New executives of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) have been elected and new President, Mr. Komal Ramnauth, contends that first on his agenda is a review of the Chamber’s five year strategic plan. “This is the first important thing, then we will move forward on the priorities that come out of the review,” said Ramnauth, who served as Senior Vice President during the last term.
He made these remarks at a press briefing Thursday at the GCCI office on Waterloo Street.
The GCCI President added that other areas of focus will be a proactive stand in addressing issues affecting the business community, in particular difficulties with the Customs and Trade Administration.
According to him, most of the business community has encountered problems, but he maintains that efforts through a special committee will remedy this.
Relative to new initiatives being taken on by the Chamber, Ramnauth said these efforts will, in general, advance the efforts of the Chamber.
Alluding in particular to the new online advertising programme that is to come on stream soon, the President said this will move the Chamber into the new age of information and will allow the business community more opportunities.
Ramnauth observed too that new initiatives being taken on will allow the Chamber more exposure.
When asked if there was a particular area that needed to be addressed, one he noted during his time as Senior Vice President, the GCCI President pointed towards enhancing membership.
“I was always very interested in seeing growth of the Chamber, growth in terms of membership,” he said.
Additionally, he highlighted provision of better facilities for the members to take advantage of, increased access to information for members, enhancement of the Chamber’s infrastructure and the work environment for the Chamber’s staffers.
“All of these are addressed in our five year strategic plan,” Ramnauth revealed.    When questioned about foreseeable challenges, the President maintained that his position is an optimistic one and stated that regardless of the challenge, the executive team leading the Chamber will be able to ably address it.
He noted that the Chamber is also looking forward to forging partnerships with different organisations which will assist in advancing the mandate of the Chamber.
Ramnauth singled out the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and said discussions are ongoing to make this partnership a reality.
Supporting the GCCI President are Senior Vice President Eon Ceasar, and Junior Vice President Terrence Holder.
Ceasar said inclusion of all stakeholders in addressing pertinent issues has been the undertaking of the Chamber and this will continue as the Chamber persists in being a strong voice of the Private Sector.
Holder, adding his bit, said the move that the Chamber is making is in the right direction.
These two are assisted by several council members, including the Immediate Past President, Mr. Chandradat Chintamani.
In an invited comment, Chintamani said he remains committed to supporting the Chamber in areas of challenges and opportunities.
“We have all outlined the challenges. We have seen what the challenges have been in the past and all of us working together will address the concerns of the business community,” he said.
The GCCI mission is to serve as the voice of businesses, promote and protect the interests of members by fostering ethical practices in commerce, trade and services, through advocacy, training, education and ensuring adherence to quality.
It is also to be an assertive, vibrant organisation and the pre-eminent source of business information by 2012, through various initiatives.