Local businesses to take center stage at Guyana Carnival

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, May 09, 2018

A number of local businesses in the food, beverage, arts and crafts industry are poised to reap huge benefits from the private-led pilot Guyana Carnival 2018.

The event has attracted a lot of interest in the diaspora and a number of persons have already indicated their interest in visiting the country, whilst others will be returning home.

Organiser, Kerwin Bollers said the Hits and Jams (HJ) Company has been engaging with a number of local arts and crafts artists to create “Made in Guyana” branded souvenirs, among other tokens for sale during the May 18-27 period.

Bollers said the occasion will also give local food businesses the opportunity to market and sell their products.

“Guyana is unique and diverse in many ways, a lot of people like our food and there are a lot of persons who will be coming to Guyana for the first time to experience our food and our culture. I think this will make Guyana carnival different from others.”

He noted that local food, drinks and snacks will be utilized in the carnival road packages. “This will be a way to introduce local produce to foreigners and could aid in future exports.”

Taxi drivers, hairdressers, clothing stores, hotels and airlines among others are expected to see an increase in business during May 18-27 from Guyana Carnival 2018.

Bollers said once properly executed, the event can become an annual one and will go hand in glove with the government’s drive to boost tourism in the country.

“If we can create a period in May so that persons in the service industries can benefit, I think it will only be beneficial to everyone. And we are excited and hope that Guyanese embrace it,”

Guyana Carnival was launched on December 02, 2017 and will target persons in the Diaspora and around the world, providing them with world-class events such as all-inclusive parties, concerts, boat rides, day tours and a grand costume day parade through the streets of Georgetown.
By: Crystal Stoll.