But, Minister of Tourism, Trade and Commerce, Mr. Manzoor Nadir, expressed optimism that next year will be better after careful planning.

The Minister was at the time giving the feature address at the opening ceremony and street exhibition held yesterday at Main and Chapel Street, New Amsterdam.

"We cannot allow the negative images to dampen…activities as significant as this,” he said, adding that Town Days are not a waste of time. Rather, such occasions help rekindle community togetherness, he pointed out.

Referring to the recently held GUYEXPO in Georgetown, Minister Nadir said his Ministry persevered, despite negative comments, and was rewarded by the thousands who attended the event at the Sophia Exhibition Site.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of persons braved the intense midday heat to view the cultural items during the opening ceremony

Among the items which punctuated the two-hour long ceremony were, a solo rendition by 16-year-old Laurel Griffith, a patriotic group song, 'My Guyana El Dorado’ by the Primary Two students of St. Theresa's Primary School, and a series of gospel dances by young ladies from the Faith Revival Tabernacle, which depicted the coming together of the races of Guyana.

Mayor Henry, in his brief remarks told the New Amsterdamers that the Council is working assiduously to restore the township to its glorious past.

He, however, also expressed disappointment over the low participation of the business community, and expressed the hope that they will be more involved next year so as to give back to the community which has developed them.

New Amsterdam Town Day is a joint event hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Commerce, Berbice Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor and Town Council.

The activities, which began on Sunday October 20, included an interfaith service, a gospel concert, debating competition, an exhibition, football competitions and a Miss New Amsterdam Heritage Pageant.

Among those in attendance at the opening ceremony were members of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce, including its President Mr. Ramesh Maraj, Hospital Administrator, Mr. Audrey Fields and Councillors.

Miss Antionette Da Saliva, who was crowned miss New Amsterdam was introduced during the opening ceremony.