WITH a mandate to rigidly pursue private sector development, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has a vision that renders it open to collaboration with ‘any and every willing organization’.

That’s according to GCCI Chairman, Mr. Vishnu Doerga in his address last Saturday evening at the launch of the Chamber’s Business Development Magazine at the Pegasus Hotel here in Georgetown.
Expanding on the idea, Doerga said the GCCI is willing and ready to foster a vibrant and interconnected business community, whereby collaboration increases capacity, education enhances ability, and advocacy influences authority.

THE VISION
The Chamber, he said, is currently going through a strategic planning phase, in that the secretariat has so far re-drafted the vision for it to be the premier membership-driven business support organisation in the country that businesses join, if they want to network, develop professionally, and grow economically.
Said he: “My Vision for the Chamber is that the entire private sector of Guyana realises that they cannot allow a small percentage of our businesses to continue carrying this immense responsibility;
“that every business in Guyana contributes towards the vision, strategies and policies they want to experience;
“that organizations like ours can become the drivers of economic growth through the gathering and analysis of data, development of advanced intelligence, and realisation of innovative projects that will transform Guyana into the paradise it deserves to be.”
Reflecting on the Chamber’s 127-year history since its establishment in 1889, Doerga affirmed:
“We believe the businesses in this room, and the many who invested in Guyana have always meant business, and have rolled with the many punches of our 127-year history as an organisation.
“We look towards our speakers this evening – to highlight their views for development; we look toward our minister of business for a clear vision in terms of national economic development.”
He concluded his presentation by thanking his colleagues for promoting the benefits of joining the Chamber, noting that last year alone, their collective efforts saw a record increase in membership of 32 new members, and for this year to date, another 26 new members.
Among distinguished guests at the event were: Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Mr. Edward Boyer; and members of sister business support organisations and partners in development.