It is to be officially declared open by President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manzoor Nadir said last minute checks and final touches at the site were done and he was satisfied that all measures were in place and on schedule to ensure the successful outcome of the four-day trade promotion extravaganza.

The minister yesterday told the Chronicle this is expected to be the biggest GUYEXPO since its inception in 1995, with more than 140 exhibitors and an anticipated 75,000 paid visitors attending the event.

In the past attendance reached almost 64,000, he added.

He pointed out that special attention has been given to anticipated worrisome issues like power outages and security, which would understandably be clouding the minds of would-be patrons.

In this regard, he said the standby generator was successfully tested for six hours on Tuesday last, powering up the entire Exhibition Complex.

Security has also been a key consideration in the organising of the event and a large contingent of security personnel has been recruited to ensure a safe environment, Nadir reported.

In addition to ranks from the Guyana Police Force, two private security firms have been hired, and as a result of the incident last weekend at Thirst Park where shots were fired during a musical show, he said there will be an additional mobile patrol around the exhibition site to boost security.

Nadir said that from the responses the organisers have been getting, the enthusiasm over the event has been high and should it become necessary the exhibitors are willing to go over to Monday.

The exhibitors encompass a wide cross-section of the local industry, commerce and tourism sectors and 12 trade delegations from across the Caribbean, North America and South America are also here, the minister said.

The foreign delegations are interested in commerce, seafoods, fresh fruits and vegetables, woods, furniture and tourism, among other areas, he said.

Schools will be given the opportunity to make special arrangements for students to visit the trade exhibition tomorrow afternoon and possibly on Monday if the show goes on to that day, he said.

According to Nadir, the GUYEXPO Secretariat has been working towards ensuring that the exhibitors obtain the best rewards from their participation, taking measures to ensure maximum involvement of both local and overseas participants.

In this regard, he said the "El Dorado Package" was undertaken for overseas visitors which links up North American Airlines, Hotel Tower and Cara Inn providing a complete package, including airfare and accommodation at an economy cost of US$599 for one person for five nights.

If that person is bringing along a partner the cost will be US$1,038.

He also pointed out that the atmosphere will be like a family outing, with musical and cultural entertainment being provided every night.

Nadir said that despite the "El Dorado Package" the response from overseas-based Guyanese has been slow.

He attributed this to several factors, including the present crime situation, many overseas-based Guyanese recently being here on holiday and having since left, and the reopening of schools.