Guyexpo 2K4 has by most accounts been a success. Record numbers of visitors and exhibitors have come together at Sophia. The marketing of the event spurred the public's interest, and exhibitors this year really took the design of their booths and the presentation of their products seriously. Through this showcase, visitors have seen the creativity of the private sector despite its numerous obstacles. We commend the organisers including Minister Nadir and committee Chairman Keith Burrowes for their work to attract exhibitors and the general public.
But - there must be a but - there are a few things that obviously could have been done better.
The first is basic crowd control. Having a stampede at a trade show is not exactly the way to inspire investor confidence. The management of the gates and the ticket booths was simply inadequate for the large crowds. While organisers could be excused for being caught unawares on Saturday night, by Sunday, adjustments should have been made. But according to at least one letter writer Sunday was also chaotic and it was not until Monday when some potential visitors were already frightened away that police got their act together. Crowd control is not something the police do well, partly because many people have lost respect for the uniform and because some ranks are uncivil and heavy handed.
There was a real danger someone might have been seriously injured or even killed last weekend and that would have made all the organisers' efforts utterly redundant. As it was, many, including children, were terrified. What should have been a pleasant night out turned into a few hours of urban survival.
Many of those who trampled down gates and entered without paying had no interest in looking at Guyana's array of products. It was for them a big lime. Reports on Sunday night talked of numerous people walking around drunk. The crush of people made it almost impossible to seriously look at exhibits, and the huge music sets, all playing their own songs, added to the confusion. The threat of thieves had one visitor walking around with his hands thrust into his pockets.
Efforts to ease traffic congestion around the site and to offer secure parking were inadequate. Access to the ground by vehicle was also a nightmare requiring passing over a narrow wooden bridge crowded with people trying to get in. This raises the larger question of whether Sophia is the right location if such crowds are to return next year.
But we think it would be in the interests of organisers to actually try and reduce the number of visitors so that the experience can be more enjoyable for those who really are coming to see exhibits.
We propose that ticket prices should be raised, and to avoid the crush these could be pre-sold.
We also strongly recommend that alcohol be banned from future shows. Guyexpo should be a family-centred experience in a country where the family is increasingly marginalised in the activities it can enjoy. An alternative would be to create a separate area where the food and drinks activities could be held but an additional fee would be charged to enter the exhibition area. There should also be one afternoon set aside when only businesspersons are admitted and where the serious discussions about purchases and investments can be made in a calm environment.
Guyexpo should be open to all Guyanese but this is primarily a trade fair to showcase Guyana's private sector to local customers and potential investors. Organisers would do well to keep this in mind when planning the next event. It should be less about the number of tickets sold and more about providing a quality experience for all visitors.