Times Guyexpo 2014

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OCTOBER 2 - 5, 2014

Transformation:

Partnering for a Better Guyana Use GuyExpo to create new linkages – Ramotar

GuyExpo grows Guyanese businesses – Ali urges manufacturers to brace for a brighter future

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OCTOBER 2 - 5, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

"Guyana's Premier Trade Fair and Exposition"

By Michael Younge

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resident Donald Ramotar has urged micro, small and medium sized businesses to utilise GuyExpo 2014 as a vehicle to secure and create new linkages that could lead to the expansion and overall profitability of their ventures.

He said once this is done, these businesses can easily become the new drivers of transformation, innovation, and economic development in the country.

Ramotar was at the time speaking during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Times as he endorsed and lauded the overall successes of the trade show over the years. However, the President insisted that despite all of the successes, there was still need for the small and medium-scale businesses to come up with a viable and practical plan aimed at securing a larger portion of the regional and extra-regional market for Guyanese products and services.

“There is a big market for

Guyanese products abroad.

This is so, because, for example, the North American taste has changed with the influx of people from all parts of the globe there.

So this provides our small businesses with the necessary opportunities to thrive if they create linkages,” he said. President Ramotar also underscored the important role that his Government plays in facilitating these linkages through initiatives such as GuyExpo, although insisting that the Private Sector play a bigger role. He pointed to the progress made

in the development of new and emerging sectors within the spectrum of the manufacturing industry.

Cheaper energy

The President highlighted the gains made in the productive sector as of late, explaining quite pointedly the need for diversification, especially with regard to agricultural produce. “As we progress, we have to actively consider building and strengthening our productive and manufacturing sectors,” he reiterated.

Ramotar wasted no time in plugging the need for cheaper and reliable energy, which will see more investments in the sectors. He again stated Government’s commitment towards the development of hydropower as a mechanism to lower production and manufacturing costs. “The Amalia Hydro Power Project is still on track… in addition to this, we are now looking at solar wind electricity,” he remarked, explaining that while all of this is being done, no effort will be spared in keeping a close eye on the environment.

He admitted that despite these challenges, GuyExpo remains impressive because of the manner in which it is presented to the public and the amount of business that is done during and after the exposition.

President Ramotar also expressed the desire to see more investments by local manufacturing businesses in the utilisation of newer types of materials to boost existing and traditional sectors. He did not rule out the possibility of these new materials themselves also creating new industries, with emphasis being placed on value added production and the creation of jobs.

Innovation and competition

“It is in the Private Sector’s interest and our interest that we fashion a renewed partnership that will utilise GuyExpo to impact several macroeconomic fundamentals of our country as far as doing business here and further afield is concerned.”

The President lauded the team of professionals and experts that are working very hard behind the scenes to

pull of the mega event. He specifically noted the efforts of the Co-Chairman Irfaan Ali who is the acting Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister.

The event continues to receive recognition because of the simple fact it not only offers Guyanese businesses a unique experience at trying out their productive energies, but it also creates a level platform for “innovation and competition in various sectors”.

GuyExpo is now a national event and takes a permanent place on the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry’s Annual Calendar of Events. This trade and investment activity is usually held in September.

As one would expect, the exposition, a part of the fabric of local life since 1994, provides the foundation and promotion platform for both local and foreign businesses: importers, exporters, retailers, and wholesalers. It fuses together a wide crosssection of producers of handicraft, furniture, garments, jewellery, as well as exhibits on horticulture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, information technology and most of all, our culture.

This ideal setting provides the opportunity for businesses to increase their competitiveness and efficiency, and foster growth.

The trade fair offers business associates the opportunity to meet, network and negotiate with international companies and establishments, as well as showcase their skills, talents, and creative works.

The expo, one of the first attempts at staging a national exhibition that brings the lucrative Guyanese markets, well-known businesses and customers to the same venue, has blossomed into one of the most prestigious events on the local calendar, particularly for Guyana’s developing tourism industry.

OCTOBER 2 - 5, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

"Guyana's Premier Trade Fair and Exposition"

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OCTOBER 2 - 5, 2014 | guyanatimeSGY.com

"Guyana's Premier Trade Fair and Exposition"

By Michael Younge

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cting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali says GuyExpo grows Guyanese businesses while offering them a chance to play a more pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the country.

He said that it was important to understand the link between the large-scale trade and exposition show and the buoyancy of new and existing small, medium and largescale businesses as far as fashioning a new developmental culture is concerned.

“Guyana is placed at a very important and strategic aspect of our advancement where transformation is essential. We have to consistently look for avenues, like GuyExpo, that will embolden our efforts to achieve growth, sustainable development and economic viability,” Ali said.

The Minister said this can only be possible if all stakeholders adopt a hands-on approach.

He said there can be no doubt in anyone’s mind that development is taking place in all sectors of Guyana’s economy as a result of the massive investments that are being made by the Government.

Ali said that GuyExpo was playing its role, in providing the local Private Sector with a platform to showcase their products and services in a manner that is appealing to all

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali

target audiences.

He noted that the more than 400 businesses participating in this year’s GuyExpo will have the opportunity to grow while “sinking” their teeth into some of the most lucrative markets, as thousands of Guyanese converge at the Sophia Exhibition Site.

“We want to do business. We want companies to seal deals and for more and more linkages to be established that would pave the way for our vision and goals for the local private sector to become accomplished.

This is not about simply showcasing our products and services; it’s about doing business and attracting new investment,” he said sternly.

