A  newly elected Executive Committee of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) will lobby for declaration of the Rupununi as a free trade zone as a major component of its program for the next twelve months. Pressing for the completion of a paved  Linden to Lethem road, strengthening  bilateral relations with businesses in Boa Vista and in Brazil and preparation of Lethem for township status are three other priorities for the Chamber this year.
Newly elected President of the Chamber Alfred Ramsarran  disclosed these aspirations of the Chamber during  a recent annual general members meeting of the Chamber.
Ramsarran stressed that for the Chamber  the recent opening of the bridge link between Guyana and Brazil presented opportunities that should be studied, recognized and seized in support  of   its  goal of furthering the  interests of its members.
He said that  the new Committee  intends to lobby for security of tenure of land to encourage  revitalization of agriculture and ranching;  take measures to  protect natural resources for conservation and tourism and to lobby for declaration of a free trade zone in the Rupununi,

The Committee will also seek to increase its representation on Local and Central  Government boards and Committees to garner more  support for members and for important initiatives  such as development of the Lethem Industrial site.

Ramsarran  called on the general membership of the Chamber and the new executive to work together, to support each other  and lead the way forward for the future development of business in the Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo region 9.

Past President of the RCCI, John Macedo in his remarks said that Rupununi is at a crucial juncture, where many things are taking place and as such members need to be more agressive, and pro active to face the challenges in the future.

He urged everyone to work harder to face the challenges ahead.

The newly elected executive members  were  Alfred Ramsaran- President;  Kenrick Nickram Vice President;  Allison Commacho , Treasurer ; Richard Rennie, Director Local Government; Lennox Ramsahoy,Director Agriculture;  Linda Khan Director Tourism;  Jacqueline D’Aguiar Director Public Relations and Education;  Rodger King Director of Transportation and Communication; , Ahren Laundry Director of Commerce Services and Trade, and Pastor Linus Director of Sports and Culture.

They were elected and installed during the RCCI’s AGM in the Savannah Inn Conference room on Saturday May 14th  last.

The executive will remain in office for one year and a major feature of their program will be the staging of the  annual Rupununi Expo usually held in November each year.