Story and photos by Indrawattie Natram

THE community of Mainstay/Whyaka in Region Two celebrated a major tourism milestone on Saturday with the official commissioning of the Lake View Cabins, a locally driven initiative aimed at enhancing the region’s appeal as a top eco-tourism destination.

The state-of-the-art, self-contained cabins were officially commissioned by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Honourable Oneidge Walrond, accompanied by Regional Executive Officer Susan Saywack and the Prime Minister’s Representative Arnold Adams. The cabins can accommodate families or groups of people desirous of experiencing the village’s natural beauty in a comfortable environment.

In her remarks, Minister Walrond described the launch as a major step forward for Region Two’s tourism development and a clear example of the government’s continued support for Indigenous-led initiatives.

“The development of Lake View Cabins reflects our government’s commitment to empowering communities and building sustainable, tourism-driven economies,” she stated.

“Since 2020, under the leadership of President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the PPP/C administration has prioritised tourism as a vehicle for economic growth, job creation and Indigenous development.”

The minister noted that the cabins will add significant value to the region’s tourism circuit by creating jobs, supporting small businesses and attracting visitors seeking nature-based experiences.

“This project not only benefits Mainstay/Whyaka but contributes to the broader growth of Region Two’s tourism potential and Guyana’s image as an emerging eco-tourism destination,” she added.

Minister Walrond also highlighted wider advancements in the region’s tourism sector, pointing to increased private sector interest and strong community participation.

She said that over 500 residents of Region Two have been trained in hospitality, tour guiding, emergency response and business development, through initiatives spearheaded by her ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority.

Toshao Marsha Williams, speaking on behalf of the community, described the project as a dream realised — one rooted in a long-held vision to build a sustainable tourism economy. She credited the project’s success to the efforts of community members and support received under national programmes, including the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and presidential grants via the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. She said it was a project that the community had wanted for a long time.

The Lake View Cabins are expected to become a centrepiece of tourism in the area, offering visitors a peaceful escape while creating meaningful economic opportunities for the people of Mainstay/Whyaka.