PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has said that with the coming on stream of hydro-electricity, the manufacturing and processing industries in the country will be given a boost.

He made this statement as he addressed thousands of Guyanese at the opening of Essequibo Nite, Agricultural and Trade Fair, at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.
The President who was accompanied by First Lady, Mrs. Deolatchmee Ramotar and Minister within the Agriculture Ministry, Mr. Alli Baksh, said Guyanese must prepare for a new economy because the cost of electricity will fall.
The Head of State said his government plans to make Guyana a more developed country in the Caribbean.  Alluding to October 5 which marked 20 years since democracy was returned under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, he said Guyana truly has freedom, adding that it must be protected at all costs.
According to the President, gone are the days when persons were jailed for having a loaf of bread or a tin of sardine. Mr. Ramotar called for the political freedom that was brought back by the PPP/C government 20 years ago to be guarded and protected.
Meanwhile, Baksh, in his address to the large gathering, recalled that Essequibo Nite was first started by the late Minister of Agriculture, Satyawdeo Sawh, some 10 years ago, under the theme “Made in Guyana; Grown in Guyana”.
Baksh said this year the activity has grown much bigger, and has attracted more than 100 booths on the ground, with exhibits showcasing Guyana’s products and produce.
The minister also congratulated all farmers and thanked them for producing and keeping the agriculture industry alive. He said this year the theme of Guyana Nite has changed to ‘Agriculture and Trade Fair.’
Chairman of Region 2 (Pomeroon/Essequibo), Mr. Parmanand Persaud, who welcomed the large crowd to Essequibo Nite said the activity has come a far way since it first started ten years ago. He said Essequibians have a lot to celebrate and thanked farmers and manufacturers from across Guyana for participating in Essequibo Nite.
The President and entourage, inspected exhibits and interacted with the crowd. Large groups also flocked the President for handshakes and to take photos with him and the First Lady.
Some of the companies/ ministries taking part in Essequibio Nite included Ministry of Finance; Republic Bank, Guyana Geology and Mines; Bacchus Market, COURTS Guyana Inc, Barama, Demerara Distillers Ltd;  Banks DIH, Carib Beer; Guyana Forestry Commission, Sara Gold, Ric’s Jewel; Eryu, E-ZE Jet, Alllea Travel, Big Bird Fish Complex and several craft and furniture businesses.