The Buxton/Friendship Com-munity Alliance kicked off a weekend of activities in the East Coast village last evening with a ceremonial opening and cultural extravaganza.

The event is in sharp contrast to more than 18 months of an unprecedented crime wave much of which was centred around the two East Coast villages where criminals held sway, robbing and murdering policemen, commuters and neighbouring villagers.

But this weekend will see three days of celebrations held under the theme, “Recapturing the glory of Buxton” with activities culminating on Sunday with a Village Day.

Last night it was all smiles, with hundreds turning out for the opening which was staged at the Buxton Community Ground. Cultural items included dances, poetry and skits. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Gail Teixeira yesterday declared the celebrations open. Among those in attendance was US Ambassador Roland Bullen, a poignant gesture given that earlier this year a US security official had been kidnapped and held for ransom in the village. Also there was British High Commissioner, Stephen Hiscock

Buxton’s popular dance group, “Divine Stars” were among the performers while eight contestants in the first ever “Miss Buxton Spice” took to the stage and introduced themselves to the crowd.

Executive member of the committee, Barbara Thomas Holder told Stabroek News the initiative arose some eight months ago when residents in the Buxton/Friendship area got together and decided to do something positive for the community.

Holder said the village had been troubled over the past year and the committee believed that they could work with residents on all levels and recreate “the old Buxton”.

She said the committee hoped to bring people in the area, those residing outside of Buxton, the government and organisations together with their activities. According to her the proceeds over the weekend will go towards the community’s development.

Holder noted that Buxton was at the centre of criticism during the crime wave in the country. She said the village had failed to rise again and the perception remained in people’s mind.

She said the village has over the years produced countless government ministers, educators and scholars. Holder said that in an effort to keep the torch alight the committee had started a literacy programme a few months ago that was currently working with 200 residents.

Holder added that a programme had commenced for students sitting the SSEE examinations and a vocation programme for school leavers had also started.

The committee is planning to start a feeding programme in the area.

The weekend of celebrations continues today with the Miss Buxton Spice Pageant and the family fun day/village day on Sunday. Two road races have been planned for Sunday with the first kicking off at the Ocean View Convention Centre.