Finance and Public Service Minister Dr Ashni Singh examining the local products at the expo
The Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) opened its highly-anticipated 2024 Agro and Trade Expo, popularly known as “Essequibo Night”, on Friday evening.
The 2-day event, held under the theme “Moving Business Forward”, featured over 90 booths displaying a wide range of fresh local produce, arts and crafts, livestock, small beauty businesses, and agricultural products and services.
Some of the products displayed during the expo
The expo, held at the Anna Regina Ballfield, drew a massive crowd, and was officially opened by Finance and Public Service Minister Dr. Ashni Singh. In his opening remarks, Dr. Singh commended the ECCI members for their dedication to organizing the region’s seventh annual expo, and reflected on the historic reference to Essequibo as the “Cinderella County”, drawing an analogy to the popular fairy tale.
“Essequibo has finally arrived,” Dr Singh declared as he highlighted the region’s transformation from relative obscurity to being a key player in Guyana’s economic growth.
He emphasized that the region’s vast potential and contributions to the country’s economy are now being recognized on a national and international scale, and highlighted several examples of the region’s burgeoning success, noting that Essequibo’s coconut production has expanded beyond local markets to international ones, with products now being sold in Barbados, Trinidad, Toronto, and other parts of the world.
“Essequibo coconut water, served in high-class restaurants and known for its quality packaging, is a testament to how a once modest farming operation has grown into a world-class enterprise,” Dr Singh said.
The minister also referred to the transformation in agricultural practices, such as the production of pepper sauce, which has become a high-demand export product. He attributed these advancements to increased Government support, particularly in areas such as drainage and irrigation.
Further underscoring the region’s growth, Dr Singh spoke of the positive developments in tourism.
“With three new hotels currently under construction, Region Two will soon have over 200 rooms available for tourists,” he said, indicating that these improvements would enhance the region’s capacity to host visitors and contribute to economic prosperity.
He praised collaborative efforts between the ECCI and the private sector in driving these advancements, and assured that the Government is committed to fostering economic growth in Essequibo.
Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva emphasised the vibrant spirit of local businesses and Government’s support for their growth.
“The creativity and determination of our businessmen and women show the dynamic growth of the business sector in Region Two,” she said in expressing her gratitude to the ECCI for organizing the event.
De Silva encouraged attendees to engage and support local enterprises, and to recognise their vital role in the region’s continued development.
Also attending the event were Regional Executive Officer Susan Saywack, ECCI President Ganesh Jaigobin, and other regional officials, all of whom contributed to the success of Essequibo Night 2024. (Raywattie Deonarine)
