More Guyanese advocacy promised as G/town Chamber joins Caribbean private sector body

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Guyana’s oldest private sector body, joined the Caribbean Private Sector Organization (CPSO), promising more representation and advocacy for the Guyanese private sector.

The Caribbean body, only a few months ago, faced a barrage of criticisms as a leaked email indicated that the body’s Chairman Gervase Warner had some concerns about Guyana’s new local content law.

The GCCI was among the stakeholders that emphasised that the new law serves as no roadblock to foreign investment.

The Caribbean organisation has since been engaging both Guyanese and Caribbean authorities and private sector players, and according to Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali, no concerns were raised again about the local content law. Now, the body seems to be deepening ties with the Guyanese private sector.

See below the full release issued by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI):

To extend its representation and advocacy for Guyanese private sector businesses to the wider Caribbean, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has joined the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO). The CPSO, which was established under the St. Ann’s Declaration on CSME, is a service organization that aims to mobilize and advance private sector participation in CARICOM. Its main objectives are to support the full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and advance private sector priorities in the Caribbean community.

On Friday, Junior Vice President of the Chamber, Mr. Kester Hutson met with a delegation from the CPSO, which included its Technical Director, Dr. Patrick Antoine, and Advisor to the Technical Director, Mr. Neville Bissember who are currently on a visit to Guyana. The introductory meeting saw Mr. Hutson apprising the representatives of the Chamber’s mandate and various roles in private sector development and representation locally, meanwhile, the two representatives gave an overview of the CPSO, and its expectations from the GCCI.

Following the introduction, both parties dived into deep discussions about critical areas which included achieving the visions of the CSME, the influence of the private sector and its main priorities.

Their discussion concluded with both parties sharing prospects for a good working relationship and hopes for future engagements.