Interviews and photos by Shabna Ullah
With GuyExpo 2012 on over the last weekend, we asked persons to share their views on the event. Here are their responses:
Devika Kurhair, housewife:
‘I never had the opportunity to go to GuyExpo but I heard everybody talking about it. I would have liked to go this year and experience it for myself. It would cost me a lot to travel from Berbice though, and I cannot afford it at this time. I was so excited to see it live on TV. It was a good idea for NCN to show it so people who could not go still did not miss too much. It seemed very educational and the booths look really nice.’
Marlon Fraser, Manager of a private educational institution:
`I do not go to GuyExpo for the fantasies but to view the exhibits which were very well presented. Patrons would also get the opportunity to learn something new. For me I learnt about some companies that I did not even know existed. One year I was amazed when I saw concrete blocks being assembled on a walkway like a puzzle. No cement was required to do the job. Last year I benefitted from GT&T’s wireless service. I made use of the opportunity to purchase the modem at half price. I would be going this evening [Saturday] to take the students of my school. I would also use the trip to raise funds to honour the students who performed well the CSEC exams. I enjoy the event but on the negative side, last year I went on the final night and it was too packed. We were hardly having place to walk and I did not like that.’
Latchmin Azeez, literacy educator:
`GuyExpo is always an excellent idea for investors to come together and showcase their products and most likely secure markets. It also allows patrons from all over the country to gather for the big event in a safe and secure environment. The good part too is that persons get a chance to meet with government officials on site easily. They also cash in on some good deals, prizes and giveaways. I enjoyed GuyExpo this year even though I was not able to visit all of the booths. I am always amazed that when I go there I see products that I had never seen before. The schoolchildren also get an opportunity to benefit from the exhibits.’
Samara Rahman, student:
`I always look forward to going to GuyExpo and I think this year it was even better than last year. The part I enjoyed the most was seeing all the tall buildings. I sat on the seats provided and I admired them and felt as though I was in another country. I visited a lot of booths like the GSA [Guyana School of Agriculture], the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] and NCN [National Communications Network]. I never realized that the GSA produced achar, coconut oil and other products.
I was also happy to witness how the NCN radio operates and I think that booth was impressive. Persons got a lot of deals on cell phones and they got coupons to win prizes.’
Macadea Phoenix, former teacher:
`I started going to GuyExpo a few years ago and I have seen a lot of improvements from then to now. There are a lot of international exhibits. I think that is something good because we are promoting tourism in our country. I did not get a chance to go this year but from what I heard and seen on television, it seemed like a success.’
Benita Rodrigues, housewife:
`GuyExpo is good for the country and for the youths who get exposure to the various products on display. It is a good experience for them and also a nice atmosphere for families to go out together. Many items are there for persons to view and learn from. I was not able to go this year but judging from what I saw on TV it seemed better than last year. One of the exhibits I like is the one showcasing the buildings of what Guyana could look like in the future.’
Sarah Benjamin, embroiderer/crochet designer:
`I went to GuyExpo on Friday evening and I think this year it was very impressive. I think the Tourism Ministry should be complimented for doing a good job. The atmosphere was different this time; I loved the way they decorated the walls with paintings of places around Georgetown. The booths and the products on display were incredible but most of all I was fascinated by the live orchids and other plants that were on exhibition. There were also lovely handcrafted items on display and beautiful furniture. The GT&T booth was also exceptional and the staff was very courteous and friendly.’
Kamini Samaroo, salesgirl:
`I always hear about GuyExpo but I never had an opportunity to go. I saw it on TV and it looks really nice but I am glad to go and see for myself. I am hoping that I would get to go tomorrow [Sunday]. Some persons who went told me that they really enjoyed it.’
Kevin Bheemaul, clerk:
`I am looking forward to going to GuyExpo tomorrow [Sunday]. I always enjoy the exhibits that showcased items that are produced in Guyana. The event also helps to promote local talents. The first year I went I witnessed a woman creating the fridge magnets. The expo also helps investors and patrons from all over to come together.’
Javed Saywack, UG student:
`I went to GuyExpo with some of my friends and we had a really good time. This year the event was bigger and hotter and had a lot more booths and attractions from the previous years. It seemed like every year they are improving. Many of the exhibitors offered some really good deals on their products. They also had reasonable prices and I noticed that phones were selling a lot. I left the exhibition site late and there were tons of people there still. There was hardly any place to walk because of the massive crowd. To get out of the site with vehicles was also a tedious job which seemed to take forever.
Walking and driving was the same thing.’
