Latest update November 29th, 2024 1:00 AM
Residents placed confidence in Region Two’s RACE
DEAR EDITOR,
I was privileged to be an active participant in Region Two’s Regional, Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE) which was held over the weekend at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground. The weather was perfect and therefore it allowed patrons to attend the two nights of exhibition in their numbers.
The first evening attracted in excess of five thousand persons while the final evening had almost fifteen thousand patrons flocking to witness an array of small and large businesses showcasing their products.
This spectacle has grown over the years and there was a difference this time around. The organising committee executed a seamless display from the beginning to the end. There was certainly little room for error, especially of what occurred in the past, in terms of illegal attempts to defraud the system, including the duplication of tickets.
I was certainly impressed by the leadership of the team in the person of the Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Denis Jaikaran (Snr.). His profound and incisive way of exerting the best out of his charges was most admirable.
The ground was quickly transformed into a business atmosphere by the Drainage and Irrigation Department headed by the Regional Engineer Mr. Kawan Suchit. Once that was completed, the other sub-committees were equally up to the challenge and delivered.
Essequibo Night, as it is popularly known, is an annual feature in the Administration’s calendar of activities, and it is of utmost importance given its scope to impact on the concept of Social Cohesion. Therefore, I was most pleased by the overwhelming attendance and the positive feedback from patrons on the ground who were visibly happy and felt a sense of belonging of what Essequibo had to offer and what Essequibians are capable of producing.
I felt proud witnessing small and emerging entrepreneurs oozing with charm and vigour as they enticed curious onlookers who were eager as well to participate in what was on offer. Even more spectacular was the booth that was provided free of cost to the differently-abled. They were visibly elated by the warm response and, not surprisingly, they felt just as comfortable and confident as the evening’s bright blue sky.
It was indeed a master stroke by the Administration to offer support to the less fortunate, including to allow other persons of similar nature to enter free of cost. The small tray stands were also in abundance and they made a profit.
I would imagine, therefore, that in the future, more local producers will be eager to expand, since RACE is a perfect launching pad for them to bat on and score big.
There was also a short cultural programme on the opening evening and the crowd wanted more, including on both nights, which I believe should be done since some persons could afford to go only once.
I thought too that the success of the event also depended on transparency and accountability, which was of the highest order. The financial statement was produced perhaps for the first time and it was available for scrutiny the very next day after the exhibition. A sizable profit was made and the Regional Executive Officer has publicly stated that the proceeds will be utilised meaningfully with consultation from the general staff as to the nature of projects to be undertaken in the interest of the people of Region Two.
While the Honourable Minister of Communities Mr. Ronald Bulkan was invited to give the feature address, his representative made a powerful presentation on his behalf, as he challenged our local businesses to be the engine of growth in Essequibo and even further afield. He also appealed for unity, as he too was impressed by the large and diverse crowd.
Also in attendance was the Chief Education Officer Dr. Marcel Hutson, as well as the country’s top national Grade 6 Assessment student Ms. Venisha Lall.
Indeed RACE came first, and Essequibians should be proud for such a highly successful showcase.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
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