The acting Tourism Minister said that he was conscious of the excess liquidity that was floating around the economy that emanated from the construction, mining and other better performing industries, and the need to tap into it.

“At this year’s GuyExpo, we are hoping to promote Guyana, Guyanese products as far as possible while encouraging the promotion of modern products that Guyana does not have, but would, however, be applicable to our situation here,” he said.

Already, scores of investors are on board with the aim of tapping into the Guyanese market as advertisements and public relations campaigns continue to promote the event in Canada, the United States of America, and several other developed countries.

As a matter of fact, Ali informed the Guyana Times that close to 100 overseas buyers and investors were already confirmed for the mega event at September month-end. Included in this group are delegations and businessmen from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, the USA, Brazil, China and India.

“We are hoping that this GuyExpo can really open up the investment opportunities for Guyana while creating markets for our local producers,” Ali noted.

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"Guyana's Premier Trade Fair and Exposition"

By Alexis Rodney

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uyana’s largest trade and investment exposition – GuyExpo – continues to be a vehicle for growth and development for businesses in and out of Guyana, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Persaud, said.

Persaud said the event, which is now the longest sustained exhibition in the Caribbean showcasing locally produced goods and services, opens the door for major expansion. “And so as Chairman of the Commission, I, therefore, speak on behalf of the many private business owners in Guyana and the overriding view of GuyExpo by these, is that it presents a unique opportunity to showcase and grow their businesses.”

According to Persaud, GuyExpo acts as a “business incubator” for many, since they are able to source new suppliers, markets, and customers, and are provided with an opportunity to gain valuable experience in how to best present their products and services.

Asked about ways through which local businesses, or any business, can take advantage of the annual GuyExpo, the Chairman stated that the exposition has been attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually in recent years. And given the size of Guyana’s population, he noted, it has become a vast customer base, one that businesses cannot afford to ignore.

Apart from local potential customers, the exposition also attracts foreign visitors who are on the look-out for opportunities to invest, to purchase and to become involved in joint ventures. “Linkages can be created through GuyExpo to potential partners, suppliers and customers.

Ultimately, the success of businesses that exhibit at GuyExpo depends on their ability to present products and services to their best advantage,” Persaud said.

Overwhelmingly positive He explained that the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry has just completed a survey which sought to determine the experiences of exhibi-

Private Sector Commission Chairman

tors. The response from repeat exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive, he related, with them crediting the success and growth of their businesses to their participation. As one business owner said, “The money I earned from GuyExpo was able to pay the rent for my business and it grew

from there.”

The Chairman said the Private Sector is integrally involved with the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry in a partnership to produce GuyExpo, since it is from the Private Sector, nationally and internationally, that the exhibitors are drawn. Many

large private companies, he related, also act as sponsors for the exposition, thereby facilitating it and the “ancillary benefits to smaller businesses”. This year, major businesses, including Banks DIH, GT&T, and ANSA McAL, are sponsoring the exhibition.

However, he related that while many larger and more well-established companies exhibit at GuyExpo, the primary focus is on small and medium-sized enterprises which tend to benefit most from the exposition. Persaud said the PSC, an apex body which represents not only private companies but also sectoral organisations such as Chambers of Commerce and other business associations, represents a wide cross-section of businesses in Guyana, including a large number of small and medium sized enterprises.

Growth of exhibitors GuyExpo, which was first launched in 1995, became an annual event in 2004. Two years ago, just over 300 exhibitors participated in the exhibition, Persaud said.

This year, over 400 are expected, with 56 international booths and some 70 delegates expected from 10 countries. Countries from which delegates are expected this year include Argentina, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan and many Caribbean neighbours.

This premier exposition and trade fair offers business associates the opportunity to meet, network and negotiate with international companies and establishments, as well as showcase their skills, talents and creative works.

This annual event provides a platform for both local and foreign businesses: importers, exporters, retailers, and wholesalers.

It fuses together a wide cross-section of producers of handicraft, furniture, garments, jewellery; as well as horticulture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, information technology and most of all, our culture.

This ideal setting provides the opportunity for businesses to increase their competitiveness and efficiency and foster growth.

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"Guyana's Premier Trade Fair and Exposition"

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hile investment in Guyana’s interior locations over the years had blossomed with large projects from both foreign and local businesses, the lack of reliable Internet connectivity had been a major setback. But now, with the recent launch of Global Technology iNet satellite service, residents believe that it is the antidote for their communication ills.

The company, which was launched earlier this year, has been providing satellite Internet at amazing speeds to hundreds of mining camps and logging sites. iNet Communications has already deployed IP Easy for a number of key users, apart from those in the natural resources sector. iNet provides capacity on 37 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, Pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet Service Providers, enterprises and Government agencies, among them defence agencies.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) military bases already had terminals installed at four major remote locations in the Amazon

Jungle – connecting them to the main base in order to provide Internet access for the first time to sol-

diers in remote locations in the Amazonian jungle. The tourism sector has also been a major client, especially re-

mote resorts.

Speaking to Guyana Times, Communications

the iNet Chief

cess such as the interior and other remote areas.

Melville said: “The interior has basically explod-

The iNet Communications Booth at GuyExpo 2014

iNet Chief Executive Officer George Melville

Executive Officer George Melville explained that because the data is transferred by way of satellite, it works at optimum in the interior locations. Melville underscored that notwithstanding that fact, data transfer in the city and its environs still outmatches that of the other service providers here in Guyana, both with respect to cost and quality. The company has a number of residential and commercial clients in the city.

