PRESIDENT David Granger met Wednesday with members of the West Berbice Chamber of Commerce (WBCC) to discuss ways in which they and the government can work on enhancing the region, especially from an economic perspective. The meeting took place at the Ministry of the Presidency, here in the city.According to WBCC President, Imran Saccoor, the possibilities are endless, in terms of business opportunities for residents of Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice), and the membership is willing to work closely with the administration to ensure that those opportunities are capitalised on, especially by farmers, and small and medium-scale business owners.
Saccoor said the Chamber is pleased with the 2015 Budget, particularly where the sums allocated to the agriculture sector is concerned.
“The region is a heavily driven agriculture region,” he said, “and I am optimistic that, with the release of these funds, our farmers would be able to benefit.”
The region is also looking at possibilities of harnessing its tourism potential, and will be staging the first ever West Berbice Expo in April next year. Plans are also under way to launch a business magazine that highlights the activities of Region 5.
Said Saccoor: “From us at the Chamber, we are prepared to work with the business sector; we are prepared to work with any organisation that is willing to enhance and foster business development.”
The West Berbice team also seized the opportunity to register their concerns about the crime situation with the President.
Saccoor said that a number of business owners have been organising their own vigilante groups, and working closely with the Guyana Police Force, but noted that the issue needs to be properly addressed by the authorities given its impact on the business community. (Ministr of the Presidency)