Berbice Expo opens today

The 20th Berbice Expo and Trade Fair opens today at the Welfare Community Centre in East Canje, with over 150 exhibitors set to occupy over 180 booths for the four-day event.
President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC), Adrian Anamayah, said on Wednesday that the exhibition ground is completely sold out, with a number of businesses still on a waiting list for space.
He said the number of exhibitors has increased compared with last year, with several businesses making their first appearance at the Expo. New participants will include a company showcasing prefabricated houses.
Anamayah added that organisers have retained last year’s layout, which they found to be the most effective, but made adjustments to improve the use of space and accommodate additional exhibitors.
The Expo is being held under the theme, “Harnessing AI to Transform the Future While Enhancing Our People,” and marks the 20th anniversary of the event, which has grown into a major annual business and entertainment showcase for Region Six.
Anamayah said preparations have progressed without major setbacks, with organisers paying particular attention to security, traffic and possible power interruptions.
He said the organisers held a final meeting with the police on Wednesday as they continue preparations to ensure the safety of patrons and their property.
Generators have also been placed on standby as a contingency measure in the event of a power outage.
The Expo will also have a strong family-entertainment component, with activities for children and live entertainment planned for each of the four nights, from Friday through Monday.
Meanwhile, Regional Police Commander Superintendent Guy Nurse said the police have put measures in place to maintain security and manage traffic during the event.
He said weapons will not be permitted onto the grounds and patrons will be screened at the entrance using a walk-through scanner.
Police patrols, including plainclothes ranks, will operate throughout the venue.
Nurse said traffic management will be strengthened along the roadways surrounding the Expo, including Palmyra Road and the Canje Road leading from the venue to the main access routes.
Additional traffic support will come from Region Five and Traffic Headquarters.
A police command centre will also be established at a strategic location inside the Expo grounds to assist members of the public, including persons reporting lost property or other incidents.
Nurse said last year’s traffic congestion was taken into consideration in planning this year’s arrangements, following an analysis of the movement of traffic in and around the venue.
He said systems will be put in place to better manage traffic flow this year.
Nurse is urging patrons to conduct themselves responsibly as police work to ensure an incident-free Berbice Expo 2026.