LETHEM businesswoman Jacqueline D’Aguiar became the first woman President of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in its 13 years of existence, following elections held last Sunday. She was elected during a well attended Annual General Members’ (AGM) meeting of the Chamber, held at the Savannah Inn Conference Room in Lethem.
D’Aguiar replaced Contractor and lumber yard dealer   Rodger King, who is now Immediate Past President.
Others elected during the AGM were Alfred Ramsarran as Vice-President; Allison Camacho as Treasurer; and seven directors and four council members.
The Directors are Kenrick Nickram, for Local Government; Linda Khan, for Tourism; Victor Peres, for Agriculture and Manufacturing; Christopher Faria, for Public Relations and Education; T. Rambarran, for transportation and communication; Richard Renie, for sports and culture; and Ahren Landry, for commerce and trade. Council members are Debra King, Romena Macedo, Rubina Nickram and Peter Alves.
The RCCI was established on November 20, 1999, and was registered under the Friendly Societies Act, Chapter 36:04, as a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Its main objective is to promote, support and protect domestic and foreign commerce, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing operations suitable to the Rupununi, and capable of making contributions to the economic and social welfare of Guyana.
It was reported that the new executive pledged to continue most of the programmes started by the outgoing officers. These include working closely with the Regional Democratic Council of Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) as well as with  central government; increasing cross-border trade with Brazil; increasing  social and cultural integration activities with Brazil, including the annual Guyana/Brazil Cultural Festival; and increasing fraternal links and collaboration with other local Chambers of Commerce, among other things.