AMIDST the glitz and glamour of the perfect wedding setting, Roraima Group of Companies launched their fourth Annual Wedding Expo at Duke Lodge on Friday evening. Surrounded by glistening gowns and smart wedding suits, the official opening ceremony  was attended by  guests and officials , including Tourism Minister (ag), Irfaan Ali; Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) , Ramesh Dookhoo; President of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce  and Industry (GCCI); Clinton Urling  and the United States Ambassador , Brent Hardt among others.
In his welcome address, Head of the Roraima Group, Captain Gerald Gouveia, noted that the event was conceptualised to afford business the opportunity of taking advantage of the niche market, wedding tourism.
He explained too that since the expo started four years ago, visitors have been making Guyana their wedding destination of choice, which contributes to the development of the tourism sector and the country as a whole.
“The Wedding Expo   is an important component of the country’s growth, and places the country on the international tourism map,” he said.
Captain Gouveia also lauded the private sector companies for their increased interest in this year’s event, and for their displays of creativity and uniqueness in their booths.
In this regard he expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism  for their unwavering support this year.
Meanwhile, Ali explained that the event is more than an exposition, but can be seen as an opportunity to create business linkages to promote Guyana as a destination for weddings.
He said: “We have a large population outside of Guyana, and even if you factor in the new air fares Guyana is a very viable destination for persons to come to get married. This year we are very happy to support this activity.”
Ali expounded on the fact that the ministry is  able to support such private sector initiatives only as a result of provisions that the government would have made.
The Tourism Minister congratulated Captain Gouveia, and the major partners for their efforts in making the expo a huge success.
He further explained that the occasion showcases the different ethnicities, religious beliefs and various cultures of Guyana.
Also speaking at Friday’s event was the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) Chief Executive Officer Yog Mahadeo, who told patrons that despite many of the exhibitors  not being GT&T subscribers, the telephone company is still more than happy to allow them the prospect to advertise and promote their business.
He said: “GT&T has been promoting ground-breaking events like the wedding expo all across Guyana for youths and society to benefit, we look forward to a wonderful wedding expo 2012. It is a great honour and privilege to be a sponsor and we wish you all the best.”
Mahadeo explained that while many  of  the exhibitors were not  GT&T subscribers, the company  did not hesitate to  support the event, since they have  always stood  and will  continue to stand by  the Guyanese people.
He attributed the uniqueness of this year’s event to the closer collaboration between the private and public sectors.
Also speaking at the event were Chairman of the PSC, Ramesh Dookhoo, and President of the GCCI, Clinton Urling, who both pledged their support for the continued development of the Wedding Expo.
Patrons were not disappointed by the poignant displays of wedding trappings from exquisite clothing to delectable cakes and wines, which were all showcased as part of the annual event.
Many companies, new and returning, including, Kings Jewellery , Pandama Wines, Princess Hotel  and clothing establishments shone as the event which ends  today, got under way .