Georgetown: The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four Demerara / Mahaica Friday officially launched its upcoming Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE), which is slated for the Lusignan Community Centre Ground November 24 – 26.
RACE is an agriculture and commerce exhibition that is expected to connect producers and consumers, while improving and expanding trade opportunities within the region.
The launch of RACE was hosted at the RAMADA Georgetown Princess Hotel. In attendance was His Excellency, President David Granger, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Health Volda Lawrence, other government officials, representatives of Region 4 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (RDC) and special invitees.
Regional Chairman Genevieve Allen described RACE as an event geared toward the continued promotion of environmentally friendly economic agricultural fronts on which the country is currently focused. She said that RACE’s three-day activity will showcase the region’s diversity.
“It seeks to attract potential investors, both local and foreign. Our Council believes that it is prudent for us to have such a Commercial Exhibition at this juncture to promote commerce and other business opportunities within Region Four. We believe such an investment will help to develop the region by exposing businesses to additional markets, and introducing our small and new business owners to consumers.”
Allen said that RACE provides an opportunity for bold and unique ideas to be displayed. These avenues, she said, must enable the young, the skilled, developing and emerging entrepreneurs and consumers in a bid to take the entire trade circle into account.
Allen said that even as Guyana seeks to be a viable market in global trade, it does not wish to become a major contributor to the global carbon print. “We thus recognize that our economic and trade activities must be within a frame that maintains as much as possible the health of our environment.” Allen continued that the Region Four Council is committed to the promotion of business sectors, but maintains that development must be done while maintaining respect and appreciation for the environment.
In his feature address, Minister Bulkan noted that the launch of RACE demonstrates another example of the Administration fulfilling its promise to decentralize and empower. He said when the government was elected they pledged to reinvigorate local democracy to put local government at the centre of development. We have spared no effort in this regard. We have increased budgetary allocations to all regions.” These allocations are part of a strategic public policy of decentralization and local empowerment, it enables regions and local government to address local issues by local persons.
On the issue of trade, Bulkan opined that RACE is an important foundation for value added production. “We need to move away from the simple buying and selling attitude and think more innovatively. To think of ways we can improve and enhance our products to create market opportunities further afield.”
Similar exhibitions promoting local products have been held in many regions across the country, but Bulkan announced that the government is supportive of having RACE held annually region-wide so the diversity of the regions could be displayed.
Region Four has set up a RACE Secretariat where a wealth of information could be accessed. Persons wishing to participate in the exhibition or access information could visit the Regional office at Triumph on the East Coast of Demerara or call 220-8197 /616-4689.
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