At 78th Annual Luncheon…
PRESIDENT of Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA), Mr. Gyandat Marray has reported that last year was challenging due to the global economic crisis.
He said it forced businesses to implement measures, in order to counteract the situation in the ‘Ancient County.’
However, despite the effects of the worldwide phenomenon, several discussions and training courses were conducted with various stakeholders to enhance membership development, Marray said.
He gave the narrative while presenting his report at the 78th Annual Luncheon of his organisation, at Little Rock Suites, Main and Church Streets, New Amsterdam, last Sunday.
Marray said, although BCCDA was formed more than 78 years ago, membership only stands at 40 but efforts are underway to increase the number and strengthen it, so it can evolve into a dynamic body.
He said, during the last 12 months, meetings were held with the New Amsterdam Town Council, highlighting garbage collection and disposal, cattle and  noise nuisance, cleaning of drains, conditions of streets repaired under the Urban Development Programme (UDP) and vending on the road shoulders and street corners, but the responses from the municipality were unsatisfactory and it continues to deliver poor service to the citizens.
Marray said BCCDA also had talks with the hierarchy of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), surrounding the clearing of the Republic Road canal, the drainage and irrigation (D&I) on East Bank Berbice and the 2009 works programme of the Regional Administration.
He said BCCDA also discussed crime and security with the top brass of the Berbice Police Division.
Marray told the diners, who included Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Country Representative, Mr. Marco Nicola; Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo; delegate of the National Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Daniel Gajie and members of affiliated chambers, that, following a meeting with Berbice Bridge Company on the tolls, the charges were reduced, by more than 50 per cent for certain categories of vehicles, mainly the Sports Utility Vehicles SUVs).

FURTHER REDUCTION
Marray said it is envisaged that a further reduction may be achieved following another meeting, shortly.
He said BCCDA was impressed by the facilities at Skeldon Sugar Factory but expects the numerous defects there will be remedied in the near future, allowing it to operate to its full potential.
However, Marray said, over the past year, several areas of concern, mainly with Guyana Power & Light (GPL), which continues to interrupt power supply to the region and even during his speech.
He said he anticipates that New Amsterdam Town Council will agree a compromise in relation to the Industrial Estate, where much needed employment should be provided.
Marray said other BCCDA worries include faster tax reform to facilitate  business growth and competitiveness; an improved system of registration to avoid the January 31 deadline; decentralisation of Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) with respect to the transfer of vehicles and the lessening of Internet charges and loss of services experienced by customers of Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T).
He said his organisation is urging Government to hold local government elections, as the New Amsterdam Town Council is stagnant and enforces by-laws and regulations selectively and does not maintain streets built under the UDP with IDB funding.
Marray expressed optimism that Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) will improve its  supply, noting that, currently, New Amsterdam receives a four-hour flow daily while rural areas get for longer periods.