TWO weeks ago there was a market-day event held at Durban Park where local producers were able to sell and market their produce to a wide cross section of people. Earlier, another significant event was held– UNCAPPED Marketplace–an exposition which allows exhibitors to showcase and sell their locally-made products. There are several other such events the likes of the recently-introduced Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE) and the various expositions organised by the chambers of commerce.

These initiatives provide opportunities for small upcoming businesses, as well as those already established ones, to build and further promote existing brands. At the UNCAPPED Martketplace this year, one of the youngest business owners the Guyana Chronicle came into contact with was 21-year-old Kelshine Griffith, a former Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) student who turned her unique idea into the business ‘Kelshine Sweet Potato Cake Mix’. This is the first sweet potato cake mix to be produced in Guyana, and the budding entrepreneur is receiving the support of her former school to make the product. She told this newspaper that the experience in business is good, but it’s also challenging for a young person who does not have that financial backing to get a lump sum of money easy.

National pride is an important factor in uniting a people and energising a country to compete with others. Products made in a country and, rightfully labelled so, bring confidence to the citizens and respect for the nation. In some respects, Guyana continues to hold its own in specific areas, but more needs to be done in a concerted and consistent manner to not only ensure psychological benefits, but also social and economic development. Guyana’s rum, sugar, bauxite and gold are known to hold prized positions in the international marketplace. Our rum has won numerous international awards. Sugar is renowned to the point where an American company is packaging sugar, brought from other countries, using the brand “Demerara,” which has affinity to the production of sugar here.
Our bauxite is known as a sweetener in enhancing the capacity in steel and aluminium processing plants, and Guyana stands out as the only country that produces this specification. The reputation of gold dates back to the fabled El Dorado that saw many expeditions, including the legendary stories of Sir Walter Raleigh and others, in search of it. Being allowed opportunities to produce products from local materials enhance a people’s ingenuity and competitive spirit, which are integral factors in growth and development. It would not be lost on the discerning, the opportunities that can be derived from a new economy which can create wealth in industries that are considered safe and green.

For instance, the coconut industry, which has been neglected, offers economic opportunities outside of the water. Bauxite, in its raw form, can add diversity to the ornament industry. This product comes in a variety of colours and specification and can be attractively packaged for the market.

The forestry industry, in which Guyana stands out for its variety and type of woods, outside of contributing to the furniture and construction industries, can be sourced for material for making ornaments, jewellery and other special pieces. Similar approaches can be taken to every product and service Guyanese are capable of producing, packaging and marketing.
Not to discount the success of other countries in being able to exploit their resources, creating opportunities for their people and entering our markets, the time has come when Guyana and Guyanese must move from being primarily on the receiving end to that of being equally competitive. This would require a new approach that factors in strong and continuous technical research, such as in product development, identifying markets, tastes and preferences.

Government is expected to play a role through revisiting investment programmes, strategies and laws wherever necessary. It will require stimulating a new economy by exploiting resources with the assistance of new incentives. This can be done in the form of grants to places such as the University of Guyana, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology to conduct studies. There can be tax concessions and duty-free concessions for businesses that create opportunities at home.

Former Registrar of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), Glenroy Cumberbatch, speaking at the launch of Guyana’s accreditation back in 2016 to award Caribbean Vocational Qualification, engaged in what can be considered a rarity in self-critique. Cumberbatch questioned the education being offered and called for an alignment of

education and training to meet the needs of the Region’s social and economic development. Partnership with Government, private and cooperative sectors, should not only come with recognition and appreciation of the unique ability and responsibility of each, but also the importance of cooperating with each other to be competitive at the international level.

Guyanese want to build Guyana. And while it is laudable that our procurement law requires at least 20 per cent of the contracts be given to small contractors, a similar approach may be needed in other instances in ensuring that Guyanese are allowed to earn, produce and benefit from the nation’s resources and opportunities.