Georgetown, GINA, January 31, 2004

The New Guyana Marketing Corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock successfully carted off yet another Guyana Nite, this time around in the mining town of Linden.
The event, billed for two nights, got underway on Friday evening at the Mc Kenzie Sports Club Ground. A new facet of the exposition was job stimulation, through the booths set up by the Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP).
Delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony that got off to a late start, Prime Minister, Sam Hinds commended the Agriculture Ministry and the New GMC for taking Guyana Nite to all the regions.
“These events give us an opportunity to showcase the goods and services that we are providing here in Guyana,” stated the Prime Minister. He added that Guyana’s goods and services are improving annually.
Observing that unemployment is a problem in the region, Mr. Hinds said, “ We need to find a way to solve it together.” He urged that an earnest approach be taken by all to facilitate job-creation, so as to find ways to produce food, clothing and shelter, since these represent the basic essentials of life.
Mr. Hinds expressed satisfaction that the Linden Night event demonstrated training opportunities for ventures including farming and mining, and reports for export possibilities.
At the opening ceremony, International Project Manager of LEAP, Kathleen Whalen, noted that LEAP’s role at Linden Night was to bring exhibitors with equipment, ideas, assistance and material to help find new ways to earn income.
In his remarks, Regional Chairman of Region Ten, Mortimer Mingo deemed the exposition “a special treat” and an opportunity to showcase the town’s products and potential.
He said the exhibits bear testimony to the ability of Guyanese to provide a high quality of products ands services for both domestic and export purposes. He urged exhibitors to be vigilant in seeking to create job opportunities in the region, and seize avenues for trade.
Prior to the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Hinds toured the LEAP booths, including the Guyana Geology and Mines jewellery training showcase, Kingdom Apiary, a local honey production company, Farfen and Mendes, Farm Supplies Limited and Brass Aluminium and Cast Iron Foundry (BACIF).
He also visited art and craft booths, the National Dairy Development Programme display, and the Guyana Forestry Commission booth. In their booths, the New GMC and the Guyana Office for Investment were poised to guide the export of local products and services, including non-traditional exports.
The Prime Minister was slated to present approximately fifteen certificates today, to LEAP trainees who successfully underwent schooling in creating business plans, conceptualising new ventures and preparing for the job market.
Linden night ends on Saturday evening.