Partnership needed for Rupununi’s development- Minister Allicock

– as 16th Expo kicks off

The Sixteenth Rupununi Expo  kicked off in grand style on Saturday with scores of patrons from across Guyana and persons from the diaspora participating. The two-day expo was held under the theme “Focusing on Business and Community Development through Partnership”.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Sydney Allicock taking a look at a local product at the 16th Rupununi Expo

The event affords Rupununi businesses the opportunity to promote their products and services. Patrons were able to enjoy indigenous dance, song and food.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, speaking to the theme of the expo, said  the government recognises that partnership is key for Region Nine’s development. The minister noted that the aim is to have the people move away from the dependency syndrome and work together with government to make development happen. “The government is going to help as much as possible with technical support,” Minister Allicock stated.

Small business owners were urged to think value-added when manufacturing  their products, and to plan properly. “Let us look at the Rupununi’s way of life, let us support the Rupununi,” Minister Allicock urged.

Additionally, the minister urged the regional body to take the lead in promoting partnership for the development of the Rupununi. Understanding that development cannot be done from behind a desk, Minister Allicock stated that his Ministry is currently organising for officers to go into the fields and work along with citizens.

Minister Allicock said that next year, the Music and Arts Festival that was launched in the North Rupununi will be taken to central Rupununi. According to the minister, this will give exposure to the hidden talent of the Rupununi.

Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock noted that over the years, the Rupununi Chambers of Commerce has continued to put a lot of effort to ensure that the potential of the area is realised.

The Chairman stated, “it is important to recognise such contribution since it is the stakeholders in this region that are part of the whole playground…. We all need to come together so that development could take place in this region.”

According to the Chairman, to foster development, the region must be promoted by looking at what the people of the Rupununi could do for the region. “Going around some of the stalls, some of the things that are on exhibit, its diversity and that is what we are here for today,” the Chairman explained.

The Rupununi Chambers of Commerce, Conservation International, Banks DIH Limited, Guyana Bank for Trade Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Business and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, and Guyana Telephone and Telegraph company among others showcased their products and services at the expo.

Cycling, volleyball, horse racing, motor racing, Miss Rupununi Pageant and live band entertainment were some of the activities on the schedule for day two of the expo. (GINA)