PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has promised to appoint a team within his government to examine the recommendations advanced by the Guyana National Printers Limited (GNPL) for recapitalising of the entity.

During talks with Chairman Cyril Belgrave, board members and managers, on Thursday at its La Penitence Public Road location, President Ramotar heard of the GNPL’s numerous challenges, chief among which are the resources needed for it to remain competitive in an era where technology has made the job of printers easier and more efficient.
Operating since 1939, the GNPL is the premier printer of gazettes, exercise books, almanacs, cardboard boxes and other paraphernalia for government agencies, but with archaic printing machinery that suffer occasional breakdowns, the case for investing in new resources has become more compelling.
Officials of the entity told President Ramotar that the company still makes use of the Heidelberg one and two colour press at a time when most printer establishments have elevated to the Heidelberg four colour machines.
The latter machine was highly favoured by clients according to a survey conducted by the GNPL and the approximate cost was highlighted as President Ramotar was given a first-hand look at the equipment, and the hard working staff manning the machines in the printery.
At the meeting, the possibility of a grant from the government to meet the desired needs was explored.
Officials of the entity used the occasion to convey gratitude to President Ramotar for the government awarding GNPL the contract to print for government entities over the years, but expressed some grievances that they fear may result in the entity losing revenue.
Many still remain confident however that the GNPL can make a more meaningful contribution to Guyana’s economy in terms of job creation and, with ‘excellent managers’ has the potential to diversify operations.
The entity’s ability to stay alive throughout the years and through the tough times was pleasing to President Ramotar.