THE Berbice Expo and Trade Fair 2011 was launched last Thursday at the Albion Sports Complex, following a down payment of $1M, along with several stipulations, including the banning of vehicles and glass bottles on the ground.
Last year , the event, which is  the brainchild of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry(CCCI) was forced to change its venue, after the International Cricket Council , had sought and was given permission by  Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) officials to upgrade the ground, in order to host   international games. Consequently, the ground was not to be rented to any other organisations.
However, due to the inclement weather pattern last year, the exposition was held at the Welfare Community Ground, East Canje, but the logistics were not conducive to the customary, well-planned event, as the ground was soggy because of heavy rainfall.
Following a review  of that event, the  businessmen,sought,and received the intervention of People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) presidential candidate  Donald Ramotar, along with Ministers of Agriculture, and Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Robert Persaud and  Manniram Prashad respectively , who after consulting with GUYSUCO’s management, got  permission to host the event at the Albion Sports Complex with stipulated conditions.
Meanwhile, prior to the launching of the seventh exposition and trade fair, held at the GUYSUCO senior staff club, Albion , Prashad  described  the Chamber as being one with a vision,  adding  that as a young body it has  hosted and sustained the event , which, he opined should be emulated by the other  private sector groups.
He encouraged the group, “to stay the course, be steadfast, and not to be discouraged , after taking a ‘licking’ last year.’”
However, referring to this year’s theme, “Promoting Agribusiness and tourism,” the minister said the event had become the focal point for investments, attracting citizens from  neighbouring Suriname, who are benefiting immensely from various services.
While referring to the open-door policy of the government, Prashad noted that CARICOM nationals are not just participating in planned activities, but are executing their entrepreneurial skills with locals.
“With the Berbice  bridge less than  two hours away from the city , along with the  Takutu bridge [bridging Guyana and Brazil] and the soon to be constructed  Corentyne River Bridge,   the event , will bring about an awareness  of the County.”
According to the minister, in addition, the four-day event, will allow craft producers to exhibit their products , resulting in an expanded market, and clientele.
With respect to tourism, Prashad  referred to the little-known Cow Falls, a four and a half hour drive  from Skeldon, on the eastern end of Berbice, where the famous fish ‘Lukanani is found, along with Orealla, an Amerindian reservation, Fort Nassau, and Number 63 beach, areas in the region  which will become  tourist attractions.
Also speaking at the launching, Regional Chairman Zulficar Mustapha  noted that the region is  agriculture oriented, while alluding  to the fact that it is open  for potential investors , and, he   challenged the private sector , and re-migrants to take up plots in the industrial site at Belvedere , which will  create jobs for the citizenry, as three  companies have since occupied the  commercial plot , which will be commissioned shortly.
President of CCCI, Mr. Imran Hamid, informed the gathering of the various projects embarked upon, as a result of  Berbice Expo, including the establishment of a fire station at Rose Hall, the rehabilitation of the Felix Austin Police Training School, a sanitary block at Albion , a sight screen at the Rose Hall Community ground, and a monetary donation to the relatives of  slain policeman  Constable Kelvin Albert Sheppard.
The event, scheduled to be held between July 22 to 25, is estimated will  have over 200 exhibitors, with the allotted 8×8 feet space for each exhibitor,will be rented for $20,000 , while the similar space within a prefabricated booth is priced at $45,000 for the entire four nights.
In addition to the exhibitors,Coordinator Adhodhea said, entertainment will be a major part of the show, with live bands and comedy shows, among other activities.
Among those attending the afternoon proceedings were members of sister chambers, the private and public sectors, and the regional administration.