Latest update December 18th, 2024 3:29 AM
GuyExpo opens amidst downpour
GuyExpo begins in earnest
A long line of traffic led the way to the Sophia Exhibition Site last evening signalling the start of GuyExpo 2010, a venture which is geared at expanding investment by allowing exhibitors an ideal opportunity to showcase a variety of products.
The event is being held under the theme “Promoting investment in a Sustainable Environment”
The six-day event which is regarded as Guyana and the Caribbean’s premiere trade fair and exposition, kicked off with a grand opening ceremony. It was set to commence at 17:30 hours but did not get started until sometime after 18:00 hours, allowing invitees to peruse some of the colourful booths ahead of the planned opening.
A casual walk around the Sophia complex revealed that several booths were still being vigorously prepared. But there were some exhibitors that were already showcasing their goods to the curious visitors who were indeed intrigued. From telecommunication to art and craft, the types of products on display were of a wide range and served to showcase what Guyana’s business sector has to offer. There were also overseas exhibitors, who have been a regular feature since the commencement of the trade fair several years ago.
The presence of police and security officers was evident and there was an ambulance and fire engine on standby at strategic locations in the event that any emergency situation occurred.
A short while into the impromptu tour of the exhibition site, the ceremony was called to order but by then the open-air event was being somewhat affected by rainfall – though briefly. The shower saw some visitors including several special invitees scampering for shelter, leaving several seats vacant as the programme progressed.
Though some may have been deterred by the sudden downpour, droves braved the weather to be a part of the opening ceremony. In fact the ceremony could be deemed an “umbrella covered” one, as most members of the audience were forced to shelter to avoid being drenched. Nonetheless, several witnessed the ceremony from the sidelines as they were not appropriately equipped to shield the rain.
President Bharrat Jagdeo officially declared the event open, and among the other speakers were Minister Manniram Prashad, along with Chairman and Co-Chairman of the GuyExpo Planning Committee, Messrs Ramesh Dookhoo and Derrick Cummings.
There were several young ladies bedecked in yellow tops and black jeans distributing magazines which detailed all there is to know about the grand affair.
The event was not without cultural renditions from some of Guyana’s better known artistes, among them Timeka Marshall.
There was even a special GuyExpo song which was vibrantly vocalised by a young lady decked in an outfit bearing the colours of the Guyana flag.
Having gone through a near-45 minute long programme, the event was officially declared open following the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, an activity which was witnessed by President Jagdeo, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, several Government Ministers and other special invitees.
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