I HAD the opportunity for the second time to participate in the Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo. Last year, I was invited by Wesley Kirton to be part of the Guyanese delegation at the Expo. I was surprised that I was the only exhibitor from Guyana this year. I had a blast representing the Sonia Noel brand and sharing information on Guyana.
Honorary Consul Mr. Ali made some Guyana Magazines for persons in attendance.

Many people don’t know anything about Guyana but were anxious to know. Buyers and sellers had great networking opportunities to do business with over 200 exhibitors from over 50 countries. American and International buyers panel includes Walmart, Miami Super Bowl 2020, Southeast Food Distribution, Broward College & the School Board of Broward County and Royal Caribbean. Mr Holniss, Paola Isaacs and team did well in putting this together.

Some of the dignitaries who attended were his Excellency Vinicio Cerezo, Former President, Guatemala and Chair for SICA (Sistema de la Integracion Centro America)
His Excellency Nicolas Ardito Barletta Vallarino, Former President, Panama
The Honourable Nana Barima Kordsie Akessi II, Paramount Chief of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, Ghana
The Honourable Ted Deutch, United States Congressman (District 22)
The Honourable Felipe Augusto, Mayor of São Sebastião, Brazil
The Honourable Patricia Bolanos Murillo, Mayoress of Quepos, Costa Rica
The Honourable Erwin Contreras, Minister of International Trade & Petroleum, Belize
The Honourable Rose M. Kettyna Bellabe, Mayor of Port-au-Prince, Haiti
The Honourable Darline Joseph, Mayoress of Carrefour
The Honourable Marcio Suazo, Mayor of Concordia, Honduras

I was so proud of the presentation done by Mr Claude Duncan who represented JAMPRO. Although crime is a problem in Jamaica they are recognised internationally and are expanding in tourism. He also mentioned that Jamaica is rated as number five for countries who are great for startup businesses. It was great to see so many countries participating, and I would love to see more of a presence from my home country because we have a lot to offer.

We are discussing to have a big presence there next year for exhibitors from the WOMEN IN BUSINESS EXPO. I made some contact with some businesses that can have possible collaboration with some of the ladies in the Expo. I believe in collaboration and always looking for ways that can benefit me and the women around me.
We are launching the 2019 WOMEN IN BUSINESS EXPO soon, and I am encouraging women to get on board to take your business to the next level. Send us an email to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com or call 6848129 as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.