Boosting broadband access

The CEO explained that while iNet is not leaving out the coastal areas, the primary target areas are those that do not have Internet ac-

ed in terms of business... the interior is where all the business is happening, and if you look at the coverage maps from other providers, you will see that iNet covers Guyana affordably and comfortably – iNet really opens up the entire interior – a major communication improvement… we are really proud of being the only telecommunications provider offering the fastest broadband speeds in Guyana.”

The CEO pointed out that the set-up of the service usually takes a minimum of two hours.

“So far, we have done installations in all the regions except for Region Two, but we have some outstanding

quotations for Region Two… our technicians go out to the site, install dish, install everything, testing and make sure everything is perfect before they leave,” Melville stated.

It was noted that the company can also provide Internet service to mobile infrastructure especially since it does not need a telephone line. Through its licensed telecommunications provider, iNet Communications, Global Technology commenced offering Internet connectivity with download speeds ranging from 512 kilobytes per second (Kbps) to 10 Megabytes per second (Mbps) in early September.

Global Technology selected the IP Easy satellite broadband service provided

by Eutelsat Communications (Paris: ETL) to accelerate access to broadband across Guyana. Eutelsat operates IP Easy in the Region using the high-performance EUTELSAT 8 West A satellite. The IP Easy service provided by Eutelsat uses Newtec’s Sat3Play(R) VSAT Broadband Platform including its broadband hub, MDM2200 IP satellite modems, antennas and interactive LNBs. The first IP Easy installation was successfully completed at the New River Triangle base, with the remaining installations to be shortly completed.

The service is ideal for customers operating in locations where satellites are the only route to connectivity and, despite heavy rainfall in the region served by Global Technology, there have been no service disruptions.

Eutelsat’s Chief Commercial and Development Officer Michel Azibert has said that “Global Technology’s choice of IP Easy, which follows the path chosen last year by Caribsat in the French West Indies and French Guiana, demonstrates EUTELSAT 8 West A’s prime positioning over the Region and the alignment of the service with user requirements.

“We are delighted to share our expertise with iNet Communications and to lift the obstacles to quality Internet experience faced by users beyond terrestrial broadband.”

The Global Technology Group is a privately held technology solutions provider that comprises three companies: iNet Communications (acquired in 2013); Global Technology Inc; and Global Services Inc. iNet Communications is a licensed telecommunications provider in Guyana, specialising in designing, installing and actively managing large data networking solutions for Government agencies.

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"Guyana's Premier Trade Fair and Exposition"

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igicel, as it brings world-class telecommunications service to 31 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Oceania, said it will raise the bar of telecommunications in Guyana when liberalisation occurs.

In November 2013, the Telecommunications Bill 2012, which was tabled by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in the National Assembly, was committed to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee for review. However, 11 months later, the bill, which will make possible the liberalisation of the Telecommunications Sector, remains with the Committee.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, Digicel Guyana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gregory Dean expressed dissatisfaction that two years after the Telecommunications Bill would have been laid in the National Assembly, it is yet to be debated and passed.

“We are very disappointed and frustrated,” he said, as he underscored the importance of liberalisation.

According to him,

Guyana continues to lag behind as the rest of the Caribbean and the world at large continue to advance in the world of technology and telecommunication.

“Guyana is the only country in the English-speaking Caribbean that does not have a 3G (3rd Generation) or faster mobile phone service,” Dean said as he painted a picture of the country’s mobile services.

3G refers to a networking stand in cellphone technology that is capable of

providing high-speed data service to mobile devices.

Guyana is still utilising 2nd Generation (2G) technology, while other nations have advanced to 4G networks.

Breaking the telecommunications monopoly in Guyana would allow Digicel to bring Guyanese up to speed with the rest of the world, Dean said.

“In terms of Internet penetration rates, you know we are hovering somewhere way below the 10 per cent mark… when you look at

surveys and benchmarks showing Guyana against the Caribbean and even Latin American countries you can see that in terms of access to broadband services, we have very low penetration and we come very low in those benchmarks; in terms of speed of service we are very low,” he further explained.

Broadband is necessity According to the Digicel CEO, broadband should no longer be seen as a luxury

but a necessity. As the international company eyes the possibility of liberalisation in the near future, Dean said it has plans to expand its services to meet the needs of the Guyanese people.

“Definitely we would want to run our own fibre (optic cable) in Guyana; we are looking to expand into the landline and Internet zone, business solution services. We want to be a full communications player; we are not interested in just being a mobile phone provider,” Dean further explained.

With the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) holding the monopoly on landline and international calls, other companies, such as Digicel, are mandated to access such services through GT&T. He said the local staff of Digicel stands ready to be trained in the new and emerging areas that could bring Guyana on par with the rest of the world. As Digicel expands its operation, Dean said, additional staff would be a prerequisite.

But Digicel has not only

been campaigning for the Telecommunications Sector to be liberalised, it has participated in consultation with the Parliamentary Special Select Committee to review the Bill.

The Bill has been crafted to allow for an open and competitive telecommunications sector, thereby breaking the monopoly currently being held by the GT&T. This means that additional telecommunication companies would be licensed and regularised.

However, days before the National Assembly went into recess in July, the Prime Minister though expressing optimism that the Bill would be passed before the end of the year, explained that there are at least five more meetings which must be held before the Bill leaves the Committee.

He confirmed that Digicel Guyana and GT&T had appeared before the Committee, submitting various proposals and recommendations, but explained the documents have to be scrutinized by the committee members.

