DIRECTOR of Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh said, Wednesday, that plans are well on stream to host the Main Big Lime, from December 21 to 24, at the Sophia Exhibition Site in Georgetown. In an interview with this newspaper, he conceded it is a change from the usual one day event that faced the problem of overcrowding on Main Street, also in the city.
“You have such a large number of persons converging there on one day and so people, really because of space and the over crowdedness, do not have the space and the time to really relax and enjoy the event,” Haralsingh said.
According to him, this year only the main avenue will be used, so the streets will be opened to traffic. He added that there will be more lighting and decoration on the main avenue, as well as more vendors coming out to sell local products, craft and food.
“We want to encourage persons to buy local products and support our local manufacturers, producers and craft vendors,” he explained.
Haralsingh said it is the place to be before Christmas “to bring the family, come and amble, walk, enjoy, meet a lot of people, support our local cuisine and our craft for Christmas.”
In addition, there will be lots of games and rides for the children, as well as on stage performances each evening and the traditional live size Santa Claus.
The plans to have the Main Big Lime turned into a ‘Christmas Village’ were first revealed early last month by acting Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Irfaan Ali.
He said the event will be more family oriented and it is a collaboration between the Government and the Private Sector.
The Main Big Lime was first staged in 1999, with specific emphasis on promoting Guyanese tradition and culture, while providing tourists and citizens with an occasion for a “reunion” every year.