THE “Mahaicony Village Weekend”, held for the first time last year, had such positive results that the organizers have decided to restage this event this year from July 26 to 28.

Three steadfast friends who were born and raised in the village of Mahaicony, on East Coast of Demerara, came up with the idea to hold this event to replace the “Mahaicony Village Day”, which had died a natural death because of financial constraints.    Hence the three friends — Stephen Jones, Bevon Shepherd, and Roy Vaux – collaborated to start what they intend to become an annual event, namely, the “Mahaicony Village Weekend.”

The main aim of this event is to honour outstanding personalities who originated in Mahaicony, principally Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Education Minister Priya Manickchand, among others. Last year, a booklet entitled “From Mahaicony to State House 1” was produced in honour of PM Hinds. This year, “From Mahaicony to State House 2” will be done in honour of Minister Manickchand.

At least five other persons holding high office and contributing to the development of Guyana, whose roots belong to the village, will also be honoured; and preparations are in train for the event to be held at the Mahaicony Community Centre Ground.

The team first wishes to inform the public of the event, hence Shepherd and Jones visited the Chronicle recently to provide details.    According to Shepherd, they are trying to make things a bit different this year. A pageant will be hosted on that Friday night under the theme “Enhancing our Environment and Embracing our Diversity.”

There will be a mega-concert on Saturday night that will feature at least one international artiste, perhaps from Jamaica, and other local artistes would also be asked to participate. The organizers are still in discussion in this regard, hence could not yet definitively name the artistes that they are eyeing.

“Mahaicony has a mixture of all the ethnic groups, so we (are) trying to get two artistes who will cover everybody. So far, we are trying to reach Ramkellawan and an artiste from Jamaica or some other Caribbean country,” Shepherd explained.

An exhibition that features what the Amerindians and others in the village produce will also be held on Saturday. Organisers are also hoping to stage a health fair and a market day.

A family fun day is planned for Sunday. “We are trying to make it bigger and better each year. Entrance to the event will be free, but we are looking forward to sponsorships. We have been spending our money on it so far; (now) we are calling on the corporate community to come on board,” Shepherd explained.

Organisers can be reached on telephone numbers 663-8486 and 614-9056.

Meanwhile, Jones informed that the organizers will this year host the Prime Minister’s Basketball Tournament, and persons from any region will be able to participate. Last year, the teams consisted of persons only from Region Five. “We decided to extend (participation) beyond Region Five due to the response we got,” Jones said.

A clean-up campaign would be held at least one week before the event.