WITH a budding passion for developing tourism and his community, Joel Fredericks is determined to make waves and put Mainstay/Whyaka Mission on the map locally, utilising the resources at his disposal to make it happen.

As the former Toshao of the village, Fredericks, a native of Mainstay Mission, has many ideas and visions he will realise over time, and some have already come through.

Recently, he completed a project to boost tourism in his village. The Sunset Relaxing Boat Tour was launched, and it already hosted a birthday party on the lake.

Fredericks constructed a lovely specialised, hand-made boat at the cost of $2.5M for events to be held on the lake, with a fee attached.

“I took my time and money out of my own pockets to build this boat, and I want to host events such as birthdays, weddings and others right on the lake, and we will accommodate that with all safety protocols in place,” he said.

The boat tour package is pocket-friendly which will amount to five hours on the lake for as little as $15,000 to $20,000 with life jackets.

Previously, Fredericks started out with the lake tour via a small blue boat, but it was not enough. The people wanted better service, to be comfortable, and something which is more lavish.

He also is a gifted windsurfer and accommodates visitors who may want to indulge in some surfing on Lake Mainstay.

Fredericks is also versed in fishing, and night spotting of caimans, among other activities that are offered on the Mission.

“I want to create a better experience for visitors, and I am trying to come up with a package that will include every aspect of what we have to offer here including fishing, nature walks on the trails, a hammock pad, boat events on the lake itself among other things,” he said.

Fredericks is looking at creating an open space. He already has the lands for nature walks, including a 45-minute hike to Lake Capoey Village.

Presently, he is constructing some new benabs with zinc sheet roofs instead of thatched roofs which overlooks the lake for added comfort and enjoyment of both locals and visitors.

Fredericks is into hotel management in Region One, a boat builder/contractor who does many jobs to earn and when his expertise is needed, he would lend his support to his community in any way he can.

This native of Mainstay Mission is the father of five,is married and resides in a nice house in the village.

“I am passionate about development in my village and we have a lot of potential in agriculture and tourism because we have the land and we have the picturesque lake,” he said.