Fifth Emancipation Exhilaration – hub for small businesses

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, July 31, 2018

A number of small businesses showcased their products at the fifth Emancipation Exhilaration event at the Stabroek Market Square, as part of the activities to observe the 180 years of Emancipation.

The event provided a hub for a number of young entrepreneurs who are in the process of getting their products off the ground.

Eighteen-year-old Shania Evans, from the Poomeroon, was happy to have been given the opportunity to let Guyanese learn about her line of virgin coconut oil. Evans said the event not only allowed her to show off her products but also helped her gain knowledge on how to improve her products.

“I am still young so older people would come up to me and tell me about their experience with the product and what the product has done for them. Some of them would have questions that need to be answered and some of them would educate me more on the product and I am still learning,” Evans said.

Indigenous coconut oil produced by Shania Evans

Owner of ‘Eat to Live’ Yonette Eastman [left] as she attends to a customer

Some of the products produced by Luke’s Manufacturers

Director of Luke’s Manufacturers, John Luke produces a range of products including pepper sauce, honey and health tonics. While he is still establishing his business, Luke also provides much-needed jobs to young people.

Owner of ‘Eat to Live’ Yonette Eastman displayed a wide range of achars from tamarind, mango, golden apple and gooseberries. Eastman also produces ground seasoning and pepper sauce. Her aim is to promote healthy eating through her products.

Eastman explained that “most of the products have a cayenne pepper, ginger, turmeric and base because it is good for the body and I am promoting ‘eat to live’ that means you to start eating the right food to live longer.”

On August 1, Guyana will join the rest of the Caribbean in celebrating 180 years of Emancipation.

Isaiah Braithwaite

Images: Keno George