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"Guyana's Premier Trade Fair and Exposition"

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ver the next four days close to 100,000 patrons are expected to flock the National Exhibition Site, Sophia for Guyana’s biggest exposition and trade fair hence the Police are making sure that all security arrangements are in place to maintain peace and order.

A Division (Georgetown) Commander Clifton Hicken, in a recent interview with Guyana Times, disclosed that

over the past years, member of the Guyana Police Force have been working acidulously to make sure that there were no breaches at the venue which saw thousands of people from all walks of life rubbing shoulders.

For this exemplary work, they have been commended by the acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali but they are not allowing this to distract them from their obligations to the

public, which is to serve and protect.

As such, he announced that one of the new features that will be implemented at this year’s event is a Perimeter Anti Crime Patrol Unit. He explained that Police ranks will be placed at strategic locations around the venue to prevent person scaling the fences to get access to the venue.

He has given stern instructions on how to deal with the

law breakers if caught. He added too that other Police ranks in and out of uniform will be among the patrons as a precautionary mechanism.

The Commander also divulged that a particular area will be earmarked so that licensed firearm holders can lodge their weapons since no firearms will be allowed in the venue. This facility will be manned by senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

Hicken noted that as persons lodge their firearms, they will be placed in a secure area and later returned to the rightful owner once the relevant stub is submitted.

He noted that one of the major challenges during the exposition is the traffic buildup which is mainly causes by patrons parking their vehicles in no parking areas or in a haphazard manner. This, he noted, will not be the case this year.

There will be two tow trucks removing those vehicles that are parked badly. Those vehicles, he added, will be taken to the nearest police station.

He is cognisant that the Expo is increasing in size on a yearly basis and the Police will also increase their workforce for a smooth event.

Meanwhile, GuyExpo Safety and Security Manager Johnny Mortley posited that the Exhibition Site’s internal security comprises about 225 personnel. These men and woman, he noted, are tasked with making sure that the exhibitors booths are protected during and after the Expo and more so, controlling the crowd that is expected to pack the venue.

He also noted that there will be five parking lots available during the four-day event including the North A&B that caters for general parking; the exhibitors park, which will only accommodate exhibitors; and the parking area for officials.

These parking facilities can hold up to 1500 vehicles. In addition to those parking areas, there will be the spillover

parking along the roadway in the exhibition centre. This can accommodate another 200 vehicles.

During the four nights as well, Mortley added that members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) will be on site in case of an emergency. They will be backed by a tender at site.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) will also have a crew at the National Exhibition Centre to deal with any electrical difficulties that may arise during the exhibition.

With respect to health and emergency services, the Ministry of Health will have three medical outlets at the Exhibition to deal with emergencies. If the situation is more than they can handle, the patient will be medevacked to the Georgetown Public Hospital by an ambulance that will be stationed at the site.

There will also be members of the Mayor and City Council Hygiene Department to make sure that the food handlers are certified to prepare and sell food to the public. The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will also make sure the there is potable and portable water by erecting several overhead tanks at strategic locations.

Mortley noted that they are working with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and other private disposal companies to make sure that garbage is disposed of properly. He reiterated that they have learnt from the previous exhibitions and would want to see this being executed to international standard.

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"Guyana's Premier Trade Fair and Exposition"

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roviding customers with the latest technology at affordable prices is the formula behind the success of Electronic City.

Despite being a fairly new addition to the crowded electronic marketplace, the company has managed to build a name for itself and a customer base that continues to ensure that it succeeds against the odds.

Four years ago, Preeta Mangar and her husband, Ameir Ahmad, decided to pool their resources and build a multi-complex for convenient shopping. With her background in cosmetics and fashion and his expertise in electronics, they knew it was going to be a

and services to customers at the lowest price possible, because we want a fast turnover. We want to keep them happy and keep them coming back.”

According to Mangar, with this strategy, they do not benefit from large profit margins as their competitors do. This is not their only disadvantage, she said, adding that because they have only been around for a few years, they are still trying to prove themselves in the local market.

Pricing strategy “We are not known as a lot of the other stores, we have only been around four years, so to get ourselves out there and into

Customers checking out the products in Electronic City

success.

They initially began selling cellphones; however, over the years, they expanded and began offering other electronics including televisions, computers and stereo systems from top brands like Apple, Samsung, Sony, Nokia, LG and RCA for which they are the authorised retailer.

Mangar explained that since there are so many businesses offering similar products, they wanted to sell the items at lower prices in order to be competitive, so instead of making more money from a single product, they are focused on faster turnover.

“We have the lowest prices on our products and we do this to try and keep customers not just happy but keep customers coming back to us knowing that we have good prices. So instead of selling one product for $100, we rather sell five and make $20 that would amount to the $100. This is the only way that we see to keep in the game, we want to provide the products

the market, we have to do something to capture the attention of the customers and that is where the low prices came from. Also with our different concept for most Guyanese business, we want to try and have a faster turnover we don’t like products to be left long for it to sit on the shelf and get old, we rather get rid of it make a few dollars and turn it over faster than usual.”

She noted that this concept has allowed her company to see success, with a lot of satisfied return customers and this is what really drives them to keep going and keep getting bigger and expanding all the time. “This is what is working for us,” the businesswoman said.

