–GO-Invest head tells Jamaican business mission

GUYANA is rapidly becoming the region’s most promising economic frontier, and now is the time to seize the moment. That was the core message from Chief Investment Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, as he addressed a visiting delegation of public and private-sector representatives from Jamaica on Thursday at the Marriott Hotel, in Kingston, Georgetown.

 

Speaking during the trade mission meeting, Dr. Ramsaroop painted a vivid picture of Guyana’s booming trajectory, bolstered by its oil production—projected to reach 1.3 million barrels per day by 2027—and abundant reserves of natural gas, gold, bauxite, silica sand, and a thriving agriculture sector.

 

According to him, Guyana is on the verge of a path that probably has not been seen anywhere else in the world in recent times. “We probably are the last frontier of development that will take place within the region and within the world,” he told the delegation.

Ramsaroop highlighted that Guyana’s distinct advantage stems from the synergy between its abundant natural resources and the strength of its national leadership.

 

He noted that President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s 2030 vision is not just aspirational but built on measurable and actionable goals, with a clear commitment that Guyana’s prosperity must translate into prosperity for the wider Caribbean region.

Dr. Ramsaroop called for stronger commercial ties between Guyana and Jamaica, particularly in agro-processing, information and communication technology (ICT), and manufacturing.

 

He recalled telling executives from global food brands that they either partner with Grace Kennedy and Guyanese producers, or risk being replaced on Caribbean shelves.

 

He also lamented the importation of coconut water from Malaysia for cruise ships in the Caribbean, calling it a missed regional opportunity.

 

“When you think of all of these cruiseliners, thousands and thousands of tourists on them, and we don’t own that market,” he emphasised.

 

Dr. Ramsaroop pointed to the impending gas-to-energy project which will significantly reduce energy costs, along with the digitisation of government services and major infrastructure developments including new hospitals, roads and luxury hotels as key factors positioning Guyana to become the manufacturing hub of the Caribbean.

 

The Chief Investment Officer encouraged Jamaican firms to explore joint ventures and “twin” operations with Guyanese counterparts.

 

“You’re here to make money. Our job is to make sure, as government, we put the right incentives in place, we follow the right rules and regulations. But ultimately, our job is to make your life better in order for you to hire people and make money,” he said frankly.

 

Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, hailed Guyana’s rapid economic transformation, declaring the country a model of development and a prime destination for Caribbean business partnerships.

Speaking during the business mission, Hill underscored the importance of understanding and engaging with Guyana’s evolving economic landscape.

 

“When you come to Guyana, the first thing I try to do is make sure you understand what is going on here,” he told attendees, noting the growing interest among Jamaican investors and entrepreneurs.

 

The minister highlighted Guyana’s meteoric rise in GDP per capita over recent years.

 

Senator Hill pointed out that just six or seven years ago, Guyana’s per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was below US$7,000 and lagging behind Jamaica.

 

Today, however, he noted that Guyana has climbed significantly to rank ninth globally, with a per capita GDP of US$94,000, based on recent Forbes data.

 

He pointed out that this puts Guyana among the top 10 richest countries by per capita GDP.

 

Hill said Jamaica is well-positioned to complement Guyana’s development by offering services across ICT, education, legal, health, and construction sectors.

 

He highlighted the growing regional and international reach of Jamaican businesses, pointing to the expansion of several companies across the Caribbean and beyond.

 

He also referenced the participation of the prominent law firm, Myers Fletcher & Gordon, in the current mission, as a reflection of this widening footprint.

“I bring people who want to do business,” Hill said, emphasising the importance of strategic partnerships.

 

He also recalled successful Jamaican ventures in Guyana, including food producer, Home Choice, which found local partners and now considers Guyana one of its top-performing markets.

 

Praising Guyana’s natural resources, expanding oil industry, and investment climate, Hill added, “I’ve seen what happens to countries when they really expand their oil business, or find new oil, and not just in the Middle East, but elsewhere.”

 

Senator Hill reflected on witnessing the transformation of Dubai under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and drew a parallel with Guyana’s growth.

 

He projected that in the next five to seven years, Guyana’s population could potentially double or even triple, largely due to an influx of expatriates drawn by opportunities in key sectors.

He urged Jamaican entrepreneurs to invest in Guyana not only for profit but to contribute to regional growth.

 

Having now led four business missions to Guyana, Senator Hill closed by reaffirming Jamaica’s dedication to advancing regional development through sound governance and sustainable economic growth.

 

Jamaica and Guyana have enjoyed a long-standing and constructive bilateral relationship, rooted in decades of regional cooperation. Their ties date back to July 1973, when both nations became signatories to the Treaty of Chaguaramas, laying the foundation for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and deeper regional integration.

 

In more recent years, efforts to strengthen collaboration were renewed with the reactivation of the Guyana-Jamaica Joint Commission in 2018.