IN keeping with its thrust to give back to the Guyanese community, Digicel Guyana on Monday handed over an undisclosed amount of money to the Central Corentyne Centre of Commerce to assist with the Berbice Expo.The Company’s Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara told Guyana Chronicle that the company is donating a “significant amount” towards the Berbice Expo as the company finds it necessary to give back to its customers.

Berbice Expo which begins on Aught 19, and will end on August 22, provides an outlet for residents of Berbice to market their products. It also aids in the fostering of new businesses.

Meanwhile, Sanichara noted that Digicel will be taking its ‘Duck Curry competition’ and ‘Bring the Beat: Amateur DJ Competition’ to Berbice in search of local talent. Coordinator and past president of the Central Corentyne Centre of Commerce Tajpaul Adjpdhea said annually a budget of $12M is made for the hosting of the Berbice Expo. This colossal amount is only achieved through sponsorship.

Assistant Secretary of the Central Corentyne Centre of Commerce, Krishnanand Raghunandan, said the Expo provides a platform for persons to market themselves and in many cases provides an opportunity for them to establish lucrative businesses.

He noted that annual exposition fosters community development and noted that in 2005, $500,000 gained from the Expo was used to construct the Rosignol fire station.

The annual Berbice Expo showcases over 100 booths and features local talent as well as culture. It is estimated that approximately 25,000 persons attend the event.