Visitors treated to thrilling Wakenaam Night and Expo 2012

Sep 03, 2012 News

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By Rehana Ashley Ahamad
People from all walks of life flocked the island of Wakenaam for the fifth annual Wakenaam Night and Expo held last week Saturday.
Nature lovers, tourists and those who were just looking to experience a simple but extraordinary Guyanese lifestyle, were all present at the island’s “Community Centre Ground” for the expo and grand concert featuring both winners of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T)’s jingle and song competition- Brandon Harding and Gail Ann Singh; the Guyana ‘Baboo’ himself, Mr. Terry Gajraj; and the Angel’s Caribbean band.

But many hours before the show, the 20 persons who purchased the $10,000 package from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) were transported to the island and taken around to do some sightseeing.
The package catered for meals, accommodation, transportation, a tour and the grand concert.
While the group, including several foreigners thoroughly enjoyed the 25 minute speed boat ride from Parika to the island, they especially enjoyed the two-hour tour around Wakenaam, which sits at the mouth of the Essequibo River occupying about 17.5 square miles.
Even as the sun unleashed its scorching glory, the visitors were determined to see as many of the great things which make Wakenaam unique.
They were taken to the island’s rice factory and given a brief, yet detailed account of the milling process before the grain is packaged for sale.
The visitors were also able to see the way coconut was being processed into what the older folks on the island would term “the best food for your skin”.
Despite seeing a coconut tree shaped like a semi heart, the most memorable experience of the tour was evidently a stop made to the Joti’s household. They are the only family on the island that makes pottery, and one of the very few people who make it using the manual wheel.
As the tourists started to stare in amazement at Mr. Joti speedily creating a perfect piece, his five year old daughter totally blew them away.
Little Debby is currently in the learning stages of pottery making, but her concentration and determination was the talk of the tour.
Mr. Joti, as he sat beside his manual pottery wheel, explained that the pottery making techniques were passed on to them by his grandfather who originated from India.

Joti says he is now in the process of teaching his youngest daughter the craft.
After a snack of coconut water and jelly, there was even more sightseeing. Then, at about 14:00hrs, it was time for lunch. That was a meal comprising delicious dahl, rice, coconut “choka”, fried fish, garden salad, ochro and calaloo, which satisfied the tourists’ every taste bud.
After lunch, some members of the group stayed on to tour while some wanted to rest. Eventually, at around 16:00hrs, members of the media, GTA and the tourists, reported to the respective homes where they would be staying, to get some rest and prepare for the grand concert later that evening.
As the sun went down a few hours later, persons were already seen entering the ground as the music was being blasted.
They live in what we call a “country area” and do not go partying much, but every year, the islanders ensure they come out in their numbers to celebrate the night- the night of the people of Wakenaam.
The exhibition booths were all stacked and ready, people decked in their finery were seen lining up in long lines to get into the ground.
As the show started, speeches were given by members of the Wakenaam Events Planning Committee who welcomed His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar, Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn, Acting Minister of Tourism, and Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali, along with Captain Gerry Gouveia.
The President who spent most of his teenage years on the Island of Wakenaam, told residents that he is aware of the problems they are facing, particularly with the roads, and will soon find a solution.
Nonetheless, host of the concert, Joel Ghansham, was decked in a red sparkly coloured outfit as he initiated the start of an exciting night.
The man and his jokes might’ve been the reason for members of the audience not falling asleep during some of the “not so entertaining” performances.
It was evident that some of the artistes should not have even been on stage.
Some of those who had the crowd awake and ready were Gail Ann Singh who sang a few chutney and Bollywood songs, and Brandon Harding who had the crowd on their feet as he danced and engaged the audience.
He had the crowd gyrating as he did his renditions of “Cheater’s Prayer” by Christopher Martin.
At the end of his performance, the talented Lindener said- “I don’t care what nobody said. I love the President”. He then sang the president a song, with the message being that every president should be like him.
After a few exciting dance pieces, and a fashion show by members of the Wakenaam African group, the “Guyanese Baboo” Terry Gajraj performed. Although dawn had broken, a large crowd gathered in front of the stage as Gajraj did Chutney, Soca, Reggae and Bollywood pieces.
By that time, the President and his Ministers of Government had left and the crowd started to “get on bad”.

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