THEON Alleyne is a Public Relations Officer and is one of the faces behind the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Chamber of Industry and Commerce (R3CCI), which has been doing its part to spread joy to the less fortunate in their communities.
For 2024, Alleyne explained that the entity started with a food hamper distribution in the spirit of giving and community solidarity.

According to Alleyne, the initiative aimed to support and uplift the less fortunate members of various communities across Region Three as the new year begins.
He added that the New Year’s Day initiative is a testament to R3CCI’s commitment not just to economic development but also to fostering stronger community bonds.

“It echoes the belief that acts of kindness, big or small, can lead to significant positive changes within our society. As we step into 2024, R3CCI remains dedicated to initiatives that not only enhance the economic fabric of our region but also strengthen the interpersonal connections within our community. The success of the New Year’s Day Hamper Distribution is a shining example of what we can achieve when we come together for a common good.

R3CCI extends its heartfelt gratitude to Puran Brothers, Fat Boy Discount Store, Countryside Agriculture, Telco Solutions, Seeram Singh Top Notch Contracting Services, Chicken & Burger, EICCIO Advisors, and MJM Accounting and Management Institute, who contributed to making this initiative a memorable and joyous occasion for those in need. Your generosity truly embodies the spirit of our community,” he said.

Alleyne disclosed that R3CCI is a Business Support Organisation that advocates for the interests of its members and promotes economic development in the Essequibo Islands—West Demerara region of Guyana.
Specifically, the R3CCI provides several benefits for businesses, including networking opportunities, increased visibility and credibility, advocacy and support, access to exclusive programming, and a direct voice in national and regional policy development.

The R3CCI was formed two years ago and they have 16 members. Some are inactive but growing slowly and have undergone some name changes over the years.
Alleyne added that their office is at the West Central Mall, Leonora,West Coast Demerara and they are partnering with other agencies to fulfill the community’s needs through various means.
He reported that last year they collaborated with the police on security, oil and gas sessions, and training programmes on ISO certification. They even hosted a job fair and engaged Minister Indar Deodat.

In highlighting the achievements of 2023, the R3CCI built strong relationships, effective communication and providing value by partnerships with both the private and public sector.
Some major highlights included meeting with Dr. Natasha Gaskin-Peters and the Centre for Local Business Development Team.

The meeting fostered much dialogue on unlocking business opportunities in the burgeoning Oil & Gas sector, highlighting new horizons for members; meeting with the Regional Democratic Council and the Regional Division of the Guyana Police Force leadership regarding security concerns andensuring a conducive environment for private sector growth and a game-changing meeting with ExxonMobil Guyana discussing their plan for Region Three and strategies for getting more skilled workers in the energy sector.