…as inaugural Essequibo Agro and Trade Fair expo opens
At the inaugural Essequibo Agro and Trade Fair exposition, which opened in a moonlight atmosphere on Friday at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, President David Granger dubbed Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), as the most productive area in the country, and hailed its vast agricultural potential. This is even as Region Two grapples with the deteriorating rice industry.
The theme for this exposition is “Essequibo means Business”, and the President noted that the region contributes significantly to Guyana’s food security. He said that while the region is still beset with many challenges, there is great potential for economic development to take place there.
President Granger called on the Regional Administration, the Anna Regina Town Council, and other stakeholders to partner with Central Government in working towards economic development. Speaking to the exhibitors, residents and regional officials gathered for the occasion, he said that with its vast agricultural output, Region Two continues to be a “model” region.
The President said the region’s economic activities not only generate wealth, but create jobs for Guyanese. Noting that the region has historically done well with the production of primary agricultural products, President Granger said the regional economy can be made more resilient through diversification into areas such as agro-processing and manufacturing.
“Unless you start adding value; unless you start refining; unless you start manufacturing, we will not be able to overcome the problems of poverty, or make that breakthrough into prosperity,” he said.
Challenges
The President said that Government is aware of the challenges faced by the region, but he called on stakeholders (Regional Democratic Council, Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Anna Regina Town Council, Amerindian communities and the business community) to work in close collaboration with each other towards achieving a common goal. Some of the challenges that exist within the region, he said, are political collaboration, social cohesion and geographical differences (coast and land).
“We are aware that the region faces challenges, but we have to work together to overcome those challenges. One of the challenges is political collaboration, another challenge is social cohesion. These are not challenges which we cannot overcome if we work together… We have to find a way to work together to unleash the potential that the region has…We have to find a way to collaborate and to cooperate with each other,” President Granger said.
Business opportunities
Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, who also addressed the gathering, said the various business expos taking place across Guyana are providing the platform for towns and regions to showcase their capabilities. Gaskin said these events create opportunities for the private and public sectors to reach up and socialise. He said the expo complements the efforts of the Business Ministry to develop and promote local sectors and services.
Minister Gaskin suggested that the region could indulge in diversification, value added production and tourism as avenues to drive economic development.
And Deleep Singh, President of the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ECCI), said the Agro and Trade Fair expo was held to propel the local economy to a high level, and to give businesses the opportunity to meet, socialise and network among themselves, thereby fostering partnerships and generating business ideas.
Region’s struggles
Region Two Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt, giving brief remarks at the inaugural event, said the two nights of activity represent a bold and innovative approach, and the efforts of the ECCI should therefore be applauded.
Ramdatt said Region Two has contributed positively towards the development of Guyana’s economy, especially through agriculture, but the Region’s struggles are as a result of the lack of market for farmers’ paddy; a high rate of unemployment prevalent among youths of the region; lack of markets for coconuts; lack of a reliable supply of power; heavy taxation; lack of access to duty-free concessions for farmers; and poor telecommunications.
The Chairman said the region has great tourism potential, which can be unleashed if there are improved roads leading to the beautiful resorts. He also called for there to be less bureaucracy facing entrepreneurs who desire to access small loans and grants, and for the establishment of the Crispy Rice Cereal Factory and the Aurora Land Development Project. He said that once these projects are developed, more persons would become involved in agriculture.
The opening of the Expo featured a rich cultural programme that showcased the talents abounding in the Essequibo. The two-day event featured value-added products, including rice and other agro-processed items produced in the region. The New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) and the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) were among the supporting Government agencies that set up stalls at the event.
Attending the expo for the first time was Natura agency. The exhibitors explained that they participated in this exposition to showcase their products to the Essequibo population. A farmer who was excited to showcase his shade house project said he was pleased to present his project to the population. Newly-established business Barakat Timbers Ltd, located at Charity, Pomeroon River, was also on board.
Displaying beautiful and intriguing craft items was Anita Sankar, who has been in the craft business for over 10 years. She said she was using this opportunity to showcase and sell products made by local producers and herself.
Other participating agencies included Sol, Comfort Sleep, University of Guyana, Big Birds, Natram Ramanand Juice Centre, Red Square Vodka, Travel Span, Amazon Coconut Water, Roosters Coconut Water, Forestry, Massey Limited, Tom Misir, and Samaroo Investment, among others. (Indrawattie Natram)
