Region 3 businesses highlighted at agriculture fair

…similar expo hosted in Region 2

The Leonora Track and Field Centre was set abuzz on Saturday as patrons from near and far came out to support the Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE) fair, an initiative that was organised by the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) administration in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Exhibition featured approximately 60 booths showcasing a wide variety of both public and Private Sector entities from the region, which showcased their products and services. This ranged from locally manufactured Guyanese foodstuff, handcrafted items and agricultural and commercial equipment.
However, great emphasis was also placed on the local food enterprises which featured new businesses such as the famous ‘doubles’ stand, bottled coconut water, herb sauces, plantain chips and decorative takes on cakes for all occasions; and the craft sector that shone with creative outputs of copper jewellery, floral arrangements, hand-painted fabrications and woodworking.
Various sectors attached to the Agriculture Ministry also established their respective booths which comprised mainly of plants and animals that were the central attraction for children of all ages. Persons were also briefed on the work done in animal rearing.
Many of these small-scale manufacturers related that this is a great way of promoting their business so as to expand their distribution scope while competing with the more prominent businesses that Guyanese are more au fait with.
One such business is Delight Treats, an innovative catering service which specialises in customised party treats such as cupcakes, cakes and cookies.
Owner of the trade, Otimaly Black, highlighted that this initiative will benefit her in a tremendous way since new customers are established.
“One of the problems that I’ve had is that a lot of people over here (Region Three) don’t know that I do cookies so when I heard about it, I just jumped in right away so that I can get more exposure. People can also be able to see the things that I do,” Black explained.
Jets, a popular enterprise which specialises in juices, honey and concentrates, related that their sales will also be boosted since many patrons of the fair were interested in the products that they feature.
“We have a lot of products, a popular one being the mauby concentrate but we’ve moved towards honey and fruit juices which have become popular,” the exhibitor stated.
One of the organisers who shared his remarks noted that despite the heavy downpours throughout the day, persons came out in their large numbers to partake in the events and gained an opportunity to increase their knowledge on the products which their region produces.
“We’ve been wanting to do this for quite some time now and the response has been great, not only from the exhibitors but from the public. Hopefully, this will not be the last and there will be more to come where people can get to showcase their products,” he stated. The event concluded in the evening with a cultural programme, which was attended by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, as well as the exhibitors and spectators.
Meanwhile, a similar fair was hosted in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) over the weekend.
The two-day expo is being hosted by the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce (ECC) under the theme “Essequibo means business” and saw over 80 booths also occupied by predominantly local businesses, exhibiting products and services.
This is the region’s way of promoting what it have to offer in the agricultural and commercial sectors, while providing a stage for producers to exhibit their unique creations and skills.