The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) is preparing to host its annual Berbice Exposition and Trade Fair in October.
The expo, which usually attracts thousands of local and overseas-based Guyanese, will be held from October 14 to October 17 at the Albion Sports Complex, under the theme ‘Advancing food security through agricultural sustainability and innovation.’
The expo has not been held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the launch, held on Friday, President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce Mohammed Raffik explained that this year’s expo will be a cross between the annual expo and trade fair and the recent agricultural expo held in Georgetown. He said, “Our expo is going to focus also on agriculture but business in general and tourism, and we would like this expo to be one where the participants can see some reward and see the merits of going there.”
Raffik then stressed that the event will present opportunities for businesses and patrons alike.
He further explained that in addition to the various banking institutions participating, the CCCC will also be reaching out to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to come on board so that Berbicians can visit their booth and make inquiries about accessing a house lot and resolve house lot issues.
Raffik also said the CCCC is hopeful of setting up the Chamber’s building, located in Rose Hall, in such a way that representatives from the various ministries can utilise it to meet with residents within the Central Corentyne area to have their issues dealt with on time. He noted, “We would like to see this building busy with services to the people,” he said.
He then reminded the gathering that the proceeds from the previous expos are always expended within the region. According to him, the funds garnered from the last expo were used to build incinerators at twenty-five schools to the tune of over $3 million.
Meanwhile, Raffik also used the launch to address wave of inflation across the globe, while noting that Guyana has not been spared. “But we see the government of Guyana is moving very actively to help the ordinary man in Guyana and that is indeed very complimentary,” he said.
Raffik also referenced the government’s plan to develop a commercial hub in the vacant area at Palmyra, while noting that “things are looking up for Berbice” since hundreds are expected to be employed within the developments in that area.
President Irfaan Ali earlier this year had announced that a new urban plan is being worked on and that proposals have already been received with the financing for a new hotel, a mall, a private hospital “and many other commercial businesses that will generate employment and create opportunities here in the region.”
He had also said that a stadium will be built at the location as well.
Earlier this month, the sod was turned at the location in Palmyra, signalling the commencement of construction of a Business Centre For Persons with Disabilities. Construction has also commenced on a call centre within the area to create employment, Raffik noted at the launch.
Tickets for the expo will cost $500 for adults and $300 for children – prices that have remained the same for many years now.
