THE recently appointed Board of Directors of the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) has unanimously re-elected its former President, Clinton Williams, to lead the business services organisation for another one-year term. Williams had previously served in that capacity during the period 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, and compulsorily demitted office at last year’s Annual General Meeting, as per the dictates of the GMSA’s Articles of Association.  

Fresh elections were held at the recent AGM, and Williams was returned to the top post. The incumbent President, Mohindra Chand from the Barama Company, did not seek re-election.

Board members were unanimous in their conviction that the two previous terms served by Mr. Williams were characterized by a number of successes that gave the GMSA international recognition. They said he had brought in foreign technical expertise and funding for Guyanese micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses, resulting in the reappearance of highly improved Guyanese products on Caribbean and North American markets, where they were able to compete successfully having attained the required standards.   

In brief remarks after the Board’s rousing ‘welcome back’, Mr Williams said he was committing himself to ensuring that the gains the GMSA had attained through strenuous negotiations and alliances formed with local and foreign agencies be allowed to continue to work for Guyanese enterprises across the business sector. At home, he intends to continue the political advocacy programmes, and to enhance the association’s own growth and capacity to deliver its mandates to members.  

He said the Board would continue to monitor closely the current parliamentary and budget proceedings, and would respond appropriately and effectively to matters that affect the Association’s members and impact the national interest.

In the meantime, he observed that the issue of business security requires urgent attention, and has accordingly commenced re-commissioning the GMSA’s Governance and Security Committee.

The new president selected his executives from among the recently elected Board of Directors, and announced that the key sub-sectors (Forestry & Wood Products, Construction and Engineering, Services and Agro-Processing) would be headed by Mohindra Chand of the Barama Co. Ltd; Mark Bender of the TCL; Malisa Nokta of the Environmental Consultants; and Bowan Balkarran of the Essential Supplies & Clear Waters, respectively.

Clement Duncan of Swansea Industrial Associates was re-appointed to head the Trade and Investment sub-committee.

The GMSA’s Board of Directors for financial year 2013/2014 are:
•    Mr. Ramsay Alli of Sterling Products Ltd. (1st Vice President)
•    Ms. Luanna Persaud of Qualfon Guyana (2nd Vice President)
•    Mr. Autamaram Lakeram of NAMILCO (3rd Vice President, Finance)
•    Mr. Bowan Balkarran of Essential Supplies/Clear Waters
•    Mr. Peter Pompey of Brass, Aluminum & Cast Iron Foundry
•    Mr. Mark Bender of TCL Guyana             Ltd.
•    Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo of Banks DIH Ltd.
•    Mr. Raymond Ramsaroop of the Edward B. Beharry Group
•    Mr. Chandradat Chintamani of Demerara Distillers Ltd.
•    Mr. Clement Duncan of Swansea industrial Associates
•    Ms. Yonette Jeffers of LAPARKAN Trading
•    Mr. Mohindra Chand of Barama Co.
•    Mr. Winston Patokie of Caribbean Containers Ltd.