A wave of pride and promise swept through the community of Mainstay/Whyaka in Region Two on Saturday as residents celebrated the official opening of Lake View Cabins, a major step forward in the region’s tourism development and community empowerment.
The newly built, self-contained cabins are designed to host families and groups, offering guests a peaceful retreat immersed in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Declared open by Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the cabins represent a new chapter of opportunity for Mainstay/Whyaka.
Minister Walrond described the facility as a proud addition to Region Two’s tourism product and a reflection of the Government’s commitment to supporting community-led tourism development. She highlighted the economic benefits that projects like these bring, from job creation to strengthening local enterprise.
The Lake View Cabins were made possible through the collective efforts of the community and support from national initiatives including the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and Presidential Grants via the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
Toshao Marsha Williams hailed the project as the fulfillment of the community’s long-held dream to build a thriving and sustainable tourism industry.
Honouring the Roots of a Resilient Community
The story of Mainstay/Whyaka is deeply rooted in history. Established around 1887, the community was first settled by the Sebicos, Dejonges, and Pearsons. The name “Waiyaha,” meaning “first person here at this place” in the Arawak language, reflects the village’s Indigenous roots.
In the 1930s, the area welcomed another transformative figure—Thomas Ebnizer Pearson, affectionately known as Uncle Tommy—who settled near what is now Mainstay Lake, then called Quakabuka Lake. He brought with him families from Wakapoa and Pomeroon to work in logging, and later encouraged them to settle permanently. The Gorges, Malenoes, Corneliouses, Fredericks, and Williams were among those who built farms, raised families, and shaped the future of the village.
Uncle Tommy became the first Toshao of the village, remembered for his strength, leadership, and dedication to his people.
Building the Future, Respecting the Past
The opening of Lake View Cabins is more than a tourism milestone—it is a tribute to the legacy of those who came before and a sign of what lies ahead. It adds value to Guyana’s eco-tourism landscape while preserving the natural and cultural identity of the community.
As tourists explore the serene lake, enjoy the local hospitality, and experience the culture of Mainstay/Whyaka, they will be walking in the footsteps of pioneers who built this village from the ground up.
Mainstay/Whyaka now stands as a shining example of what’s possible when development is rooted in tradition, guided by community, and aimed at the future.
