Corentyne Chambers decry skyrocketing Berbice Expo costs

May 25, 2014 News

….call for permanent venue

The Berbice Expo and Trade Fair has not been generating the kinds of profits and returns as expected by the Central Corentyne Chambers of Commerce (CCCC). Additionally, for many years, the Chambers run “in the red” after hosting

CCCC members and other stakeholders of Berbice Expo 2014

the event.
These and more were revealed as Berbice’s premier trade fair and exposition was launched at the Albion Estate Senior Staff Club on Wednesday.
The CCCC has issued a call for the establishment of a permanent venue for the event. They said that preparation and tear down (after the event) costs skyrocket each year, leaving the Chambers and their corporate sponsors making losses, instead of profits.
President of CCCC, Mr. Tejpaul Adjodhea, said that costs for running the event have grown from 10 per cent to 15 per cent during the past year. “The Chambers absorb that cost.”
From a preliminary budget, it is estimated that this year’s event will cost some $15M. “When you look at the money you collect at the gates and from the exhibitors, it is very, very hard to break even.”
He thanked the corporate presence “who sponsors every year. Sometimes when you look at the Maths, what you make as a profit sometimes basically turns out to be what you get from the sponsors.”
He said that the fact that they are using a cricket ground “means that every year, we have to build from scratch!”
This year the event will be held over three days from July 25 at the Albion Sports Complex. The complex is expected to be well-lit by the gigantic lamps that are currently being erected.
Adjodhea said that some rules will be put into effect this year. No glass bottles or vehicles on the grounds, as well as no cooking. Over 100 booths are expected to be constructed around the main pavilion while 50 are expected on the outskirts of the ground.
“We want the event to be bigger…but we are confined by space. We have actually outgrown the Albion Sports Complex ground.”
He added that parking “is a cause for concern.”
In terms of exhibitors, Adjodhea noted that the organisers are working along with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCCI) to bring some of the large manufacturing companies.
The CCCC is also working to bring Surinamese to showcase their foods and products here, through working with the Surinamese Chambers of Commerce.
A priority in this year’s event, he added, is to give local craft producers and persons involved in local manufacturing “a special incentive to be a part of the expo in the form of concessionary rates that will be given to you and possibly we can have sponsors for you.”
The chambers are hoping to once again engage the indigenous community from Orealla at the event, to “showcase their craft and produce.”
The entertainment aspect, he noted, has become a crucial and “major, major component”. Live top Guyanese bands will be present every night. Stand up comedy, he added, will also be on show.

A section of the gathering.

Berbice Expo, he reminded, is a family event, thus the entertainment being very family- oriented.
The CCCC is also looking to have a pageant that is expected to be incorporated in the entertainment segment. Fireworks will grace the opening and closing ceremonies.
“Lots to eat and drink—we have cuisines coming across from Suriname—but I am not sure we can convince our friends in Orealla to do something that people can actually taste different variety at the event.”
Security, which is always a big issue, he said, will see the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in charge of security at the event. There will be assistance from Sentinel Security “to ensure law and order and safety at the event.”
The flood lights at the Albion Sports Complex, he noted, “will provide a different level of security, because I am sure when you put on six large floodlights, it will be as bright as day. We shall turn the night into day!”
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh as well as Vice- Chairman of Region Six, Mr. Bhupaul Jhagroo, also addressed the launch.