Mangar has rubbished the allegations that her business is engaged in the sale of fake cell phone devices. She said that their products are 100 per cent authentic and customers have come to this realisation. turn to page 25

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ith the prevalence of fake items dominating the local market, Gizmos and Gadgets has prided itself on the fact that it has been providing Guyanese with authentic products for more than 10 years.

The electronic store offers some of the top brands such as Nokia, Toshiba, Sharp, Sony and Samsung.

It is also the sole authorised retailer of Blu brands and has created their own brand of electronic devices called Gizmo.

the devices, we choose many times not to willingly inform them, because many of them become hostile when we tell them and you really can’t blame them, because most of them had paid the full price for the devices at other dealers and they feel that they spend this money and what they have is authentic, so we have chosen not to inform them ‘cause of their reaction. We simply tell them we can’t repair their devices.”

The proprietor explained that sometimes it is diffi-

Proprietor Ravi Mangar said being in the retail business for 13 years, Gizmos and Gadgets has built an image and garnered a customer base that continues to enjoy top authentic brands, particularly referring to the Samsung devices which have come under a lot of scrutiny of late. He pointed out that the problem of fake phones has been going on for several years and he was surprised that it was only now being put on the front burner.

Mangar said that approximately 80 per cent of Samsung products that are sold in Guyana are not authentic. “We know this for a fact because we have a repair department, where we repair various cellphones on a daily basis and we see a large quantity of fake Samsung cellphones being brought in for repairs.”

“The problem we have is when we have to tell the customers the truth about

cult to tell when phones are fake until they are opened.

Mangar further stated that contrary to what people are told, there is really no way to verify the authenticity of Samsung devices online using the IMEI number, since the fake phones will also have the same serial number as the real ones.

He pointed out that there are many physical features that can be looked at to determine the authenticity of a Samsung cellphone such as parts of the phone and apps that only the original devices will have. He revealed that the Samsung Galaxy S4s and S5s smartphones are mostly the ones with clones on the local market.

The businessman claimed that the fake phones are often purchased by sellers for as low as $20,000 and resold for the regular price of the real ones, that is, between a $120,000 and $150,000. turn to page 28

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ver the past years, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T) has had its way at GuyExpo, attracting thousands of customers to its booth with superb deals.

This year will be no different with the giant going all out to make sure that customers are satisfied with every purchase at GuyExpo 2014 (October 2-5) at the Sophia Exhibition Site. At the booth this year, one of the main features will be Mobile Money’s Shopping Service Promotion, an innovation in the telecommunication sector.

The “MMG Shop N Go” will soon be giving away over $400,000 in prizes for the just-concluded Big Rewards Promotion.

During that promotion, Mobile Money customers got a chance to WIN every time they shopped $1000 or more at any of the MMG Merchants countrywide.

Firstly, every shopper got $100 FREE C-Point instantly, every time they made a purchase over of $1000 during the promotional period. However, although this promotion has concluded, customers will be given a chance to register for the MMG Shop N Go service and win fabulous prizes, including FREE C-Point credit and many more at GuyExpo. Once you would have made a purchase using the new service, just represent the text to any agent

at the booth and get a gift instantly. Persons can call 0664 for more info. MMG; it’s as easy as *123#!!!

In addition, GT&T will offer great deals and distribute free gifts with every purchase of a DSL service, nano and micro SIMs, Mobile Money and MyAccount signups. These SIM cards can be bought at Gizmos and Gadgets, CellPhone Shack and the Golyn and Sons booths at GuyExpo. With these purchases, customers will win promotional credit. Also, customers can purchase a nano or micro SIM from GT&T’s booth and get free data and free promotion credit.

Moreover, there will be specials on DSL services. For instance, the DSL Lite Pak for $9500 also includes a standard modem and one month free data. When you purchase a standard Pak for $14,500, it gets you one standard modem, one month of 1MB data and if customers purchase the Wireless Pak for $20,000, they will benefit from one wireless modem and one month 1MB data.

Finally, customers can participate in the Daily Happy Hour where they are sure to get free credit as they top up at the telephone company’s booth or any of its agents around the exhibition site.

The times for the Happy Hour will be announced at the venue. Now those were a few reasons to visit the GT&T Booth or any of their agents during GuyExpo, but there will be other surprises that cannot be let out of the bag just yet…

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carred but unfazed.

Under strain but undefeated. The saga of Comfort Sleep this year has been one of triumph over circumstances, as it continues to provide Guyanese with the best quality mattress products.

Through the hard work, determination and commitment of family and staff, Guyana’s leading mattress business, which, over the past year, suffered two devastating fires that not only left millions in damage but the owner in despair and frustration, has emerged stronger.

Backed by his support network, including die-

hard customers, the owner, Dennis Charran, forged ahead and did not allow the setbacks to break his spirit.

“Our loyal customers had confidence in us to rebuild in order to provide them with our high-quality products and excellent service,” he reiterated.

It was not an easy process, but Charran persevered, ordering and importing machines which took time and money. He wanted to erect a structure with the necessary mechanisms to prevent future mishaps and endangerment of his business, workers and ultimately himself.

With all that in his head,

his focus was to have the business back in operations as soon as possible. After a few months, he was pleased to announce that his business located at Lot 49 Eccles Industrial Estates was up running. During its reconstruction, business was being conducted a separate location.

“The staff and I work tirelessly to make Comfort Sleep the number one choice for mattress in Guyana. During the process of rebuilding, we worked through weekends and long work days to get operations ready for our grand opening,” Charran said in an interview. turn to page 28

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n this rapidly growing technological age, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) said it stands ready to meet the needs of the diverse Guyanese populace as the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Sector evolves.

