackson’ brought the crowds alive.
After a dance-off that secured everything from cheers to laughter and ‘boos’.
A decision by the crowds determined that the 10-year-old was the best and he was privileged to a cash prize and kisses from two special invitees, including former Miss Guyana Ms. Olive Gopaul.
The dance-off almost stole the thunder, in some way it did, from the night’s main event, the Miss Wakenaam Pageant.
Following introduction, modeling, a talent segment and a question and answer category, 15-year-old Cheka Paloma Kung-Beharry was crowned Miss Wakenaam 2010.

The name Wakenaam is Dutch meaning ‘waiting for a name’, but it is clear that the residents there are no longer in waiting; they are making their own name, securing Wakenaam a more prominent position on the map.
Wakenaam is an island of about 17.5 square miles at the mouth of the Essequibo River, Region Three (West Demerara. Essequibo Islands).  It was settled at one time by the Dutch in the 18th Century.
Wakenaam’s economy is based on agriculture. Farming is the main occupation on this island. Farmers grow rice, coconuts and various vegetables and roots. This is mainly sold off island.