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Guyana Night 2007

Guyana Nite 2007 was hailed, in many regards, a successful event this year. The event was hosted at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara. The event attracted businesses, both large and small, which have a vested interest in the agricultural sector in Guyana and its development.

When taking the location and level of entertainment expected at the event, it was really very affordable. The cost of entering the stadium was just $300 per person. This made the event a very attractive feature especially for those living on the East Bank. There were large crowds gathered at the entrance of the show with persons eager to get in. The line I was in extended all the way to the Buddy’s Int’l Hotel, located approximately 300 meters away from the stadium’s entrance. This also shows the capacity of the facility. The security at the facility was undoubtedly tight given the fact that it was handled by both the Lions Club and the Guyana Police Force. As a result, criminal elements were dissuaded from entering the venue. There were also female ranks of the Police Force to search the women and children. This showed initiative on the part of the organizers. This aspect of security preparations is usually taken for granted by organizers of other events. No backup at the security checkpoints allowed the free movement of persons onto the grounds. The efficiency and courtesy on the part of those handling security must be applauded.

The presentations themselves were well displayed in spacious white tents. The arrangement of the boots available for display was done in such a way that the entire ground was fully utilized. Space was abundant allowing a multitude of persons to be able to enter the compound, interact and move freely.

The businesses which brought their produce out for display came not only from within the immediate sphere of the agriculture industry but also from industries utilizing the by-products of agriculture products. They came from the agriculture sector, the craft industry as well as the food and drinks producing sectors. They represented the small stall holders, the large regional companies, as well as the government. Some of the larger companies on show were Sterling Products Ltd., Banks D.I.H. and Demerara Distillers Ltd. Representing the smaller production companies were the Culture Ambassadors and a few other craft industries. There were also food and drinks bars compliments of M&M’s Snackette, along with the beverage producing giants: Guyana Banks and DDL. One of the most memorable displays for me was the company which bottles coconut water. This industry has the potential to really thrive once it is taken seriously. The amount of coconuts which go to waste all over this great land of ours can be used to generate money not only from local markets but from the region, and even internationally. There was also no shortage of entertainment for those in attendance. The entertainment for this event was taken care of by local soca star Malo, Mingles Sound Machine, Travelers’ Sound System and The New Melody Makers’ Band. These entertainers kept the crowd lively with songs from today’s hottest artistes and ensured that they did not miss a beat. There was a small contingent of the crowd who had probably already seen all the exhibits and was just taking some drinks while enjoying the music being produced for their enjoyment. This crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves very much. The Guyana National Stadium hosted people from all across Guyana and from all walks of life, including the Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Hinds along with the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud who paid keen attention to the displays. This government sanctioned event was hailed a success by all patrons as well as those whose products were on display.

by Andrew Ross

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Things That Just Do Not Make Sense – To Me

If you have read any of the other articles that I have written, you would have seen that I have ‘a bit’ of an issue with many things in our society that may generally go unnoticed. I have been told that I have a lot of time on my hands, and maybe this is true. Whatever the case may be, I am back to highlight yet another set of thorns I’ve come across.

  • Not too long ago the Guyana Lottery Company produced an advertisement which featured a young man who showed unreciprocated interest in a young lady just after purchasing a lottery ticket. Her reaction was very different, however, after he won and rolled up in his “shiny new ride” adorned in his “bling.” The follow-up to this advertisement featured the same young lady in a club setting with a few friends. She announced to them that she won money through the lottery and upon hearing this, the same young man who had won in the initial advertisement stopped his game of pool and approached her. She responded by showing him the ticket and laughing. What on earth was that supposed to mean? If a different male was used I would have perhaps gotten the point, but it simply made no sense to me. It certainly is no wonder that its life span on television was infinitesimal.
  • I have accurately been called a “Cultural Centre Junkie”, because more than likely, once there is a show I’m there, especially when it pertains to dance. I am seldom late to any production, but am very well-acquainted with the rule that should one arrive late only the side aisles are to be used. The purpose for this, I have been told, is to minimize disturbances to those who have honored the scheduled time. Tell me though, how much sense it makes to make someone use the side aisle when his or her seat is the seat at the centre aisle? Would he or she not disturb more people by excusing him or herself across an entire row? Then again, I may be just a bit daft in this area.
  • The $99.00 store. No further comment.
  • I do not understand why so many people think that it is “cool” to misspell when naming their business. One example—and I am only stating this one because it is the most recent one that I have come across—is the card store in the City Mall called “Kards” something or the other.
  • I was recently at the doctor’s office and while waiting to be attended to I overheard a conversation between two women. They were talking about different ways of preparing the same dish, a conversation which developed into a discussion on healthy eating alternatives. One of the women indicated that she needs to cut down on her oil intake. The other quickly responded: “Yeah girl, especially wit dis cholesterol that goin’ roun’.” I fought so hard to contain my laughter as I thought, “Hmm, so it’s contagious now huh; interesting…”
  • Have you ever been to the doctor’s office and had to take a test which required a urine sample? You are given a clear cup and sent to do your business. This is very likely nothing to fuss about for the majority of the world, but of course I have something to say on the matter. I am always at a loss as to how much is too much, but I do not want to throw away any in case they make some error or simply run out of urine. My suggestion is that the cups be marked with a line indicating the required volume. What do you think?
  • In my opinion one’s toilet should be sort of a sanctuary where one can go to relax and accomplish what one has set out to do in peace. It should be a place free from any kind of excitement and work. Nothing that goes on in there should cause any amount of worry or stress. Why then do some people feel the need to install their toilet paper dispener BEHIND the toilet?Maybe it’s just me, but that tends to interfere with the smooth flow of things.

I find things that get to me on an almost daily basis, but I only recently started recording them. As I inevitably stumble upon more, they will be added.

-Bless