By Clifford Stanley

PRESIDENT of the West Berbice Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WBCIC), Imran Saccoor, is contending that Region Five can be transformed with the establishment of a University of Guyana campus and an industrial site there.Addressing exhibitors and visitors at the WBCIC’s inaugural Region 5 Expo and Trade Fair, held last weekend, Saccoor said such a tertiary educational institution would boost economic prospects in Region 5. “We all know the benefits of education, and having an educated populace,” he said.

He said the chamber had asked the previous administration to establish a West Berbice UG sub-campus, but to no avail. The chamber is now pitching this idea to this new administration with the hope that it will be received favourably.

With respect to the establishment of an industrial estate in Region 5, Saccoor said there has been much talk in the past about such a project, but it never got off the ground.

The chamber president said he held recent discussions with many medium-scale hardware businesses in Region 5, and they have all signalled their willingness to engage in manufacturing; but they need the facilities, access to land, and tax concessions that will help them to proceed with their investments.

“If the Government can provide that opportunity, I am sure that many of our medium-scale hardware businesses will be prompted to go into direct manufacturing; to start some small manufacturing industries in the region and the West Coast of Berbice, with the resultant benefits for all,” the chamber president said.

He said: “This chamber has the will to drive commerce and trade, but we cannot do it all by ourselves, but rely on whoever is the sitting Government of the day. We have been receiving Government support over the years, and we are optimistic that this will continue so that these visions for the economic transformation of Region 5 can become a reality.”

Saccoor pledged that the WBCIC will continue to advocate for prudent and strong business policies, and he said the chamber stands ready to work with any Government or non-governmental organisations, or any other interest groups that have at heart the best interest of Region 5 and Guyana as a whole.