Expo and Trade fair earns kudos for Berbice Chamber

Jul 26, 2009 News

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ALBION, CORENTYNE – Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Captain Gerry Gouveia, lauded the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce for its contributions to society.

At the time he was addressing the opening ceremony of the fifth annual Berbice Expo and Trade Fair on Friday at the Albion Sports Complex. This body was established in November 2004 and is the youngest Chamber in Berbice, also in Guyana.

Mr. Gouveia said that the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association is 75 years old but it is the Central Corentyne Chamber that is leading the way. “This Chamber of Commerce is demonstrating to the rest of the private sector what is possible.”

The Central Corentyne Chamber made its mark with the construction of the first fire station at Rose Hall Town. The project commenced in September 2008, is expected to be completed within two months, and should soon be handed over to the relevant authorities.

That Chamber played a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of the Felix Austin Police College Division ‘B’, which is located at Adventure on the Corentyne.

The Berbice Expo and Trade Fair is another venture of the Central Corentyne Chamber with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

Mr. Gouveia noted that during the 1989/1990 periods, the private sector saw a re-birth in Guyana and it is for this reason that the efforts of the Central Chamber amaze him. He challenged Government to lead the way, create the right environment and provide a level playing field for the private sector then watch the halo effect as growth and development reaches new heights.

He also called on the private sector to be more innovative, competitive and not to be dependent on Government.

As Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, he knows that the 2009 theme selected – ‘Creating Linkages, Building Partnerships, and Harnessing Resources’ says it all. Turning his attention to the low carbon strategy, Mr. Gouveia urged President Bharrat Jagdeo to keep on the path of responsible development and to continue to empower the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce regulations. President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce Bhigroog Poonai said his organization plays a pivotal role in the development of entrepreneurship. The main objective of the yearly event is to showcase business concerns and open new doors.

The Chamber successfully crossed hurdles and once again successfully pulled off the annual exposition and trade fair. Mr. Poonai noted that the construction of the Berbice River Bridge is ease for investors as they ply their trade; this in itself supports the creating linkages aspect of this year’s theme.

President Jagdeo congratulated the Central Corentyne Chamber. He said that the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair serve to showcase goods and service, bring producers and consumers together and to expand business activities.

Over the past decade, the figures tell the story of progress in Guyana, he said. According to him, because of the contest for political power and the battle of ideas, distortion of the picture takes place.

In this regard he noted the views of critics that Guyana has not moved forward. “This cannot be.”

He used the last ten years as an indicator. According to him, going back to days prior to that would only show how drastic the changes are.

Single digit inflation was recorded in each year except one, for direct investment the figure stood at $46 million in 1999 and by 2008 it was $179 million.

External debt during the same period – in 1992 to 1999 was brought down from US$2.1 billion to US$1.2 billion and over the last ten years it decreased even further by some US$400 million.

Net international reserves increased from US$127 million in 1999 to US$299 in 2008. These reserves make provision for a bigger playroom in times of crisis.

Interest rates in Guyana declined. When this present administration took up office it was 35 percent, by 1999 it was 18 percent and now it is 12.5 percent, the Head of State said. Government recently secured US$12 million to upgrade the East and West Canje roads and $5 million for the road at Black Bush Polder. These road projects are now in the design stages and are to be implemented soon.

This year, Region Six – East Berbice /Corentyne was allocated $3.2 billion. Of this, $1.7 billion would be absorbed in the education sector.

Region Six Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha too commended the organizers for their initiative. He reflected that the Berbice

Expo and Trade Fair attract significant investment to Region Six. According to Mr. Mustapha the private sector has a critical role to play in the growth of Guyana, and Government recognizing this offers utmost support.

The Chairman of the Association of the Regional Chambers of Commerce Rohan Marray was also rich in praise for the work done by the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce. He posited that the body is one to recon with and should also be emulated. The Central Corentyne Chamber added a social dimension to its activities and executed a series of service to the community.

Mr. Marray also used the forum to condemn the recent attack on the Ministry of Health, which led to the destruction of the building and said such action cannot be condoned.

The opening ceremony was delayed from the 17:00 hours starting time but when it began, it was smooth sailing. In the earlier hours, the turnout was poor but as the evening progressed there was a build up of patrons.

Among entities on display are Guyana Sugar Corporation, Shivam Furniture Company out of India, Digicel, the Ministry of Agriculture, New Guyana Marketing Corporation, NARI, National Dairy Development Programme, Ansal McAl, Banks DIH, Demerara Distilleries Limited, NALICO, the National Insurance Scheme, Cellink, St. Francis Community Developers, Cristal World, Singh’s Confectionary, Republic Bank, the Region Democratic Council and other organizations from across Guyana. The Berbice Expo and Trade Fair come to an end on Monday July 27th.

 

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