Telling a story
Editorial
ORGANISERS of the major GuyExpo trade fair due to be opened this afternoon at the Sophia exhibition site in Georgetown have reported overwhelming response from the business community and others. The response was so great, they said, that an auxiliary auditorium had to be built. In terms of participation, this year's show is being billed the biggest and it is set to pull huge crowds. Up to mid-morning Monday, registration was reported at 215, surpassing the initial target figure by 15. And with more still coming in, it was anticipated that the final figure would exceed 225. "It could be we're topping 225", beamed coordinator Ms Sattie Sawh. GuyExpo's theme this year is `Showcasing Guyana for the New Millennium' and we believe the enthusiastic response tells its own story. It shows that in spite of their continuing difficulties - now including regular electricity blackouts in and around the city - there is a mood of optimism about the future among most Guyanese. Tourism is up, according to the authorities and that sector is setting to make its presence felt at GuyExpo 2000. Its potential is immense, as we have had cause to remark on often, and Guyana can certainly move to faster take advantage of the opportunities in the fastest growing business in the world. At least two Caribbean Prime Ministers last month remarked on the wonders of the tourist world here and it is time that concrete steps be taken to link Guyana's brand of tourism with market opportunities in the traditional Caribbean sun, sand and sea offerings. More and more tourism resorts are going up here and Guyanese have shown that they would support properly-run ventures that given them value for their money. Advertising opportunities on the Internet open up even larger markets and the tourism authority and related agencies should take advantage of this too. Also on show from today will be manufacturers of all kinds, again giving glimpses of the exciting possibilities from the resources of this country. A special feature at the opening ceremony will be the reading of a piece of dramatic poetry by a member of the `When las' Movement', formed recently to revive and preserve old cultures. After the opening ceremony this afternoon, there is to be an evening of traditional dances depicting the various cultural groups in Guyana. There is also to be a different live band each evening. According to Trade, Tourism and Industry Minister, Mr Geoff DaSilva, overseas buyers and investors have already begun to arrive from places like Canada, Texas, New York and Miami. Others were expected from the Caribbean and other points. Guyana is showcasing itself in more ways than one with GuyExpo 2000, especially in the spirit of optimism and enthusiasm of the future that it encompasses.  Follow the goings-on in Guyana
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