— at opening of second Essequibo Agriculture Trade Fair

GROWING the economy is not exclusively the work of government, but requires the integral effort of the private sector, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin said as he opened the second Essequibo Agriculture Trade Fair on Friday.

Addressing hundreds at the Anna Regina Centre Ground, Region Two at the fair organised by the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, the business minister underscored the importance of a partnership approach to development.

“So both the government and the private sector have a role to play in developing this country and tonight we can see how this works and how together we can develop this country and make it a place where generations of Guyanese will want to stay and to work and to live good lives” Minister Gaskin said.

The Essequibo Agriculture and Trade Expo, he noted, provides a powerful platform for the region to showcase its potential and value to the rest of Guyana.
“This region grows food and that food can be processed and packaged right here in this region and sold locally and internationally,” Minister Gaskin said.

Pointing to the region’s thriving coconut industry, the minister urged entrepreneurs to make full use of it and look at venturing into the bottling of the coconut water.
The minister also praised the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce for hosting the expo, contending that more are needed in the country to help businesses prepare for the growing demand in the near future.

“I am particularly happy to be here to see the agriculture and agro-processing that are taking place; it tells me that Region Two is preparing for a bright future ahead,” Gaskin said.
Essequibo Chamber of Commerce President, Deleep Singh, told the gathering that “Essequibo means business”, noting that since the resuscitation of the chamber two years ago, it has made significant contribution to the region’s economy.

The two-day fair provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to meet, network and share information about the products and services they provide.
In the past few years, Singh said a number of businesses have been established throughout the region, pointing out that this is a positive indication of potential in every sector of the region.

The chamber, he said, will continue to work with the Ministry of Business and other stakeholders to support businesses in the region as well as to look at ways to create employment and bring businesses updated with technologies.
Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson said the expo is a timely economic boost as it will aid in jump-starting the region’s economy.

Regional Vice Chairperson, Nandranie Coojah, who represented Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, said the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two congratulated the Essequibo Chamber for hosting the expo.
She called for better infrastructure for farmers and said more attention should be placed on the tourism sector. The latter, she said, will require all roads leading to the lakes and resorts to be built.

One of the exhibitors, Stephanie (only name given) said she was happy for the opportunity to showcase her richly-made casreep, honey, crabwood oil and virgin coconut oil, a business she has been doing for the past five years.
Another exhibitor, Anita Sankar, who operates a handicraft business, said since the first expo, her business has received positive feedbacks.

Some of the exhibitors included Big Birds and Son, Samaroo’s Investment, Aunty Otia Catering, Kosmic Vibes, the Ministry of Business, Massy Industry, Morning Glory Cereal and the University of Guyana.