Being in operation for more than 24 years, GT&T said it takes comfort in the fact that it can easily diagnose the local market. “We will continue to lead Guyana’s telecoms sector even after the introduction of competition,” GT&T Chief Executive Officer (CEO) RK Sharma said.

In anticipation of greater competition, the telephone giant has moved to deploy a deepsea fibre-optic cable in addition to an all-IP domestic terrestrial network. These developments will become significant assets moving forward, the CEO said. He said if a telecommunications company is to futureproof its network, the network ought to be made data-centric rather than voice-centric.

“Looking around the Caribbean and beyond, it is clear too that fibre-technologies (like Fibre to the Home (FTTH), the curb, etc) will be in great demand...

GT&T currently has a Fibre to the Home trial project on the West Bank of Demerara. This is a Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) and we hope to be providing commercial services via this network very soon,” Sharma explained.

On the mobile side of the business, the CEO said his company has deployed a second generation (2G) GSM network; however, the telecommunication company is cognisant of the fact that it is well placed to follow the migration path to Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE is the future of mobile broadband services. Nevertheless, using its 2G GSM network, the company will be exploring new smartphones, which may support functional and exciting applications, Sharma said.

“However, the issue is not so much the handsets but rather the network technology which supports certain handsets. For example, a Long Term Evolution handset would be of little use to you in the absence of a live LTE network,” he explained.

He further added, “Our GSM network makes the migration to LTE a natural course of action going forward. In fact, this is a migration which might have already taken place if we were able to obtain the appropriate spectrum at reasonable charges.”

Teledensity

Since its birth in 1991, GT&T has made every effort to increase telephone penetration. According to the CEO, the data is there to prove it, pointing out that in the area of wire line service, GT&T has raised Guyana’s teledensity from under two per cent in 1990 to 20.6 per cent to date.

“The fact is that the current wire line teledensity still understates the reality because it does not reflect our deployment of the rural radio service (which operates off of numerous wire line exchanges) to various rural and hinterland communities like Santa Cruz; Wakapau

GT&T Chief Executive Officer (CEO) RK Sharma

(Charity); Kwebanna (Charity); Acquero (Charity); Horsororo (Mabaruma); Matthews Ridge, Mabura Road; and Yakusari (Benab),” he pointed out.

In the area of mobile service, Sharma said thus far neither of the two operators within the sector has provided 100 per cent coverage, but each operator covers in excess of 90 per cent of the population.

“It is important to remember too that the telecoms market will shortly be open to full competition. Based on the draft legislation, all stakeholders are aware that in that new dispensation, new licences will be issued. All of the provisions in the Act will ensure greater national service coverage and the likelihood that all communities across Guyana will receive service based on operators’ business plans and the expected implementation of Universal Access Fund which will subsidise rural rollouts,” he said.

Questioned about plans in place to cushion the impact of the breaking of the company’s monopoly, Sharma in response said “it (the monopoly) mostly exists on paper”.

He explained that GT&T has an exclusive operating licence and an agreement with the Government of Guyana to provide, among other things, public, radio and pay station telephony, national and international voice and data transmission services, and switched and non-switched private line services. However, he contended that both the licence and the agreement have been honoured mostly in the breach.

“There is widespread bypass of GT&T’s international facilities which is undermining the company’s ability to subsidise domestic services provision, as contemplated in GT&T’s licence and the GOG/ ATN [Government of Guyana/ Atlantic Tele-Network – GT&T’s parent company] Agreement. We have been battling bypass singlehandedly for the longest while because of insufficient monitoring of what is taking place in the sector and insufficient enforcement of the laws and regulations,” he explained.

He further explained that the company has also been battling with foreign bypass of GT&T’s international facilities in the form of Over-the-Top service providers such as Skype, Google Voice, Viber, Talktone, Whatsapp, Blackberry and iMessage among others. He said none of these providers contribute to network building in Guyana but are creaming off its business.

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everal high-profile companies in Guyana demonstrated their support for the nation’s premier trade fair and exposition, handing over more than $18 million in total to assist Government in hosting the event.

ANSA McAL Limited; Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T); E-Networks; Digicel Guyana; Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL); and Global Technology; Banks DIH; Courts Guyana Inc; Continental Group of Companies; the National Communications Network (NCN); Impressions and Party Rentals are among the sponsors of this year’s exposition.

GuyExpo Co-Chair, acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali applauded the longstanding supporters and Corum Distribution and Shangri-La that are contributing for the very first time.

The companies praised GuyExpo, as one of the most successful trade fairs in the Caribbean.

According to the corporate donors, the annual event creates the perfect opening for the business community to have firsthand interaction with the masses.

“We see GuyExpo as an excellent opportunity to meet old and new customers who are often times eager to learn about what we have to offer. It allows for that one-on-one interaction,” ANSA McAL Public Relations Officer Darshanie Yusuf told reporters minutes after handing over a symbolic cheque for $2.6 million to Minister Ali. During the four-day exposition, which is set to commence on Thursday with a grand opening ceremony, ANSA McAL will have on show its “House” in which all of its products will be highlighted.

GT&T, which pledged

ANSA McAL PRO Darshanie Yusuf handing over the cheque to acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali at the Sophia Exhibition Centre

$3 million to the exposition and was described

by Minister Ali as one of the most dynamic sponsors, said it was present since the commencement of GuyExpo back in 1994 at the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School and will continue to offer its support.

