–Gaskin lauds Berbice Chamber for embracing diversification

MINISTER of Business, Dominic Gaskin, has commended Berbice businessmen for looking at diversification in a positive light, calling it a step in the right direction.“I am glad to see that this year, you’re promoting entrepreneurship through a diversified economy, because this is precisely what we need to be doing in Guyana,” he said.
“We want to see more entrepreneurs emerging onto the business landscape, and staking a claim on our economic space,” he told members of the Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and their guests two Fridays ago at the launch of the Berbice ‘Expo’ and Trade Fair, now in its 12th year, and a calendar event for the Ancient County.
He also commended the Chamber for staying the course for 12 long years, but most of all for getting exhibitors to commit to partnering with them, year after year.
Acknowledging how difficult coordinating such activities can be at times, Minister Gaskin said, “In addressing the challenges we face holding these ‘expos’, sometimes we have to compromise on the objectives of the ‘expo’, and we end up with a massive entertainment event.”

THE FIRST OUTING
Giving a background to how it all started, President of the Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Mohamed Raffik, said the organisation itself was founded in 2004, and that the first exposition was held just a year later, out of a recognition that Berbicans desperately needed to showcase their products and services if they were to survive.
“The ‘expo’, over the years, has provided opportunities to the business community in Berbice to get together; have a venue to showcase their products; and also to companies operating in Georgetown to do business in Berbice,” Raffik said, adding:
“Without these sponsorships, these ‘expos’ would not be possible. It’s challenging to generate profits, but with our expertise and corporate sponsorships, we were able to obtain profits.”
And, speaking of profits, Raffik said whatever the organisation makes from the ‘expo’ goes directly back to the development of Berbice and its residents, as is the Chamber’s ultimate goal.

CONCERNS
As to some of the concerns facing the business community, Raffik called on his colleagues to dig deep and come up with some innovative ideas; to look at diversifying outside of the traditional industries as a possible way out, lest the County falls prey to mass migration.
Said he: “We have noticed, over the past year, that business has slowed down; and we recognise there are many reasons for that, one being the economic situation worldwide.
“When we mention Berbice, it’s about rice and sugar; and with these two stalwarts down, we have to find more ways and means of creating more economic opportunities in Berbice…
“If people cannot find employment in Berbice, they will migrate to other places. We have to find opportunities and avenues to keep people in Berbice.”

COST FACTOR
As Assistant Treasurer and Expo Coordinator, Tejpaul Adjodhea explained, the cost to rent a booth is the same as in previous years, which is $50,000, which, to his way of thinking, is a small investment for the unlimited business potential the event affords one, given the fact that it just keeps getting bigger and bigger with each passing year.
The Berbice ‘Expo’ is expected this year to attract quite a number of Guyanese exhibitors showcasing mainly local products and services, especially those available in Berbice, and quite a few from overseas, especially from India, Brazil and Suriname.
The event, billed for August 19 to 22 at the Albion Sports Complex ground, will also feature a nightly concert, with live entertainment from top local artistes and bands, as well as a fireworks display.
The theme of this year’s exposition is, “Promoting entrepreneurship for a diversified economy.”