PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER and Chairman of the Board of Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Mr. Keith Burrowes has indicated that with the support of President Donald Ramotar, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and other entities, they are attempting to bring about some level of reform in the organisation so that it would function more effectively.

He made this statement during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle at his East Street, Georgetown office yesterday, following the Go-INVEST retreat held last Saturday at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
He noted that such retreats are held with the board members, management and staff and other stakeholders to reflect on the work done by the organisation and to examine the changing environment and its effects.
Burrowes further advised that he concurs with President Ramotar who had stated that he believes Go-INVEST needs to be more proactive in its approach. However, as Chairman of the board, he highlighted several new initiatives being undertaken by the organisation in an effort to make it more proactive.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that it is important for stakeholders to note that Go-INVEST is not a “one stop shop,” stressing that the organisation works along with other sectors over which it has no control.
He highlighted that collaboration with such entities as the Land Court, Deeds and Registry and the Ministry of Home Affairs are needed.
He reiterated that it is important to note that Go-INVEST has its systems but works along with other agencies which have their own systems as well.
In order for it to be more proactive, Burrowes related that there needs to be a clearer understanding of support from other entities as well as establishing a working relationship with those entities.
He stated also that Go-INVEST needs to become institutionalised and disclosed that in his capacity as Presidential Adviser he plans to make a proposal to the President to facilitate a model for more institutionalisation.
Burrowes also pointed out that Go-INVEST needs promotion which calls for resources that are already limited.
However, he outlined several initiatives being undertaken by the organisation internally. One such initiative, he explained, involves developing a database so that information can be shared easily among different agencies.
He noted that they recognise the need to have information readily available, especially for decision-making purposes.
He further added that this information can be useful in helping the investor to ascertain and offer other opinions on the viability of the project and also to understand the risks involved.
In addition, Burrowes emphasised that the organisation also faces some other challenges which some of its investors do not understand clearly. For instance, he pointed out that some people apply for duty free concessions on luxury vehicles, for which they do not really need.
He said it is important for both the client and the policy makers to understand the project and its constraints.
He added that the organisations also had some management issues in the past; alluding specifically to a setback it suffered with support from the IDB. He related that management, a few years ago, did not see the merit in having the IDB’s support.
Nevertheless, he mentioned that though it may be too late now, they will be meeting with the IDB in the near future to discuss a way forward.
Burrowes stressed that Go-INVEST is not the only investment agency in Guyana and that less emphasis should be placed on Go-Invest itself and more on investment as a whole.
Furthermore, he advised that they will be appealing for a more formal agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support Go-Invest with their foreign missions.
He noted that the organisation comes under the jurisdiction of Office of the President (OP) and that they have prepared a budget and are trying to get OP to understand the importance of this budget.
He also pointed to a communication strategy and action plan being put in place to allow more efficient communication among stakeholders. In addition, they are also implementing a new system to create a list of outstanding items for clients and to give them a deadline to submit same to which they will have to sign to and agree.
Burrowes related that currently Go-Invest does not have a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) but Mr. Dhanpaul Dharaj has been acting in this capacity and he has been asked to hold this post  until the government resolves the issue.
Nevertheless, he referred to the client survey which was recently done and stated that this document is a validation that Go-Invest is carrying out its mandate.
The organisation’s Annual Report for 2010-2011 was also presented at the retreat on Saturday and the chairman noted that for years there has not been a report for Go-INVEST that could stand up to scrutiny.
The report showed that there has been significant growth in the number and value of investments within the various sectors in 2011 from 2010. Some of these are, namely, agro-Processing which increased by 142 percent, light manufacturing which increased by 52 percent, the services sector which increased by 29 percent, tourism which increased by 371 percent and wood products which increased by 57 percent.
Burrowes further related that stakeholders could expect a series of articles dealing with investment and also open house and other activities to engage investors. He added that members of the private sector are also encouraged to participate and make their inputs.