During this year’s trade fair, GT&T will be promoting its DSL Services. At the GT&T Village, spectators would have access to

free WiFi, in addition to great opportunities that can see them walking away with fascinating prices.

“The response encourages us to come back every year,” Global Technology Chief Executive Officer George Melville noted. His company, which will be participating in GuyExpo for the fifth time, contributed $1 million. Global Technology will be promoting particularly its iNet Satellite Internet Service.

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"Guyana's Premier Trade Fair and Exposition"

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ver the next four days, the Sophia Exhibition Site will see more than 100,000 patrons hustling and bustling, trying to cash in on the great deals that will be offered by almost all the businesses on display.

Hence, Digicel Guyana Inc will be leaving no stone unturned as it is already geared to deal with the huge influx of patrons visiting their booths. Apart from the hospitable staff and brand ambassadors including Michelle “Big Red” King, DJ Casual, Selector Face and National Cyclist Alanzo Greaves, there will

be fabulous offers to knock you off your feet.

Firstly, everyone who visits the Digicel booth at the event will benefit from various prizes and will also have an opportunity to strike a pose with the brand ambassadors. Then, those who wish to purchase a handset will also win special prizes. Customers who purchase any Android smartphone that is on display will have a chance to win even bigger prizes.

The prices for phones have not been released, but based on previous GuyExpos, prices will be slashed in a massive way.

The gifts that are up for grabs will be free data services and interesting gadgets that will stimulate your mind to purchase more than one device. These handsets

are pretty new on the market with all the best features to suit everyone.

And with the expansion of the Digicel Network throughout the length and

breadth of Guyana, getting your own smartphone should be a priority. Staff of the phone company will also be handy to explain the new way to top up your mobile devices whether BlackBerry, iPhone or Samsung. This system will be integrated into one where any smartphone users will just dial #136# to top up. Talking about top up, once customers “top up”, they can win credit equivalent to their purchases.

Remember, new handset owners will benefit from the best data service that Digicel offers and once you activate a data plan, the

next month will be absolutely free. While there are more exciting offers are on the table, Digicel officials remained tight-lipped.

Nevertheless, sneaking around to get information on what the last night at the booth would entail confirmed suspicions that something big would go down. Last year, patrons walked away with smartphones, Samsung devices and other great prizes apart from the usual hats, bandanas, umbrellas, bags, and water bottles. Be sure to visit the Digicel Guyana Inc booth to cash in on the great offers.

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"Guyana's Premier Trade Fair and Exposition"

Natural Black

Iwer George

Jackie Hanover

he 20th edition of Guyana’s biggest exposition and trade fair gets under way on Thursday evening with a gala opening ceremony where it is expected that President Donald Ramotar will deliver the feature address.

There will also be addresses by Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali and top-ranking officials from the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

ceremony, there will be touring of the more than 400 international, regional and local booths.

But, the party kicks start on Friday evening at the main stage area of the National Exhibition Site, Sophia. It will be lights, camera and action as the top Guyanese artistes performed at an event called “Guyana on Show”.

The event, designed to promote and showcase local talents

The heat will increase on Friday evening when Banks DIH hosts its Guinness Arthur Night Concert featuring Guyanese reggae sensation Natural Black. Jackie Hanover and Kwasi “Ace” number among the other locals expected to perform at the Guinness event that will engage the crowd to the fullest.

There will be specials on the night as well and patrons can win fabulous prizes. from page 24

T

Jigga TC

A number of cultural presentations from various groups will entertain and educate the gathering. As usual, patrons and special invitees will witness a spectacular fireworks display which will be executed by the Guyana Defence Force.

Immediately after the opening

Sammy Baksh

in Guyana, will feature the likes of Sammy Baksh, Sash Persaud, Winston Caesar, Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson and other artistes that will rock the stage. Dancers from the Crystallite and Nrityageet dance troupes will also take to the stage to entertain the audience.

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Entertainment galore from page 24

There will also be Guinness specials all night.

Music and lighting will be provided by Traveller’s Sound System.

On Sunday evening, patrons will be blown away as Stag hosts its Stag Soca Concert. This concert will feature Super Jigga TC and Iwer George from Trinidad and Tobago. The two artistes are known for their energetic performance.

Jigga TC, known among his peers and fans as Super Jigga TC – The King of Swag, is the voice behind the popular “Action” and has been in the entertainment business for more than 10 years. He has tune after tune among them “Do Yuh Thing”, “I Feel”, “Wuk” and “Boot Camp”.

While “D Boss”, Iwer George exploded onto the scene in 1987 with the runaway favourite “Boom Boom Time”, which went on to place second in Trinidad and Tobago’s Road March Competition, and later the same year, he took home the coveted Nation Building Calypso award with “Times Hard, Hold Tight”.

Since his controversial debut on the Soca music scene, he has been perhaps the most successful artiste of the Jump and

Wave theme, with hits such as “Yes Iwer,” “Jump and Dunk”, “Ah Reading”, “Carnival Come Back Again”, “Gimme Ah Bligh”, and “We Reach”.

These two artistes along with Jackie Hanover will definitely heat up the stage.

ANSA McAL has definitely gone big again this year. In addition to the culminating Stag festivities, on Thursday night, the company will be promoting Carib Beer, while on Friday, the evening hours will be Mackenson Night, and Saturday, Heineken Night.

At the Soca Party, patrons will also be given the opportunity to win prizes from the “STAG COMMAND CENTRE” Promotion and obviously, there will be lots of giveaways.

