| Guyana on show : …as GuyExpo 2012 opens today |  |  |  |
| Written by Chriseana Ramrekha |
| Wednesday, 26 September 2012 22:17 |
THE curtain will go up today on Guyana’s premier trade fair and exposition, GuyExpo 2012, at 18:00hrs at the National Exhibition Centre in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, under the theme “Strengthening the traditional, Embracing the New.”
 Public Relations Manager of Digicel Guyana, Ms. Shonette Moore(first from right) handing over the cheque to the coordinator of GuyExpo 2012, Ohene Koama (second from right), as Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Irfaan Ali looks on Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Irfaan Ali, yesterday disclosed some of the new features and additional works that have been done to make sure GuyExpo 2012 is a huge success. He said that these works were done to ensure that patrons, exhibitors and international visitors are here under much more comfortable circumstances. According to him, one of the new features at the exhibition site is the ‘Fashion Village.’ He noted that Guyana has a gaggle of fashion designers, and this addition was made to give them exposure, so that both the local and international market will know what they have to offer. Ali added that he’s sure that the industry will benefit tremendously from this investment. Another new feature at the exhibition site is the ‘Future City’ which, according to the minister, will give an understanding of where Guyana is heading, some of the projects that were already signed off on, and some of those that are in the making.
 Work being done on one of the booths at Guyexpo 2012 According to him, the ‘Tourism Village’ is a big aspect of GuyExpo this year. “We’re going to use the tourism village to showcase some of what is coming, some of what we have to offer to the international guests; and on the last night of GuyExpo; we’ll be launching the tourism events for the last quarter of this year”, he explained. Making reference to last year’s exhibition, where the inclement weather posed some difficulties, Ali said that this year they were able to complete two new solid concrete platforms so that persons can have easier access and exhibitors can be much more comfortable. In addition, he noted that a number of concrete drains have been completed along the main drainage areas, as well as bridges. A new water trestle has been constructed that will store more than 6000 gallons of water, and this will be maintained by Guyana Water Incorporated. Ali said that this will ensure the provision of functional facilities, in particular washrooms. He disclosed that they have constructed a new sanitary facility which consists of 12 new units, in addition to the more than 24 portable units across the exhibition site for the event. There will be a strong sanitation team, and if persons are caught littering, they will be charged and fined. According to him, while they have expanded the booth space by using some of the parking area, they have also created more comfortable parking facilities. He noted that there will be strong security both inside and outside the facility, including a call centre that will deal with such issues as lost and found items.  A section of the newly constructed Fashion Village The minister said that in relation to the noise level from the entertainment sector, live entertainment will only be allowed on stage from 21:00hrs to midnight. According to Ali, to ensure that there is healthy competition among the exhibitors, there will be a best booth competition, which is completely independent of the organising body of GuyExpo. Also, crowd control mechanisms and a system of pre-sold tickets have been implemented. This system was implemented because there are many who normally come from outside of Region 4 (Demerara/ Mahaica), who would have to join the long lines. A number of ticket venues have been ear-marked, such as Nigel’s Supermarket, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Housing and Water, and Giftland OfficeMax. Digicel Guyana handed over a check for $3.5M as their ongoing contribution to the continued success of GuyExpo. Public Relations Manager of the company, Ms. Shonette Moore, said that they will be offering reduced prices on various handsets at the event, and everyone making a purchase will be taking away something. According to Ali, the primary focus of GuyExpo is to create business opportunities, enhance businesses, and create a new business working environment for Guyana. He added that all the booths at the exhibition site have been sold out.
 The Billboard at the entrance of the exhibition site |
