Guyanese and foreigners alike took advantage of the cool of the day to partake in the now annual event organised by the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Industry.

A relaxed atmosphere was evident as armed Police patrols, on foot and mobile, secured the many barricades around the area. Law enforcement officers were also seen in pairs and large groups moving through the crowds as mobile units patrolled the perimeters

Booths offered a wide variety of items, from $20.00 beads to $23,000 cell phones and anything cultural, educational or entertaining.

Ras Daweed of the Cultural Ambassadors Group described the prices at his booth as "flexible". He explained to the Guyana Chronicle that if a wallet costs $500 and you have $400, you can still make the purchase.

According to him, his booth covered “every race”, so each customer can identify with at least one item it offered. The display included Tamps (Rasta hats), oil, baby bands, earrings, chains, ornaments and pictures.

Ace Photo Studio and O’Brien Video Centre also set up tents and had special offers for the day.

A Chinese organisation based in Canada presented a new product that attracted curious Guyanese and foreigners - ‘Bubble Tea’ - a special Chinese brew, for $200 a cup. They also offered a delicacy called ‘Pearl’ from Taiwan, best described as sticky, sweet rice but looking like a plump prune.

Foreigners turned up in their numbers at the ‘Main Big Lime’. In this picture, they are caught at a game that tests your ability to maintain a steady hand.

The Caribbean Court of Justice booth. (Cullen-Bess Nelson and Corwin Williams photos).
Host of the booth, Mr. Frankie Wong explained that the establishment of a Chinese store offering Chinese traditional food and beverages is a very strong possibility.

On the educational end, the Caribbean Court of Justice gave away hundreds of packages of literature and sold its products for cost recovery. Ms. Marica Hope, Communications Representative, explained that no monetary profit was being sought.

She, however, added that the organisation was gaining by increased public awareness, which is essential for the programme to be successfully implemented. Other items for sale at this booth included jerseys, key rings and hats.

At the booth of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), HIV/AIDS literature was readily available. Dr. Frank Anthony, the First Secretary, said that the PYO is involved with hundreds of youth groups across the country and the literature offers advice on the deadly disease.

The Georgetown Reading and Research Centre (GRRC) offered hundreds of books for sale at affordable prices. Each purchase entitled the customer to one chance at a drawing which was to be held at the conclusion of the ‘lime’. The lucky winner was to walk away with a home library of 100 books.

Volunteer of GRRC, Denica Dunbar told the Guyana Chronicle that she was impressed with the interest shown and noted that many books were sold. These included autobiographies, text books and others for children of all ages.

Dunbar seized the moment to extend an invitation for students, children and adults to visit the Centre on Church Street.

Several indigenous stalls also offered products. Marjorie Rodrigues from Moruca had pure cassareep for $1,000 per bottle, cassava bread for $300 a package and tapioca (a form of cassava cereal) at $200 a packet.

From St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Lynus Clenkian, a sculptor, said his all indigenous pieces had a price range of $500 for cutlass and canoes, $2,500 for walking sticks and $5,000 for abstract designs.

The tie dye tent had its fair share of purchasers. Margoux Wong, the designer whose work is recognised in the fashion industry in Guyana, said that she was overwhelmed by the general remarks and interest shown in her booth. She said it is good to hear people ask if it was imported and even more amusing to note their reaction when they learn it is all local and done by hand.

Wong said the prices, which ranged from $6,500 and upwards, gained favourable responses and a number of persons purchased fashionable tie dye clothing she had on sale.

One stall that was never without a crowd was a simple hat booth that offered any straw hat of your choosing for only $300. Dozens gathered around trying on hats and using a mirror to see which one suited them best.

Other organisations/businesses represented at the ‘lime’ included, the Guyana Forestry Commission, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Golden Coast Restaurant, German's Restaurant, Royal Castle, Chester Fried and Eco-Organic Energy Foods.

Booths offered plants, toys - air-filled and stuffed-, sculptures, snake, monkey and ocelot skins, paintings, remote controlled cars and chances to win prizes through games and raffles.

Pop corn, hot dog, bar-b-que, ‘Red Square’ and a wide variety of beverages and local dishes were also available.

The children also had their full share of entertainment with merry-go-rounds, Ferris wheels and several trampolines on which they jumped and flicked under the watchful eyes of the adults.

Adult entertainment was also assured later in the evening with at least ten sound systems placed strategically along the route booming out music with the encouragement of DJ's.