Apart from all the concerts and performances, there will be several private bars on site such as Gravity Lounge and 704 Bar. When you are thinking food, think big since there will be several booths to satisfy your every need.

Whether you are looking for Chinese dishes, Creole, Indian or just something to munch on, it will be found at GuyExpo 2014.

Keeping customers... from page 11

“A lot of people were coming to check their phones, because they had doubt in their minds. Every single customer found that their phone was genuine, so I would say within two days this entire thing blew over.

I would not doubt that it did cause some trouble to the image of the store, because it would linger in people’s mind… but we are fine and our sales are great. I think we acted right away to get it out there that the article is fabricated and it really helped and a lot of people are aware of the issue now.”

Electronic City also offers excellent after-sale services which includes one-year warranty on all electronics.

Apart from the electronic store, the complex, which is located on Sheriff Street, also houses a cosmetic store, a clothing centre, two fast food outlets and a jewellery store. However, only the electronic, cosmetic and clothing stores are owned by Mangar and her husband.

“We wanted to build more of a shopping complex to merge everything together so that customers can come one place and get everything that they need… and since we were doing electronics, cosmetics, clothing and they are doing jewellery, to mix it up a little and make it a mini mall basically where customers can get everything they wanted at one location.”

Meanwhile, as it relates to the cosmetic store, Rouge, it is the biggest store for the Mac brand of cosmetics along with the LA line of cosmetics, the Clinique skin care line and the recently-introduced Safora line.

In addition, the latest fragrances for both males and females are available, and other accessories such as bags, wallets, watches and sunglasses. Rouge is the authorised retailer of Raybans sunglasses which they offer alongside the Prada, Versace, Raphael Lauren, Couch and Guess brands.

The proprietress said that Rouge is more of a luxury store that has available a wide variety of products. “I don’t carry one or two products and you don’t have to wait weeks before it comes back. I’m always well stocked… I think that is one of the main reasons why customers keep coming back.”

Regarding the clothing store – Twenty 21 – it only sells the Forever 21 line of products; hence, the name.

While the store is not an authorised retailer of Forever 21, it has products that are strictly from distributors in the United States and keeps up to date with new trends as they happen.

“I think a lot of girls between 18 to maybe 30 are into the brand and there are new styles every two weeks, so its trends are keeping up.”

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Giving customers... from page 12

“So the dealers who engage in this act are making a lot of profits, whereas, for example, us, we purchase the phones at a very high price and have a very low market. The concern we have, however, is that with the amount of fake or clones on the market, it will give a very bad name to Samsung because they will think Samsung produces inferior products when in fact that is not true. Samsung is a very high-quality product.

If you have a good authentic Samsung device, it will last you much longer than most devices,” Mangar explained.

While Gizmos and Gadgets are not authorised retailers of Samsung products, it is currently in talks with the South Korean company. Nevertheless, the local retailer continues to import Samsung devices from authorised distributors in the United States.

According to Mangar, Gizmos and Gadgets was established around the time when GT&T had introduced its cellphone services and while there were a lot of competitors, the company managed to survive because it continues to sell only brand new items and authentic items.

“At first, many custom-

ers thought the prices were expensive and it was a rough road from the start then most of the customers realised that they were more expensive for a reason, because they were authentic and brand new, and were not refurbished. We built a very large customer database on this credibility and our customers are very loyal to us.”

The businessman voiced his concerns about the challenges that his company faces because of the fake devices that are on the market, especially of recent. He urged customers to buy from only those retailers they trust and not shop for price.

“That’s the worst thing you can do! When you shop for price, that’s when you get caught up and the problem we always have, people believe that when they pay for something especially when they pay a lot they got what they paid for, something of high value. So we are asking people to not look at pricing, because if you go online and see the price high and it is low here, there is no way it could be real. Most Guyanese are so price conscious that they overlook authenticity as a factor and that’s where they get caught up with these phones.”

Resurgent Comfort Sleep...

from page 18

Any businessman, while running a business, would think about expansion and this is definitely on the front burner for the company. In the next five years, Comfort Sleep will be operating in other parts of the country including Berbice, Linden and possibly Essequibo.

In addition, Charran said during the next few years, he will also be concentrating on expanding Comfort Sleep’s current base of operations. As the years go by, the demand for mattresses has increased; hence, expansion is a necessity, he added. The company thanked its loyal customers and the public at large for their support over the past

year and continued patronage in the coming years.

Charran stressed that his team was able to maintain the Guyanese public’s confidence owing to the excellent and positive service they have provided customers.

This, he continued to boast, is usually evident at its showroom at Eccles, East Bank Demerara and its booth at the Annual GuyExpo. This year, the company expects a huge turnout to the event and particularly its booth that will be located in the main auditorium.

Patrons who visit the booth will benefit from free giveaways during the fourday event but more importantly, they will be given the opportunity to understand and learn about the company’s operations and products.

Apart from manufacturing mattresses, Comfort Sleep has embarked on a feeding programme. The proprietor explained when a customer buys a Comfort Sleep mattress, they are not only getting a good night’s rest, but they are also contributing to a feeding programme that caters for over 500 children countrywide.

The feeding programme has grown from 100 children to over 500 children over the years. Beneficiaries are provided with meals three times a week and other services, including annual Christmas parties and Easter events.

The mattress company has also distributed school supplies and clothes to the less fortunate.

Remember to visit the Comfort Sleep Booth in the Main Auditorium between October 2 and 4 as well as its showroom at Eccles Industrial Estate, East Bank Demerara.

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