Dear Editor,

LET me congratulate Mr. Imran Saccoor and team from the West Berbice Chamber now rebranded as the Region Five Chamber for a job well done in hosting the second annual Region Five Trade Fair & Expo at the Bath Community Centre Ground on April 15th and 16th, 2017.

This event saw in attendance HE President David Granger. The President was welcomed by all. During his speech the President dealt with some very important matters. He also shed light as to the way things are going and what can be done in driving Region Five and Guyana forward.
The most amazing thing for me is that the President did not make his speech political but mentioned that he is President of Guyana. He said that he is not President of one race or one party and he went on to say that he does not only visit one set of people, but all people of Guyana.

The President then asked for unity amongst all sectors in the region, so that it can be the driving force in the development of Guyana and Region Five at large. President Granger called for a more collaborative effort within the RDC, NDCs, Chambers and all others. A challenge was thrown out to those entities to sit together and develop an action plan (Regional Economic Action Plan – REAP) towards developing the region in all sectors.

I must agree and I know that all present at the opening do agree when the President said that in order for Region Five to move forward all need to come together and work because this region is not a PPP, APNU, PNC or AFC region, but a region for all. After the President’s speech, he took a tour of the booths and yes, once again the businesses that were present (about 27) did show their appreciation towards having the President. The visitors to the expo were overwhelmed with joy, as could have been seen on their faces as they rushed for photo-opportunities with His Excellency.

That was also amazing because the people did not watch race or political affiliation but saw us as one. But I must say those who went throughout Bath Settlement and asked residents to boycott the event were unsuccessful. They even went into the ground but when they saw the crowd, they quickly left. Region Five is a united region, no matter what. We must remain united no matter what our political ideas and beliefs maybe.

While much was carried in the newspapers on the President speech at this event I want to say to President Granger that “Your visit was very timely and we welcomed you with open arms and await another visit soon.” We appreciate your presence and moreover the call for a united region amongst our people. I hope that the RDC, NDCs, Chamber and all other stakeholders take up the challenge so as to put together the action plan that is needed in taking Region Five forward.

Thank you Mr President for your visit.

Regards
Abel Seetaram