AS Guyana stands on the brink of an unprecedented economic transformation, the focus on developing a robust capital market is not just a strategic necessity—it’s imperative for sustainable growth and regional integration.
The upcoming regional conference on investment and capital markets, scheduled for October 8-9, 2024, at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Georgetown, represents a crucial juncture in this journey. The conference, aptly themed “Financing for Success: Where Passion, Prosperity, and People Align,” will be a pivotal moment for Guyana and the broader Caribbean Region.

Dr. Marlene Street-Forrest, Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, underscores the essential role that financing plays in the development of a capital market. She emphasises that successful economic growth relies on creating a capital market infrastructure that supports both individual and business needs. The conference aims to address these needs by fostering discussions on a wide array of topics that are critical to the growth of Guyana’s capital markets and regional economic integration.
One of the standout sessions will feature Guyana’s Finance and Public Service Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, who will discuss “Budgeting: The Pillar for Success, People, and Culture.”
This session will be integral in aligning budgeting practices with the broader economic aspirations of the country, ensuring that both individuals and businesses benefit from the nation’s economic boom. Dr. Singh’s insights are expected to shed light on how strategic budgeting and financial planning can drive prosperity and ensure that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for the populace.

The conference will also tackle the pressing issue of capital access for businesses. In many regions, capital markets are underdeveloped, limiting businesses to primarily loan-based financing. This creates an imbalanced economic landscape.
The conference aims to address this gap by exploring diverse financing options, including equity capital, mezzanine financing, and other innovative financial instruments. This comprehensive approach is crucial for enabling businesses to scale and contribute to a more dynamic and inclusive economic environment.

Moreover, the conference will move beyond the oil sector, which has dominated recent discussions about Guyana’s economic future. By broadening the focus to include other sectors, the event seeks to democratise access to the country’s wealth, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are more widely distributed. This inclusive approach is essential for building a balanced and sustainable economic framework that can support diverse industries and communities.

The gathering will also feature contributions from notable speakers, including Kester Hutson, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Gregory Fisher, Managing Director and Head of EM Fixed Income Wealth Management at Jefferies; and Eva Mitchell, CEO of Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange Limited. Their participation will provide valuable perspectives and best practices that can be adapted to enhance investment opportunities and sector development across the Caribbean.
A significant outcome expected from the conference is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Jamaica Stock Exchange and the Guyana Association of Securities Companies and Intermediaries Inc.

This agreement will mark a milestone in regional integration, facilitating greater connectivity between Caribbean stock markets and potentially attracting more global investors to the region.
Guyana’s rapid economic ascent, fueled by its rich natural resources and recent oil discoveries, makes it an ideal host for this conference.
As Dr. Street-Forrest aptly puts it, Guyana is a country of extraordinary potential, with its rich democracy and unique topography providing a solid foundation for economic growth. The conference represents not just a moment of reflection but a proactive step towards shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for Guyana and the Caribbean.

The upcoming conference on investment and capital markets is more than a significant event—it’s a critical catalyst for transforming Guyana’s economic landscape.
By focusing on the development of a robust capital market, fostering regional integration, and exploring diverse financing options, the conference aims to build a more resilient and inclusive economic framework. This is a golden opportunity for Guyana to leverage its growth, align passion with prosperity, and ensure that its economic success benefits all its people.