– says planned projects will transform Guyana
President Donald Ramotar, last evening called on the business community to prepare for the future, adding that the planned projects to be implemented will transform Guyana significantly. Ramotar made these comments in his first address as president to major players in the business community at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) annual dinner and awards, at the Pegasus Hotel.
“Guyana is moving forward at a steady and constant rate,” he said.
The Head of State called for more emphasis to be placed on developing the country’s human resource in management and other technical areas, pointing to the fact that with new developments the human resource need will increase.
He pointed to the need for a strong service sector as Guyana moves forward, and maintained his administration’s support for improving quality and delivery of services.
Ramotar added that his administration is committed also to making business simpler for stakeholders in the sector.
The president pointed out that current social programmes have impacted and will continue to impact on the economy in a positive way, and stressed that Guyana is well poised for greater things.
According to him, a stable political environment is a must, and he observed that the new political situation will test the maturity of political sector stakeholders.
Ramotar said, “The foundation has been laid for rapid development and growth.”
He noted that the mining sector, advances in the exploration for oil and gas, and the development of hydro-power will impact greatly on the economy.
The president said these augur well for national development, pointing to the fact that from these will come a stronger manufacturing sector, the energy industry, a processing industry and the creation of jobs.
The GCCI presented several awards in various categories last evening, and the recipients included the GCCI’s Long Service Award to John Fernandes Limited; the Public Service Award of Excellence to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GG&MC); the Corporate Citizenship Award to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T); the Young Business Executive award to President of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Vish Durga; the Award for Innovation given to Impressions Advertising Agency; the GCCI’s President’s Award to BK International; the Chamber Award to Ms. Shanti Persaud; and the Business of the Year Award to Alphonso and Sons.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Dr. Yesu Persaud, a phenomenon in the business world.
President of the GCCI, Mr. Komal Ramnauth stated that the Chamber is committed to the development of Guyana and the improvement of the well being of all Guyanese people, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, religion or any other factor.