– showcases tourism potential

Story and photos by Indrawattie Natram

THE aroma of roasted meats and traditional foods filled the air on Sunday as the village of Tapakuma in Region Two came alive with its Heritage Day celebrations.

Held at the Tapakuma Lake Playfield under the theme, “Igniting Unity, Celebrating Progress, Advancing Our Culture,” the event showcased the village’s vibrant traditions, while highlighting its remarkable growth and future potential, particularly in the area of tourism.

Gracing the occasion was Director General of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Sonia Latchman; Regional Executive Officer, Susannah Saywack, other officials and visitors, who were gathered under beautifully decorated booths. The stalls displayed the richness of Amerindian culture through craft, cuisine and traditional attire.

Saywack extended greetings on behalf of President, Dr Irfaan Ali before stating that the development along with the eight other villages will not stop.

Saywack said that Tapakuma will be receiving modern living quarters for teachers and health staff and that the upgrading of the road is a priority for the Government of Guyana.

According to the regional official, the Regional Democratic Council and the Regional Local Government Department will continue to work with the village council to build strong partnerships.

Speaking on behalf of Toshao Keanu Thomas, Deputy Toshao Evadne Singh shared the village’s achievements and outlined its vision for continued development.

“At the heart of our progress lies education,” Singh said, extending gratitude to the government for major investments in schools. The completion of a new nursery school and renovations to the primary school, coupled with the distribution of cash grants, have given families greater opportunities to secure a better future for their children.

She proudly announced the official launch of Tapakuma’s very own Community Scholarship Programme, which began this September. This initiative, developed by the villagers themselves, reflects a deep commitment to education and empowerment.

Singh also applauded the interest shown in the GOAL scholarship programme and the University of Guyana, as well as the academic successes of the village’s leaners at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.

The village has much to celebrate as Toshao Thomas himself recently began a master degree in Sustainability and Social Responsibility, while two teachers completed their university degrees earlier this year.

More educators are currently enrolled at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), ensuring the continued strengthening of classroom instruction.

Tapakuma also honoured the achievements of Roxanne Pearson, the first resident to graduate as a medex. Her return to the community is already raising healthcare standards. Her presence together with the upgraded Health Post and the consistent distribution of health vouchers are helping to support and improve the residents’ well-being.

On the economic front, Tapakuma families have embraced new opportunities. From poultry rearing with Black Giant chicks to ginger cultivation, and especially the LCDS Agriculture Support System project, which provides every household with funds to create sustainable ventures, the village is paving a path to self-reliance.

Tourism, too, is becoming a major focus. The newly opened Hadali Tokoro eco-lodges at the village entrance are already attracting visitors and hold great potential for expanding eco-tourism on the Essequibo Coast. The community will soon be having its own resort.

“Tapakuma is a community on the rise—driven by the dedication of its people and guided by a vision for a strong, sustainable, and educated future,” Singh declared.

The celebration was not only cultural, but festive. Children enjoyed bouncy castles while families mingled across food and craft stalls. Visitors from across the Essequibo Coast joined in the merriment, leaving with a deep appreciation for Tapakuma’s culture, achievements, and growing tourism promise.