THE Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) will hold its annual Exposition and Trade Show at the Triple ‘R’ Rodeo Ground in Lethem, Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), on November 24 and 25 next. Businesses in the region, from the coastland and from neighbouring Brazil are expected to participate in their numbers to showcase their products.

Exhibitors from villages in Region 9 will display handicraft, jewellery, cosmetics, natural products, and foods and beverages.

Brazilian businesses are expected to showcase a wide range of products.

Recently-elected President of the RCCI, Mrs. Jacqueline D’Aguiar, has said that special invitees will include President Donald Ramotar and the Ministers of Tourism, Amerindian Affairs and Local and Regional Development, among other officials of government besides members of the Boa Vista Chamber of Commerce.

D’Aguiar said the programme will include the annual Miss Rupununi beauty pageant and a variety of sporting activities, including motorcycle racing by daredevil riders from Brazil.

She disclosed that the expo follows the RCCI’s Annual Dinner, to be held on evening of November 17 to mark 13th anniversary of the founding of RCCI. That dinner will be preceded by a Walk-a-Thon, to be held earlier in the day.

D’Aguiar disclosed that the RCCI was established on November 20, 1999, and registered under the Friendly Societies Act, Chapter 36:04 as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) whose main objective is to promote, support and protect domestic and foreign commerce, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing operations suitable to the Rupununi and capable of making contributions to the economic and social welfare of Guyana.

Its programmes include working closely with the Regional Democratic Council of Region 9 (Upper Takutu /Upper Essequibo), as well as with Central Government; increasing cross-border trade, and social and cultural integration activities with Brazil; and increasing fraternal links and collaboration with other local Chambers of Commerce.