WITH promises of an even bigger and better event, ‘Wakenaam Nite 2011’, scheduled for July 30, was launched yesterday at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. According to Minister Manniram Prashad, this activity, now part of the Tourism Ministry’s calendar of events, is an ideal opportunity to attract investors.
Now in its fourth year, this activity is designed to encourage Guyanese to visit other parts of the country, to strengthen domestic tourism and create an awareness of what Wakenaam has to offer.
Prashad noted that ‘Wakenaam Nite’ would contribute to other aspects of development on the island.
“This is an excellent example of public/private partnership,” he said.
In addition, he recognized that the island, home to approximately 5,000 people, has seen major developments over the years, most notably of which is the completed airstrip on the island.
He explained, “Since the start of this event, there have been many developments since more persons are visiting the area, and there are also talks of opening a Hotel there.”
There have also been improvements in the condition of roads, health care facilities, sea defences, he added. 
Addressing issues of accommodation for this weekend of events, the ministry will continue facilitating training for Wakenaam residents to operate bed and breakfast operations.
Prashad expressed the hope that other communities, particularly Leguan, will use ‘Wakenaam Nite’ as a model to advance development in their own localities.
“We will work with all stakeholders to forge a partnership to start something that will contribute to society,” he declared.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Wakenaam Night Management Committee, Sheik Ahmad, said the package this year is different and suitable for the family.
He said, “This year we have a new concept and we will be introducing a live concert with local and possibly international artistes; we will have a much larger expo than last year.”
Added to this, he emphasized that the primary emphasis will be placed on the Small Business Initiative.  
He expressed gratitude to Minister Prashad and to the government for their continued support of the venture, which has positively  impacted the area.
One of the major changes was the establishment of the Wakenaam community ground and pavilion, which was built from self-help and proceeds from the first ‘Wakenaam Nite’.
President Bharrat Jagdeo commissioned the pavilion last year. The land was acquired from the government at no cost and the structure was realized through collaboration among residents.
Treasurer on the Committee, Mustaq Mohamed, said the proceeds from ‘Wakenaam Nite’ will go towards funding several community-based projects which will not only positively engage the youths in the region, but will contribute to the overall development of the area.
Wakenaam is an island of about 17.5 square miles at the mouth of the Essequibo River, Region Three (Essequibo Islands /West Demerara). The Dutch settled in the 18th Century; the name Wakenaam is Dutch, meaning “waiting for a name”.
The island has multiple villages, which include Maria’s Pleasure, Good Success, Sans Souci, Melville, Belle Plaine, Sarah, Zeelandia, Friendship, Bank Hall, Meerzorg, Caledonia, Free and Easy, Arthurville, Palmyra, Maria Johanna, Domburg, Fredericksburg, Noitgedacht, Rush Brook and Ridge.