A light at the end of the tunnel
Editorial
Guyana Chronicle
April 2, 2007
Over the past few years, an important feature of Guyanese life has been emerging, with a telling impact on various sectors.
This is being described by various names: There’s the New Amsterdam Town Day, Essequibo Nite, Gift and Craft Show, International Village, Linden Town Week, and most recently, West Coast Nite.
There have also been those which have been around for a longer time, including the Rupununi Rodeo, the bartica Regatta and fo course, the Main Street Big Lime.
More recently, others have joined the Roster, such as Moruca Day and Morakabai Day.
All these happenings have a common perspective in that they bring together Guyanese of all ethnic origins, of all religious and political persuasions, sharing a variety of cultures, social arts, food, music and productivity.
The Mayor and City Council’s International Village was a timely event. It seemed to be loaded in favour of entertainment segments, but it was fairly well-supported by Guyanese and visitors from overseas.
West Coast Nite attracted over 3, 000 people, and we understand that most of these were visitors from other countries and overseas-based Guyanese.
It is interesting to note that each of these shows boasts a special feature very peculiar to the community in which it is held. An important spin-off of these shows is the tourism potential they explore. This was brought to the fore by President Bharrat Jagdeo during the opening of the Guyana Gift and Craft show at Sophia.
Speaking of the high profile events of the past few weeks, all tied to the Rio Summit and the Cricket World Cup, Mr. Jagdeo said,” These are the results of a process we have been working on for some time now, the process of transforming the country….”
But there were some negatives to which the Head of State referred. And these are affecting the country through bad publicity and marketing skills that leave much to be desired.
This has affected our tourism product and our ability to market our goods and services abroad, and most likely it has also affected investment flows into the country. And even Guyanese who live abroad are reluctant to come home because of what they are hearing,” the President said.
He however expressed optimism about the changing of the national landscape, and he appealed to the Private Sector to play a leading role in our economic transformation.
It is hoped too that the political opposition will lend a helping hand in this process.
At a recent General Council of the Opposition PNCR-1G, the General Secretary said
The party is moving to “redefine” its role and strategies as it approaches its 50th anniversary.
Perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel after all.