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Gracing the occasion was President Donald Ramotar, members of the Private Sector as well as the Diplomatic Corps and other distinguished guests.
The programme was emceed by former Minister of Tourism and present member of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Mr. Manniram Prashad, who commended Joint Managing Directors of the Roraima Group, Captains Debbie and Gerald ‘Gerry’ Gouveia on their 20th year of success.Delivering the feature address, President Ramotar, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, congratulated the Gouveias on their accomplishments.
He lauded them for their efforts that were put into building the company from scratch as he knows a fair bit about the Roraima Company from inception when Captain Gerry Gouveia had a small business and was looking for the finance to expand further.
The President remembered that, at that time, he was on the Omai Gold Board and Captain Gouveia approached them for the finance to purchase another aircraft and, since then, the decision was unanimous as everyone had the notion that Gouveia had the potential to move his company forward and build it into something bigger and better, noting that there was no fear that he would not have been able to repay his debts.
Mr. Ramotar observed that the small company, which had only one aircraft, has now grown tremendously and has wonderful expansions such as resorts, hotels and is also providing a wide variety of international services at the airport as well as to the country and is still growing.
GREAT ACHIEVEMENT
He also recollected that Gouveia is a man who was once unemployed and after leaving his job he has worked very hard to become what he is today, expounding upon the fact that he is now the owner of his own business enterprise and providing employment for over 200 persons, a great achievement.
Ramotar reiterated that it is very commendable that a man like Gouveia has grown to what he is and has become very valuable to the country of Guyana.
The President also said that he is reminded of the times when he and Captain Gouveia flew together in their younger days and having also flown with many other pilots, if he had to choose his own pilot, Gouveia would be his choice.
In his remarks, Captain Gerry Gouveia acknowledged everyone who came out to celebrate his success and thanked his wife, Debbie, his sons Gerry Gouveia (Jnr) and Kevin Gouveia for being a part of his life and contributing to his accomplishments.
He especially commended his wife for standing alongside him throughout the years, supporting him and working equally hard to make the company a success. He described her as an equal partner in his admirable work.
He stated that his sons are now the succession planners, as they control the planning of Roraima Airways.
He also recognised the assistance of his dear friend, Mr. Prashad, who has been a very helpful person ever since boyhood days.
Gouveia related how he was not able to afford mortgages he had owed and used to be fed by the Police Force just for a free meal to carry through.
Many persons in the audience became very emotional at this point, some even expressed their surprise as to how he managed to get where he is today.
Gouveia said that he is reminded many times that Roraima is a very young company.
He said Roraima stands very close to the Ministry of Health, in terms of assisting with transportation of the sick, especially in the hinterland communities.
He also stated that providing these services is a charitable act by Roraima which helps to market the country and show what Guyana has to offer in terms of tourism and other sectors.
He explained that the vision of a bright future for Guyana includes expanding the country’s potential and providing for more persons.
He said that Roraima is prepared to expand and create more job opportunities for people.
THIS CHALLENGE
Gouveia said that there are plans to construct a modern banquet hall at Duke Lodge where conferences and other events can be hosted with ease, noting that Roraima is preparing to meet the challenge of the Marriot Hotel, by matching up to standards with their rooms and service as well as everything else the latter will have to offer when it is completed as he is looking forward to this challenge.
“We welcome the Marriott, we welcome the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and we most certainly welcome the Amaila Falls Hydropower project. We look forward with great pride and expectation to the future of Guyana,” Gouveia told the gathering.
And in anticipation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, Gouveia announced that US$2M will be spent for the expansion of the ground handling lounge and services at the airport, and the construction of a Roraima branded hotel constructed in close proximity.
President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Mr. Clinton Urling, who also spoke kind words, congratulated the directors and staff of Roraima on their achievement.
He said that, for a company to be in existence for twenty years, in his opinion is quite an accomplishment.
He remarked on the company’s part in satisfying the tourism needs of Guyana and lauded it for this and said keeping a company such as Roraima to what it is today and where it is going in future is very impressive.
He stated that the accomplishment is not by an accident but rather the hard work put together by the Roraima team, mentioning that Captains Gerry and Debbie Gouveia embody the true spirit of entrepreneurship.
Urling said he has seen the accomplishments of the Private Sector which was helped along by Captain Gerry Gouveia.
He described Gouveia as being very committed to the Private Sector as he works very passionately to assist in reducing any issue that arises to threaten the stability of the economic and security section of Guyana, which are not always publicised.
He stated that he looks forward to another 20 years of service from the Roraima Group.
On behalf of the GCCI, an award of appreciation was presented to Debbie Gouveia who accepted on behalf of Roraima.
Other employees and close friends also spoke very kindly about Mr. and Mrs. Gouveia, lauding the duo for their work and what they have made the Roraima Company.
While guests sipped on various wines and other drinks, musical entertainment was provided by the St. George’s Cathedral Choir and the Roraima Steel Band.
