The serene Tapakuma Lake Playfield in Region Two transformed into a vibrant hub of culture and festivity on Sunday, as the community of St. Densy/Tapakuma hosted its Heritage Day celebrations under the theme “Igniting Unity, Celebrating Progress, Advancing Our Culture.”Credit: ESPNcricinfo and Indian Cricket Team.
In attendance were Director General of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Sonia Latchman; Regional Executive Officer, Susanah Saywack; along with other members of the Regional Democratic Council.
The event attracted hundreds of visitors from across the Essequibo Coast, who were greeted with the aroma of traditional foods and colorful displays of Amerindian craft, cuisine, and headdresses. Booths brimmed with cultural pride, offering guests a taste of the community’s heritage and its vision for the future.
The celebration also highlighted Tapakuma’s growing tourism potential. At the forefront of this shift is the recently launched Hadali Tokoro eco-lodges, located at the village entrance.
Deputy Toshao Evadne Singh, speaking on behalf of Toshao Keanu Thomas, emphasized that culture and development go hand in hand. From education gains to agriculture projects and improved health services, Tapakuma is positioning itself as a model of progress in the hinterland.
Singh noted how families are benefiting from the LCDS Agriculture Support System project, which enables each household to create sustainable ventures—from poultry farming to ginger cultivation. These initiatives, combined with investments in schools and healthcare, provide a strong backbone for the community as it opens its doors to tourism.
Heritage Day itself became a living example of that vision—children playing on bouncy castles, visitors sampling cassava bread and pepperpot, and locals proudly sharing their craft.
“Tapakuma is ready to welcome the world,” Singh said, noting that tourism will not only preserve culture but also create opportunities for generations to come.
Patrons at the celebration
