THE resuscitated Essequibo Chamber of Commerce (ECC) held its General Meeting and Election on April 2, when members elected businessman Deleep Singh President and Johan Walcott Vice-President. The ECC has a number of priority issues on its agenda, including the rehabilitation of the Anna Regina airstrip. They also plan to engage government in improving utility services such as electricity, water, and telephone. They also want to see improved internet access.
The Chamber, in a press release, stated that it will also meet education officials to develop programmes in schools that would get children to focus more on becoming entrepreneurs.
The Chamber also plans to engage the relevant ministries on matters affecting the business community and discuss ferry transportation improvement along with security and protection for the business community.
A release from the ECC noted that serious attention needs to be given to the re-establishment of the Agricultural Development Bank, the rice sector, fuel prices and the long wait to process documents for export.
The issues of non-availability of potable/drinking water in farmland areas and stray animals on the road, will also be addressed by the new ECC.
In his report, the Chamber’s President thanked the interim members for their full dedication and hard work in increasing the membership. It was noted that former parliamentarian Ishahak Basir was present as an observer at the meeting, where he opined that the Chamber must collaborate with the regional administration and other agencies to continue to build Essequibo and address all the challenges facing the different economic sectors, especially rice.
The results of the election are as follows:-

President : Mr. Deleep Singh (Miner/Hotelier/Businessman)
Vice President : Mr. Johan Walcott (General Store Proprietor Teacher)
Secretary : Ms. Shaleenie Sukhdeo (Businesswoman)
Asst. Sec/Treasurer : Mrs. Guitree Ramsamooj. (Manager – Republic Bank)
Treasurer : Ms. Seuan Seenarayan (Businesswoman)
Public Relations Officer : Mr. Ravi D. Mohan (Manager Nafico/Nalico, Owner
Promotional Agency, T.V.Host.)

Committee Members
: Mr. Mohamed Nazmul (Wild Life Exporter)
: Mr. David Ally (Businessman)
: Mrs. Maria Lord-Lewis, (Hotelier/ Businesswoman)
: Ms. Hilon James (Floral Shop/Caterer)
: Mr. Nateram Ramnanan (Original Juice Centre)
: Mr. Wilfred Jagnaraine (Director – Lake Mainstay Resort)
: Mr. Thakechand Ramnauth (Retired Teacher)
: Mr. Parmeshwar Lall (Retired Head Master/ lecturer CPCE)
: Mr. Rickey Toney (Boutique Proprietor/Speedboat Owner-operator)