The private sector is poised to play a bigger part in this year’s Main Big Lime, which in its fourth year continues to showcase Guyana’s art and culture. December 28 has been assigned for the cultural extravaganza and it will be a collaborative venture by the Ministry of Tourism and the private sector.

At yesterday’s official launch, the Tourism Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Willet Hamilton, said this year’s major players would be Ansa McAl, Banks DIH and DDL, which will be responsible for entertainment at the event. “The cultural aspect, formerly dealt with by the ministry, will now be handled by the private sector...” he announced. And with the private sector on board and bearing entertainment costs, the ministry is spending less on this year’s event, only $.5 million compared with $1 million for each of the two previous years. Hamilton said since the activity was a tourist attraction, getting the private sector more involved was practical, rather than having the government assume full responsibility.

Hamilton said although the event was not being staged under a particular theme, it would be a day of relaxation and an experience of the country’s cultural diversity. Although he was unable to give any details of some of the attractions, he did say that local talent rather than overseas performers would make up much of the entertainment.

The display, which will start at 10:30 am and go until 10 pm, will be hosted on Main Street, between Lamaha and Church streets, and will also extend to Water Street to include the areas in front of the Fogarty’s department store, Subway and Guyana Stores Ltd. Spots will be available for interested vendors who can start registering at the National Exhibition Centre next week.

The ministry will also meet the police force next week to arrange security for the event. Meetings are also planned with the Fire Service and the City Council.