Another successful year for the Rupununi Christmas Fair
A representative from Karasabai receives a trophy from Toshao Patrick Gomes
Held Saturday December 17 at the Market Place in Lethem, Region Nine, the second Rupununi Christmas Fair once more successfully hosted participants from communities across the region – as far away as Awarwanau in Southern Rupununi, Shulinab in South Central, Karasabai from South Pakaraimas, Parishara and Haiowa of Central Rupununi, and Annai from Northern Rupununi.
In response to participants’ requests from last year, the Fair, which started as a Christmas Food Fair, is no longer limited to food products. It is now known as “The Rupununi Christmas Fair”, which now showcases handicrafts and hand-made jewellery as well as traditional medicines and cosmetics, along with food products.
Additional attractions this year included an auction of exclusively designed furniture expertly manufactured to the highest quality by master woodwork instructor, and VSO volunteer, Edwin Doyle, to help raise funds for the Cary Elwes Woodwork Training Centre.
Additionally, there was a drawing competition for children, supervised by talented young local artists, 16-year-old Elton Jovince, and 13-year-old Alina Miller.
Also participating in the event this year were some of the well-known names and stalwarts of high standards and quality of the region such as Rockview Lodge and Savannah Inn.
Praise for the initiative
In his opening remarks, Toshao Patrick Gomes, President of Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group (KMCRG) acknowledged the growing support for the Fair, in particular from the RDC who contributed towards transport for some of the more remote communities, and the Regional Chamber of Commerce (RCCI).
Shaun Persaud, officer-in-charge of the Lethem branch of IPED, who attended the Fair, was impressed by the presence of such a wide variety of participants.
Dr David Singh of Conservation International remarked that the success of the Rupununi Christmas Fair may well hail the beginning of the alliance between communities, business and local government.
Donations for prizes were received from a number of national and local organisations, groups and individuals.
The judges sampling some of the products being offered at a booth during the event
The showpiece at the auction was a chess table with balata figures made by one of Guyana’s most notable indigenous artists, George Tancredo of Nappi village
