The Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) launched its two-day expo and trade fair on Friday evening, attracting a large crowd to the Anna Regina Secondary School grounds.
The event, themed “Empowering Local Business Growth, Celebrating Innovation, Connectivity, and Sustainability,” featured over 100 booths.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, officially opened the expo. During the programme, the top seven CSEC performers from Anna Regina Secondary School — Adadeze Butters, Pradesh Dwarka, Gevasha Harpaul, Venisha Lall, Rudranauth Sankar, Bomeka Singh, and Randir Toney — were honoured.
Addressing the large gathering, Dr Singh reaffirmed government’s commitment to investing in Region Two to drive its transformation.
He also commended the local business community for their proactive investments in Essequibo, expressing optimism that the region will continue to thrive with ongoing infrastructure developments. He said that Essequibo, once deemed the ‘Cinderella County’, has found the hour alluring the massive transformation ongoing.
The Senior Minister noted that the region has two agro-processing facilities with agro-processors utilising them to produce impressive products. He added that businessmen continue to invest in the region’s economy due government’s prudent economic policies.
Meanwhile, Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, lauded the business community for organising the expo, while highlighting its importance as a networking platform for local businesses. She reiterated that Essequibo’s development would continue under the current government, pledging the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) support in working alongside the private sector.
One exhibitor, John Luke, of Luke’s Manufacturing disclosed that he has been participating for years. He said that the event provided a platform for interaction as well as for more persons to get to know about his products. He had casreep, dried seasonings, and wine on display.
Another, Roy Seasonings from Adventure, also had their spices on display. Roy is known for manufacturing a variety of spices.
And Abiola Garraway had on display her popular achar and hot sauces. She said that she was happy to be part of the expo.
