GuyExpo’s return supported with $14.5M for repairs at Sophia venue

Guyana’s premier trade fair and exhibition, GuyExpo, is set to make a return this year and the Parliamentary Committee of Supply approved monies for much-needed repairs at the National Exhibition Centre at Sophia, Georgetown.

During the consideration of the estimates for current expenditures at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Opposition Parliamentarian Cathy Hughes questioned why there was a significant increase in the allocation for the maintenance of buildings.

In 2021, that sum was $5.2 million and then in 2022, it was $5.7 million. In the 2023 National Budget, that sum was increased to $15.75 million.

Subject minister Oneidge Walrond said that the increase caters for building works at the ministry’s head office and at the National Exhibition Centre.

Speaking specifically about the National Exhibition Centre, Walrond said $14.5 million is needed for “extensive work” as the country prepares for the “re-hosting of GuyExpo.”

That includes refurbishing the GuyExpo Secretariat and kitchen area, repairs for roof, shed, main stage area and other works.  The remaining $1.2 million is for maintenance work at the head office.

GuyExpo was last held in 2016.