Natasha Greaves - accounts assistant: `It’s good and it seems to be the biggest ever. I have been to all the others and I see a lot of companies out here that I didn’t see the last time. I am looking for gifts, clothing and if I can find them, household appliances. So far I was really impressed by the Spotlight Production’s booth, Iwokrama’s, the Nut Centre, Net Com’s. I am not disappointed. And I feel safe with the tight security here. Everywhere you walk there’s a black and white or blue and black, so people wouldn’t have anything to fear. The atmosphere is good, you are not feeling the tension like when you are out there. It’s very comfortable. I wish it could be more like this every year.’

Melissa Theobald - Guyana National Bureau of Standards employee: `I came to see what the local people have been producing and how competitive it is on the local market. From the little I have seen, they have put in a lot, and the market is good. I don’t know what to say. I am amazed at what the local people are producing, and especially at what is out here for people to see. And this is one of the biggest contingents, there are a lot of booths out here, it’s being cramped. And I didn’t expect with the crime rate, to see so many people participating. But I am here early because I would like to go home early, with what has happened in the last few days. I am really surprised to know a lot of people are here at this time.’

V. Sukhai - student: `I came to check out the local stuff: what Guyana has produced. And so far I am impressed. They have organised it properly and this is showing a little progress. This [GUYEXPO] will help exhibit Guyana’s local produce and help us in the long run. Security is tight, there are a lot of officers around and patrols outside. I feel safe here, at least in the presence of them, because you know you have some protection. I will be coming back because the exhibits are good. It’s a good outing and they have organised it well.’

Petal Jarvis - student: `I came to see what the exhibits would be all about and so far although there’s not much people it’s a good scene. There are a lot of booths and this year looks a little better than the last. It’s more spacious and the displays are all more informative. I would come again to see some of the displays and maybe some of things I didn’t get a chance to see. I feel safe here and it has improved a lot.’

Robert Lall - lecturer: `I think it’s sad we don’t see some of these things on the market, there’s no proper exposure. I came here to see what is going on in Guyana and if I didn’t come I would never have seen some of the things they have here. This is the only time I get to see some of them. It’s all impressed me but there’s nothing special. I was expecting more samples if anything. A lot more promotional stuff. Here’s what I need: I need a business card saying what you do and where you do it. That’s what I need. I don’t need any of those big stupid flyers. As for security, you’re not safe anywhere. I’m edgy.’

Elsie Burke - housewife: `I just came to take a “look see” at what they have to offer. And it’s good so far, a lot of local products, the craft especially is great. It’s very creative. They need to highlight this on the foreign market, because a lot of this isn’t. I was made to understand that a lot of the fruits here are organic. If that is so, they need to highlight it more on the foreign market. I am impressed with the things I have seen. We have a lot of talent in Guyana. We just need some exposure to push us forward. We can go a far way in markets outside and get things going. You are not safe anywhere but I put my trust in God. I don’t know what they have in place but I wouldn’t say the security is heightened. I haven’t seen men with dogs or armed guards. But I don’t think there’s need for that here. We are not in Afghanistan or some place like that.’

Bibi Shaneeza Abrahim - typist\clerk: `I came to see the exhibitions and to see whether there would be anything to attract my interest. Computers, Rayon House of Fashion, the African clothes, Western Union, the photographs, there are a lot, let me see... all the products. I was impressed by everything I saw. I don’t think anything here disappointed me. Everything I have seen I have liked and I am really interested in some of them. I think I will be coming later because I want to buy something. I think it’s great. It’s pretty exciting and I am having a lot of fun.’

Neville Callistro also known as Mighty Chief - farmer\craftsman: `I don’t think they have involved the hinterland sector very much here. And if they are going to highlight Guyana they need to involve the hinterland people as much as possible. But what I have seen so far is looking good. I understand they are organizing security to the highest extent and I think they did so and I hope everything goes well. This is Amerindian Heritage Month and there are a lot of Amerindian people in Georgetown for several activities. I hope they will be safe. The show is good but they are not inviting us [Amerindians] and we have a lot to showcase. One should understand that whatever is done in Guyana, mining, forestry, everything, we are involved and I don’t think they have highlighted us in that regard. There have been no good preparations for us, just a couple of huts. And the craft, they need to get our craft producers involved and in those aspects GUYEXPO can be improved.’

Morris Spencer - businessman: `Every year I come because I like what I see. The lighting is more impressive this year and the security looks a little tight and the booths are well-decorated. Although, the crowds are a little smaller than normal. So far I am enjoying it, I took a look around and from what I saw, everything is up to standard. There’s nothing to complain about the displays. And some of the products have made me excited, like those from Ricks and Sari and I was a little surprised by Omai. It’s a learning experience for me.’

Marilyn Nelson - unit manager of Guyana Fire Life and General Insurance Company: `This is the first time I have come and I think it’s good. The exhibits have impressed me. What has impressed me the most is that there are a lot of companies taking part, like Omai, Gafoors and also there are a lot of small business people, like the craftsmen. But I think more people should have come out in support of the GUYEXPO. I expected to see more people come out. As for security, I don’t feel safe because I expect like from the entrance there would be more security. And they said the army would have been out here but I haven’t seen any. You hardly see police officers around. I think it’s a good venture but I see a lot of room for improvement.’