GuyExpo 2009 launched in blaze of colour

Oct 02, 2009 News

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Unlike previous trade fairs, GuyExpo 2009 will probably not win the trophy for most creative decorative lay out but the exhibits on display are commendable.
Optimism is high that the best is yet to come. Starting last night and continuing for the next five days the event provides a platform for local and international businesses including importers, exporters, retailers and wholesalers.
After passing the gate, patrons are welcomed by the sounds of a drumming fusion presented by the Otishna flames and the Dubraj Tassa stationed at the round about that was once used as the GuyExpo prize spot.
At that location there is something for everyone at any age that will thrill, intrigue, create surprise or reinforce that it was made, grown, produced or manufactured in Guyana.
Launched last evening to a receptive crowd in a sober atmosphere the sounds of hammering, sawing and sweeping have been replaced by those from the many stereo systems, live bands and mini documentaries.
The Sophia Exhibition Site has been transformed into a place for socializing and trade where entertainment is guaranteed for at least five more nights. The atmosphere is spiked with eager chit chats of information and questions galore from patrons and exhibitors alike as they showcase the mostly local offerings.
But there are also international flavours and impressive creations.
Last evening, scores flocked to the location to witness the first night unfolding and then viewed the showcases of the more than 250 booths in three auditoriums. Based on the Ministry of Tourism industry and commerce predictions the numbers flocking to the site will swell beyond 70,000 at the end of the exhibition.
Last night the entertainment came from dancers who presented a middle of the road Indian inspired showcase as well as the humorous, patriot, reflective sounds of Dave martin live declaring that matters not of the circumstance “is we own” and “not a blade of grass.”
The display on showcase at the Sophia Exhibition Site includes craft, paintings, and furniture. The aroma of many blended spices from more than eight countries has taken over some sections of the auditorium.
Most booths were completed in time for the opening last night but some exhibitors were still adding their finishing touches. The stories of rice, sugar and craft as well as the many food flavoured seasoning and other food products abound with varying origins to educate and intrigue.
Some will discover as this publication did, that footwear and leather craft done with professional finish are made right here in Guyana. Some of those who got the first jump on the exhibition are so impressed by the offerings that they have expressed pride and awe that so many things are made and produced in Guyana such as the many fabric painted designs, carvings and clothing.
Most impressive last night were the many hand crafted doors and windows as well as the quality bedroom furnishings.
Arguably the largest trade fair in Guyana, the event is being staged under the theme “Promoting Business in a low carbon environment” and aimed at fusing a cross section of producers of handicraft, furniture, garments, jewellery, horticulture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, information technology and specifications of the Guyanese culture.

The event promises to provide opportunities for businesses to increase their competitiveness, efficiencies, foster growth and creates an atmosphere for networking.
Undertaken as a partnership between the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, GOINVEST and the Private Sector; GuyExpo includes exhibitors, franchise holders, game operators, telephone service providers and telephone companies and entertainers playing major roles in the overall success of the event.
Tonight local artistes will hit the exhibition stage for two hours of entertainment compliments of Digicel. A new Blackberry phone hand set will also be launched.
In addition, there are many other giveaways for patrons to the event from the exhibitors.
Over the next five nights there are cultural shows sponsored by GT&T, Digicel, Ansa McAl, DDL and Banks DIH while the last show will be sponsored by Hits and Jams entertainment group.
Guyana’s largest trade and investment exposition – GuyExpo started nine years ago as a biennial event hosted by the Guyana Office for Investment (GOINVEST), the Guyana Manufacturers’ Association (GMA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
To ensure that patrons have a totally safe experience the GuyExpo committee is reiterating that anyone found with firearms and/or offensive weapons such as knives ice picks, etc will be prosecuted according to the law.
They advised, too, that patrons purchase tickets from GuyExpo ticket booths only and the advised that patrons “beware of touts selling bogus tickets”.
Anyone found reselling GuyExpo 2009 tickets “will be arrested and prosecuted”.
GuyExpo became annual in 2004 as the longest sustained exhibition in the Caribbean. Noting the growth and interdependence of international trade, organizers in 2004 opened the exhibition to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other regional exhibitor participation.

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