IF Mashramani, Guyana’s premier annual cultural extravaganza, in the month of February, as the highlight of the nation’s Republic observances, is said to be a time for celebration after work, according to Amerindian interpretation, then GuyExpo has to be the nation’s celebrations of its creative and artistic skills, and talents.
To say that GuyExpo 2014 has been the biggest trade fair, since becoming an annual national event in 2004, is an understatement that will not adequately explain the nightly presence of the tens of thousands of Guyanese who thronged its locale at the Sophia Exhibition site, or the over 300 booths that showcased national artistry of varied categories. It has become Guyana’s seminal event of any kind, of which we must all be proud.
It was another magnificent display of Guyana on show, manifesting a people who have emerged from the unproductive years of that dark, bygone era; a people who have grown confident of their country and all that it has done for them since the dawn of that historic day on October 5, 1992; a people who have shown what they can achieve, once their Government provides the requisite conditions; and a people who have willingly grasped the numerous opportunities, not only for personal gains, but also reciprocating by giving back to their country, especially in the form of providing employment for others.
Held under the theme ‘Transformation: Partnering for a Better Guyana,’ GuyExpo is indeed a true reflection as to what has been the national socio-economic development experience, inherent of the PPP/C Government’s modernisation blueprint for Guyana, and the private sector’s overwhelming response to this call of national economic partnership that has given rise to the transformation process now underway, and of which it is central.
Therefore, what the nation would have witnessed over the four days of what is undoubtedly the longest sustained exhibition of any type in the English-speaking Caribbean is an unmistakable faith in a Government that continues to fulfill its sacred mandate and mission of lifting Guyana to greatness. And what better example of this belief in what Guyana has to offer, than the presence of several countries, drawn from as far as Asia, North America, and also from South America and the Caribbean.

As thousands gathered to witness the opening of this event, last Thursday, acting Tourism Minister, Mr. Irfaan Ali declared that this year’s event has attracted some 115 foreign delegates, the largest contingent ever to date.

What this means, he said, is that “we now have 115 potential foreign investors” who have every confidence in Guyana’s economy. The event has also attracted some 56 international exhibitors from such places as Brazil, Argentina, Bangladesh, Suriname, Australia, French Guiana and Trinidad and Tobago.

But to make things work to our advantage, he said, we cannot afford to be static and yet expect to be part of a transformational process. “We must be able to think and act beyond confined boundaries to take our country forward.”

To press home the point, he noted that at present, we have persons from Barbados using Guyana as a shopping hub once a week. “This is something that we all should be proud of,” he stressed.
President Donald Ramotar, during his feature address at the opening ceremony, alluded to the fact that for the past eight years, our country has achieved positive economic growth, as evidenced in the strides it has been able to make.
Noting that GuyExpo is the largest fair of its kind in the Caribbean, President Ramotar said that over the years, its reputation has grown by leaps and bounds, to the extent that it has now become a major event in the Region, attracting both local and foreign businesses.
He said all this has been made possible, thanks in no small measure to the Government’s striving over the years to make Guyana a truly free and democratic society. “This is one of the hallmarks of the Government,” the President said, adding that over the years, the Government was also “able to restore the broken-down infrastructure that we inherited,” so that today, our young people are more educated, and can dream big.
President Ramotar said that presently, there are projects that are ongoing, amounting to some US$2.5B, and spread over different sectors of our economy. He also reiterated his call for the Amaila Falls project, noting that cheap electricity would assist persons in saving almost 40% on their current electricity bills.
He raised the point of transportation and the country’s need for improvement in this regard, noting, however, that new roads are needed to make certain areas accessible.
“We need a bigger airport; a more modernised airport. And with this, we can then become the hub for the South America and Caribbean Regions.” The President said that this would be vital to the growth of the tourism sector.
“Let us move steadily towards a peaceful, progressive and prosperous society,” the Head of State asserted, as he declared open Guyexpo 2014.
Most Guyanese, who would have visited GuyExpo for the first time, notwithstanding their general knowledge and acceptance of local expertise, would have been greatly surprised at the astounding display of the many products on display, as to their quality, and ability to compete on international markets.
Whether in the form of the magnificently designed furniture, the endless array of locally manufactured sauces and food preparations, soaps, herbal medicines, intricately designed jewelry, beautifully woven craft, and colourfully shaped ceramic pieces, just to name a few.
These products, many of which are already being sold overseas, would have signalled local industries that are matured in quality and marketability.
Congratulations to the PPP/C Government that has once again proven the faith and confidence of Guyanese creativity, and dumfounded those well-known critics. Even the Kaieteur News has been highlighting the numerous displays in their media. Just look at the numerous exhibitors, brimming with confidence in an economy that is humming to the beat of prosperity!
To the many creators, producers, and manufacturers who showcased their products, greater success will be yours. Once again, you have made Guyana very, very proud.