– Receives mixed reviews on business during Christmas season

BUSINESS Minister Dominic Gaskin met on Friday with several business owners along Regent Street and the Bourda Market area to find out firsthand how business had gone on during the Christmas season.After discussions with the business owners, the minister disclosed that he received mixed reviews, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported on Friday. Gaskin said many attributed challenges to the heavy rainfall, which resulted in severe flooding across the city last week. But while there were those who cited the heavy rainfall as a major setback for them, other owners said they were prepared for the rains, as it is customary in December.

Minister Gaskin said he “was happy to just walk around and say ‘Hi!’ to some people who have been the driving force behind the centre of commercial activities.” He explained that the tour was a courtesy visit, and was not to give the business owners any false hopes or promise, but to greet them for the Christmas Season.

Noting that the mixed responses received from the store owners is understandable, he expressed optimism that sales would increase come 2017.

Meanwhile, a representative of Beepat’s store on Regent Street said that, like previous years, sales have been excellent for the Christmas Season; while the owner of Bollywood Fashion Store said sales in the past were good, but this year’s sales — especially for the Christmas season — have decreased rapidly.

Many of the store owners said the influx of Cubans here over the past few months has helped to drive sales. In that light, the Minister of Business said foreign shoppers are welcome to Guyana, as they boost businesses here.

“Obviously they find the shopping here attractive. I think they find the prices are good. I think Guyana is a place that they can travel to easier than perhaps some of the other countries, so it’s a good thing. It’s always good to have people come to your country and shop,” said Gaskin, who has called on foreign investors to come here and conduct business.

The minister disclosed that his administration needs to strategise a plan to build from foreign investors that visit Guyana to conduct business.
“It’s something we haven’t had in a long time to ponder, because this is a relatively new development and we are still trying to see or figure out exactly what is driving it,” he stated.