Wakenaam island at the mouth of the Essequibo River, with a population of over 5,000 people who depend primarily on farming, is an area that can be harnessed for agro-tourism,  Minister of Tourism, Industry and Com-merce Manniram Prashad says.

Gupte Jotis showcases his products at Wakenaam’s first exposition and trade fair. (GINA photo)

The minister spoke of developing the agro-potential of the island, whose main crop is rice, during his address at the opening of the first Wakenaam Nite  last Saturday, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

“This Wakenaam nite is significant in many ways because as tourism develops we have been concentrating on Georgetown, Berbice, Lethem and Moruca, but for too long Wakenaam, Leguan and other areas have been neglected. This event proves that with good organising skills and support this can be a success in Wakenaam,” Prashad was quoted by GINA as saying

And  Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Indranauth Haralsingh also noted that the island has  tourism potential.

The event which attracted thousands was organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the GTA and the Wakenaam ‘Nite’ Management Committee, GINA said.

Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad crowns the first Miss Wakenaam, Sarojanie Rai (GINA photo)

Residents of the Region Three island, GINA noted, had an opportunity to showcase their products and to have a glimpse of other types of products by visiting exhibitors.

Prashad lauded the efforts of the management committee for producing a grand event and he also commended the local craft producers who  gave a demonstration on making pottery products.

Minister Prashad told the islanders that as more tourists come to Guyana there will be need for more craft producers and expos and trade fairs.

He also stated that the ministry will recognise this as a calendar event and from now on the first Saturday of every August will be a Wakenaam Nite so that people who live overseas can plan their vacation around this time.

Meanwhile, the Miss Wakenaam pageant which was one of the main events of the Nite saw 15 delegates representing various villages across the island.  Sarojanie Rai was crowned the first ever Miss Wakenaam.

Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad crowns the first Miss Wakenaam, Sarojanie Rai (GINA photo)