The Central Corentyne Cham-ber of Commerce (CCCC) promised a “remarkable” experience when it launched the eighth Berbice Exposition and Trade Fair, set for July 20 to July 23, on Wednesday.
This year’s fair is being held under the theme “Showcasing Opportunities – Fulfilling our Potential,” at the Albion Sports Complex, in Region Six, the Guyana Tourism Authority said in a press release.
Members of the CCCC and sponsors joined Perma-nent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism Willett Hamilton and CEO of the Small Business Bureau Derrick Cummings to usher in the event. Cummings who attended in place of acting Minister of Tourism Irfaan Ali, said government is committed to supporting the annual trade show and this will be demonstrated through the continued development and expansion of infrastructure this year, including the industrial site, Number 63 Beach and the promotion of community-based tourism and agro-tourism.
“Works will be done to make the industrial site habitable this year and emphasis will be placed on agro tourism which are all part of the Tourism Ministry’s work plan for the region,” he said. In this regard, he noted that residents need to prepare to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise from the emerging oil and gas sectors and adapt to imminent changes.
The CEO also lauded the business community for its resilience and entrepreneurship displayed over the years, particularly during difficult circumstances. He also gave assurances that Ali was poised to provide platforms for continued development of public/private partnerships in the region.
“The Ministry of Tourism stands ready to lend our support in several ways. We will be looking at hosting investments seminars to promote networking and we are prepared to use the government mechanism to assist,” he said. In alluding to how this will be achieved, Cummings noted that linkages could be made with Suriname, Brazil and Caribbean countries to generate interest and facilitate investments which will expand the trade show in Berbice.
Echoing Cummings, CCCC President Lekha Rambrich urged businesses to capitalise on the opportunities that currently exist in the region and those that will come from oil and gas exploration, the proposed bridging of the Corentyne River and the Deep Water Harbour. He also noted that more than 3,000 acres of land has been “open[ed] up” in East Canje Berbice which can be used for tourism related activities such as camping, fishing, birding and hunting.
Rambrich also urged the public to support the fair which he promises will be “remarkable” with tickets priced at an affordable cost. “We can guarantee that we can make it one of the best and I am urging all of the business[es] to position themselves to capture all the opportunities that will arise,” he said. Meanwhile, Regional Chairman David Armogan said the annual event continues to link the local community with regional and international businesses. He lauded the CCCC for continuing to support the vent to the benefit of the region.
The release said representatives of the major sponsors GT&T, the Beharry Group of Companies, Banks DIH, DDL and Republic Bank and new sponsors Neal and Massy also attended the opening ceremony.
