Private Sector Commission engages business community in Bartica

The Private Sector Commission (PSC), through its Regional Sub-Committee chaired by Vice-Chairman, Mr. Krishnand Jaichand, fielded a team to engage the Bartica Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, February 3, 2022, to discuss issues affecting the business community.

The team comprised Chairman, Mr. Paul Cheong, Mr. Norman McLean, Chairman of the Governance and Security Sub-Committee Mr. Ryan Alexander, Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Sub-Committee Mr. Leekha Rambrich, Chairman of the Agriculture Sub-Committee Mr. Victor Fernandes, Chairman of the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development Mr. Orson Ferguson, Corporate Member, Mr. Ian Chung, Executive Director and Ms. Onicka Jones, Public Relations Officer.

The engagement was facilitated by Mr. Anthony Murray, President of the Bartica Chamber of Commerce and Industry who said the discussions with the Private Sector Executives were fruitful.

Issues raised by the Bartica business community included:

• Delays in processing building applications
• Need for additional ferry to transport goods to Bartica
• Need for flights between Ogle to Bartica
• Representation for hosting of Bartica Regatta 2022
• Need for increased access to financing for small businesses
• Unreliable communication connection posing security and supply challenges
• Delay in acquiring firearm license
• Need for IPED Sub-Office to be established in Bartica.

Mr. Cheong assured the Bartica business community that the PSC will make representation for the issues raised to be resolved at the national level. He further urged businesses to tap into the numerous opportunities for growth and development in the Oil and Gas and other sectors.

Mr. Jaichand said the focus of the visit forms part of efforts to not only engage the private sector in outlying regions but to engage the Regional Democratic Councils, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, and Town Council in an effort to forge stronger public-private partnerships.

Prior to engaging the Chamber, the team paid a courtesy call on Mr. Kenneth Williams, Regional Chairman, and Mr. Gifford Marshall, Mayor of Bartica.