By Indrawattie Natram

UNDER the theme, “Sustainable Agriculture for ensuring Food Safety in a Green Economy,” the Regional Agriculture and Commerce Exhibition (RACE) was declared opened Friday evening by Region Two Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikarran at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.

The two-night event, he said, will promote economic activities, as well as give businesses the opportunity to showcase their local products to the Essequibo community. Declaring the fair open, Jaikarran said that the event paves the way for further enhancement in the agricultural sector. The fair was being hosted for the 20th time in the region and it is an annual event. The first night was attended by hundreds of Guyanese and exhibitors who were drawn from various villages and regions.

Delivering the feature address was Bramanand Singh, a representative from the Ministry of Communities who told the gathering that he was filling in for Minister Ronald Bulkhan who was unavoidably absent. During his address on behalf of the Minister of Communities, Singh said that the Region Two RACE fair concludes all fairs across the county and commended the efforts of the committee members. He said that the event creates a regional platform for businesses to showcase their products and services, as well as to promote marketing opportunities.

“RACE has broken the cycle, it’s not an event for fun, it provides an opportunity for the region to display its agricultural output as well as encourage innovative production,” Singh said. He also mentioned that since the Coalition Government took office, there have been tremendous strides in the agricultural sector. He said it is the desire of the Ministry of Communities and the Government of Guyana to decentralise services to better serve the people of Guyana. Region Two has seen an increase in its agriculture budget with the provision of G$455 million dollars. This money will further enhance the agriculture infrastructure and will provide better access to farmers in the area.

‘Local products’
The first night attracted over 100 booths with leading companies such as Comfort sleep, along with Big Bird International Fish Complex, Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), Sureia Manufacturing, Kabakaburi Women Agro-processing, Ansa Mc Cal and Imam Bacchus and Sons.

The Ministry of Agriculture booth displayed various branches including the Guyana Rice Development Board, NAREI, crops and livestock and fisheries. New and innovative ways of farming and the varied use of technology in agriculture were displayed through various presentations, including pictures. This year the private sector played an integral part with many businesses coming on board. In the craft section was Anita Sankar’s craft shop. Sankar had on display well-designed craft items such as hammocks and chairs that were made from the raw material tibisiri. Sankar has been participating yearly and the event helps to promote her business.

Wine lovers were treated to some locally made wines by Lascels Pearson from Mainstay/Whyaka. Pearson makes his own “De Cheif” wines from processed jamoon, cashew, guava, banana, and pineapples. The business had been established since 2009. Pearson came under the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. The Region Two differently abled person network also used the opportunity to launch its new all-purpose seasoning, hot sauce, achars, and preserved fruits. One of the members who is visually impaired (Griffith) only name given, said that every Saturday the group gathered at Queenstown to make the items. Tapakuma Pride also presented and displayed crisp cassava bread and other local products. The health services booth also used the moment to sensitise persons about Filaria.