-three-day event brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, financial experts

WITH Guyana’s economy growing faster than ever, financial literacy and entrepreneurship know-how are becoming increasingly vital.

Recognising this urgency, the University of Guyana on Tuesday launched its highly anticipated “Money Week,” a three-day event running from June 3 to 5, which aims to enhance the public’s understanding of money, investment, and the evolving business landscape.

The event is being held at the university’s Turkeyen Campus under the theme, “Building Your Prosperity Dollar by Dollar,” and it marks a vibrant return following a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s edition is designed to provide attendees with real-world knowledge from industry leaders, financial experts, and seasoned entrepreneurs, while equipping them with practical tools to navigate a fast-changing economic environment.

Among the key highlights is a keynote presentation by Dr Marlene Street-Forrest, Managing Director of the Jamaican Stock Exchange, scheduled for Wednesday.

Delivering the opening address at the launch, Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin described the event as “the comeback of a very significant but simple programme,” and extended appreciation to the many local and international partners who have helped to bring it to life, including the Jamaica Stock Exchange, the Guyana Stock Exchange and leading figures from both the private and public sectors.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that Money Week isn’t just about high-level speeches, but rather about engagement, empowerment and valuable insights gained from real-world business experiences.

“We have several what we call icon panels, because one of the things that happens is that a lot of our young people and persons who are into business believe that when they see a big name on a building, that these things happen overnight,” she noted.

She explained that attendees will hear firsthand how some of Guyana’s most successful businesses, such as Gafoors, have evolved over time.

Adding to the discussion on Guyana’s economic momentum was Dr Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest),

Drawing parallels between Guyana’s progress and corporate shareholder expectations, he emphasised the importance of a measurable national development plan, which the government initiated in 2020.

“So, as you look around Guyana, you try to figure out, where do I fit. And you say you study the budget of 2025, and you see government investing billions of dollars in agriculture and you go, wait a minute, if they’re going to invest that much money in agriculture, maybe my strategy should be something in agriculture,” he said.

Dr Ramsaroop also highlighted Guyana’s recent strides in food-security leadership.

Expanding on investment opportunities, he described the value of what he called the “clean dollar,” referring to investments tied to Guyana’s expansive forest cover, biodiversity assets and low-carbon development initiatives. With forests the size of England and carbon stock valued at nearly US$195 billion, he encouraged entrepreneurs and investors to consider sectors such as climate security, electric vehicle manufacturing and green technology.

“You may think it’s impossible for us to build electric cars in Guyana [but] we’re having that conversation right now,” he stated.

Energy and ICT also featured prominently in his address. He underscored the country’s gas reserves and the expected reduction in energy costs, suggesting that Guyana could emerge as a regional artificial intelligence (AI) data-centre hub.

Urging young entrepreneurs and economic thinkers to “follow the money,” Dr Ramsaroop challenged attendees to consider Guyana’s expanding manufacturing base, supported by cheaper energy and a renewed push into agro-processing.

The opening ceremony served as a preview for the three-day event, with additional speakers including university faculty members, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kathy Smith; CEO of One Communications, Damian Blackburn Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Komal Singh.

Events such as the university’s Money Week not only places the spotlight on Guyana’s business and private-sector growth, but it also underscores the expanding opportunities in the country’s dynamic and blossoming economy.