Viewers discover positive aspects of Guyana at GuyExpo
"I didn't know we could make such nice things," exclaimed a surprised Guyanese while viewing an exquisite piece of furniture made from Coofa at GuyExpo 2000. The exclamation from the resident citizen was one of several that gave credence to the observation of Trade Minister Geoffrey Da Silva who had said that GuyExpo was also about showing Guyanese some of the positive aspects of their country. Over 200 exhibitors are participating in the four-day national exhibition showcasing locally manufactured products. Booths featuring processed foods, handicraft, stuffed toys, tie-dyed clothing, hand-painted fabrics and clothes, herbal medicine, furniture, jewellery, bathroom sets, technology, building materials, video and audio production and local cuisine are all there for viewing. And Guyanese and foreign visitors turned out in their numbers to watch and to buy and to make contacts for the future. Furniture and handicraft are without a doubt Guyana's most outstanding locally manufactured products on display at the exhibition. Many marvelled at the Coofa dining set and matching sideboard. Some could not believe that such quality furniture could be made from the locally grown vine. The nibbi closet, matching bed and other bedroom furnishings were classic showpieces. Violet Lall of L-Mart disclosed that the company had received the Caribbean Authenticity Award for its furniture and had been submitted for the Entrepreneur of the Year award. The rattan bar and swivel-stools and the rotating dining table over at Samuels Wicker Works were just beautiful. Pauline Michael's bird house made from cinnamon spice and birdseed was very creative. Over at another booth, enchanting dolls dressed in golden banana leaf dresses and headdresses would enhance any home anywhere. And elegant hand-painted dresses and tee-shirts stood out as fashion pacesetters. The Rural Women's Network's preserved fruits, sweetmeats, jam, jelly, crochet work and handicraft were enticing. The whiff of good coffee from the Tapakuma/Wakapao booth stimulated an immediate craving for a cup of that aromatic brew. The coffee was accompanied by a garlic-flavoured cassava biscuit. Jewellery, another strong product, caught the eye as always with unmatchable quality and design. Also there to showcase their products were technology, construction and food manufacturing companies. The resorts outdid themselves in displaying their products - and the roll call read from Whitewater tours, Roraima Airways Limited, Emerald Towers, the Le Meridien, Lake Mainstay Resort, Splashmins, and Timberhead to Shanklands, Chipstead Ranch, Cortours Inc and Evergreen Adventure. The New Guyana Marketing Corporation had a very impressive display of fruits and vegetables. GuyExpo is expected to end today and viewers can leave the Sophia Exhibition site confident that they had seen Guyana's best on show.
 Follow the goings-on in Guyana
|