…wants the association to play a stronger role in manufacturing sector development
MR. Shyam Nokta, Managing Director of Environmental Management Consultants (EMC), was, on Friday, elected unopposed as President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA). He is supported by Mr. Ramsay Ali, CEO of Sterling Products Ltd. as first Vice-President, Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo of Banks DIH Ltd as second Vice-President and Mr. Autamaram Lakeram of NAMILCO, as third Vice-President.
Nokta said that he intends to work closely with all stakeholders with a view to having the GMSA play a more pivotal role in private sector development and strengthening the various subsectors.
The GMSA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) for fiscal year 2020-2021 was held in two parts. The body said that on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, the 13-member Board of Directors was elected and on Friday June 5, 2020, the new president of the association, three vice presidents, and the remaining members of the Board of Directors were elected.
Mr. Nokta, in his remarks, to the board to recognise that the country and the business sector are facing challenging times, with COVID-19 and the national circumstances. He said, “One of our primary tasks will be to work with the GMSA Membership to get a good picture of the situation facing members and the interventions needed across the various sub-sectors to put businesses back on their feet”.
According to the release, Mr. Nokta said he is looking forward to a timely conclusion of the election recount process, the declaration of the winner of the March 2 general and regional elections based on the recount, and having a government in place reflective of the will of the people. In this regard, he said “As we did during my previous term as GMSA President, between 2017 and 2019, the GMSA would look to establish a strategic partnership with government and to work closely with other stakeholders to advance and grow the manufacturing and services sectors. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening important sub-sectors covering agro-processing; services; chemicals and pharmaceuticals; construction and engineering; forestry and wood products; and minerals and related products.”
The new president expressed his strong interest in seeing the GMSA play a leading role in private sector development and adopting approaches that embrace enhanced competitiveness and sustainability, the release said.
The GMSA said that it has over 145 member companies covering the manufacturing and services sectors. “The Board of Directors for this fiscal year 2020 – 2021 was also elected at the AGM. The Board includes Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL), Sterling Products Ltd., Banks DIH Ltd; Edward B Beharry Group; National Milling Company of Guyana, Guyana National Industrial Company, and Brass Aluminum Cast Iron Foundry that have kept the organisation strong and functional over many years,” the release said.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020/21
1. Mr. Shyam Nokta – Environmental Management Consultants
2. Mr. Ramsay Ali – Sterling Products Ltd
3. Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo – Banks DIH Ltd.
4. Mr. Clinton Williams – Guyana National Industrial Corp.
5. Mr. Peter Pompey – Brass Aluminum Cast Iron Foundry
6. Mr. Andre Cummings – Cummings Wood Products
7. Mr. Autamaram Lakeram – National Milling Company
8. Mr. Raymond Ramsaroop – Edward Beharry Group of Companies
9. Mr. Vasudeo Singh – Demerara Distillers Ltd.
10. Dr. Vishnu Doerga – ActionCOACH Guyana
11. Ms. Glenis Hodge – Tropical Shipping Agents
12. Ms. Carol Webster – O-Squared Consulting
13. Mr. Mahadeo Panchu – KSM Investments Inc.
14. Mr. Rafeek Khan – Woods Direct Inc.
15. Mr. Brian James – Guyana Pawnbroking and Trading Co. Ltd.
16. Ms. Karyn Billey – Laparkan Trading Company Inc.
17. Mr. Mohindra Chand – Barama Company Ltd.
18. Mr. Chris Persaud – Umami Inc.
