(Kaieteur News) – Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, on Friday evening officially declared Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026 open under the theme, “A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years.”

Joining the Minister for the opening ceremony were First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, Second Lady Mrs. Mignon Bowen-Phillips, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the private sector and members of the creative industry.

Also present and delivering remarks was ExxonMobil Guyana’s Public and Government Affairs Manager, Nakisha Burns, who reaffirmed the company’s commitment as a Strategic Partner of Origins. Burns said the festival reflects “identity, creativity and the growing sense of possibility shaping Guyana today,” adding that ExxonMobil Guyana is proud to support an initiative that is creating opportunities for young people, empowering creatives and opening pathways for young entrepreneurs through the development of an alternative economy.