Region Three R.A.C.E 2019 attracts thousands

―Minister Bulkan lauds Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry

―67 exhibitors participated

―R.A.C. E 2020 to be held at Pouderoyen tarmac

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, May 1, 2019

For the second consecutive year, the Regional Administration of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) in collaboration with the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (R.A.C.E.). The exhibition was held at the Hydronie Play Ground on April 27 under the theme, “Sustaining Region Three in a green economy.”

The event attracted 67 exhibitors mostly from Region Three and focused on the farmers, manufacturers and traders from rural communities. A cultural programme showcasing Region Three’s talent in dancing, poetry and drumming started off the event while thousands of patrons flocked the venue to get a glimpse of the various booths.

Declaring the event opened and delivering the feature address was Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, who noted that activities of this nature are intended to reveal the hidden talents of our country.

“There are citizens of our dear land that have excelled in producing excellent by-products from raw materials, packaging of their products and produce and even attractively labelling their end products but are not known to many. Activities of this nature are intended to expose these individuals with the aim of providing a market for them and even exporting their produce and products. It is expected to connect producers and consumers while improving and expanding trade opportunities. I congratulate the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region for this the second R.A.C.E. in the region,” Minister Bulkan noted.

He lauded both the Administration and Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their teamwork in executing a successful R.A.C.E 2019.

Regional Executive Officer Jennifer Ferreira-Dougall, who coordinated the event noted that in keeping with President David Granger’s vision, her region will continue to sponsor R.A.C.E which benefits the small farmers, manufacturers and traders.

“This activity benefits directly the small farmers, traders and manufacturers and when they benefit, we benefit as a region and by extension our country so let me assure the general public that Region Three will continue to hold this activity every year. On that note, I wish to announce that next year during this same period the Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition 2020 will be held at the Pouderoyen Tarmac on the West Bank of Demerara,” she said.

Some of the exhibitors who seized the opportunity to showcase their products included farmers from Parika Backdam, Naamless and Hague Backdam. They exhibited organic fruits and vegetables and craft products. Service providers such as the commercial banks also participated and provided information on small loans. A number of Government ministries were also present.

Rakesh Ramsahai, a farmer from Hague Backdam commended the Regional Administration for providing the opportunity for him to showcase his produce. He said, “I am happy for this wonderful opportunity. It allows me to show the world what we are producing at Hague Backdam and all our produce are ‘non-fertilizer’ in the sense of chemicals. We use strictly natural manure and that is healthy. The government is doing a good thing by holding these exhibitions and it should become a regular feature in all the regions.”

Cattle and livestock farmers also displayed their animals, while there was also a bouncy castle, trampolines and go-carts much to the delight of the children present.

Story and Images: Ganesh Mahipaul

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