THOUSANDS joined in the fun as the Main Big Lime, the promotional showcase of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, got underway around noon yesterday in Main Street, Georgetown.

Guyanese from all walks of life began streaming into the area about midday to view the hundreds of indigenous items of art, craft, local dishes, clothing, footwear, decorations, jewellery and a host of fresh flowers among the items on display. Viewers were entertained by several steelbands and musical sets, all reflecting Guyana's rich cultural diversity.

Several local eco-tourist agencies also showcased the facilities and services they offer. The Ministries of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Culture, Youth and Sports had booths depicting the wide variety of flora and fauna , as well as the cultural composition and development of Guyana.

Captain Gerry Gouveia, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and Managing Director of Roraima Airways and Arrowpoint Nature Resort, told the ‘Chronicle’ that the response to the 'Main Big Lime’, which started two years ago, is very encouraging.

He described this year's event as "amazing and excellent”, and said he would like to personally congratulate Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir for the energy and effort he devoted to ensuring a successful outcome of the event.

Gouveia said the 'Main Big Lime' is now an annual feature on the national calendar, and he compared it to other significant national events such as Mashramani.

He thinks the event is a good opportunity for Guyanese who are back home to have fun and to observe the developmental changes that are taking place in their homeland.

"THAG is 100 per cent behind the event," Gouveia declared. He also expressed deep appreciation and commendation of former Minister of Tourism, Geoffrey DaSilva for initiating the 'Main Big Lime.'

He, however, expressed the view that he would have preferred the event being held just before the Christmas season, as a build up towards putting people in the right mood for the holidays.

Minister Nadir, in a comment to the ‘Chronicle’, said the focus of the 'Main Big Lime’ is getting Guyanese into a spirit of unity and festivity, He lauded the private sector for its support in staging the event. He noted that the private sector was instrumental in the funding and organising of the event, unlike the previous years when the Ministry did the bulk of funding and organising.

The Minister explained that the reason for holding the 'Main Big Lime' in the latter part of the festive season was to lure Guyanese back home on holiday into lengthening their stay.

For next year's event, Nadir is planning to make it bigger and more creative and innovative and held, perhaps, at another location.

Speaking to several stallholders the ‘Chronicle’ learnt that they are eager for the opportunity to showcase the creativity, craftsmanship and artistic skills of Guyanese. They said that from past experience, sales are not high during the event. However, Ms Nalini Persaud, who deals in floral designs and handicraft, and who participated on the two previous occasions, said she did brisk business and was looking for a similar experience this year.

There was a large variety of wooden sculpture and leather craft all made from indigenous materials by local craftsmen and artists.

Mr Royston Fraser of the United Artists, a Rastafarian group comprising about ten members, told the ‘Chronicle’ that their focus is showcasing the culture and historical development of the Guyanese society. The group specialises in paintings and wood sculpture.