Entrepreneur and President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry shares how she balances leadership, entrepreneurship, and family

BHABITA Albert is one of Guyana’s hardest-working and most ambitious women. As the president of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a diverse entrepreneur, and a mother, she balances her roles. As the owner of several successful ventures, including the West Central Mall, Global Commercial Import and Transport, and Atlantis Cuisine, and several others in the pipeline, Albert is a unique example of truly successful entrepreneurship. In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine this week, she shared her journey into business and the chamber, how she prioritises both business and home, and why she believes that collaboration and support are vital for successful business, not just for women but for all entrepreneurs.

Born and raised in Meten-Meer-Zorg on the West Coast of Demerara, Albert grew up surrounded by business and took her first steps into entrepreneurship at just sixteen. As the eldest in her family and following the passing of her mother at a young age, she shared that while there was pressure, she was driven to succeed. Albert began working in her family’s business first at a clerical level before working her way toward the leadership of Global Commercial Import and Transport, a business established by her father, a central figure she cites in both her upbringing and success.

“My father played a very pivotal role in our education and upbringing. He was involved in international trade and saw it fit to have me involved in the business from a managerial perspective,” she added. “It was very important for him to instil good values and ensure that we had a bright future. That became my drive. I wanted to be a good role model to my siblings and represent my family and our business name well. From early on, I vowed that I would take this business forward and do whatever it takes to keep the legacy going.”

While some may settle for having a vibrant business, Albert did not stop at preserving her family’s legacy; she sought to build it and create one of her own. During her time at Global Commercial Import and Transport, the business has expanded into different industries. But passion alone did not propel the business, as Albert shared; she took the time to pursue higher education in the field, not just for personal development but also for the business’s sustainability.

“We moved from importation into different industries. I always tried to meet the demands and fill the gaps within those industries, whether through continuing studies or specialised training. I attended a short period of maritime school in the United States to take courses that helped fill gaps we had in Guyana,” she said.

Albert also furthered her education in business administration and networking, gaining certification as a Designated Person Ashore and a Company Security Officer. Today, she oversees a largely male-dominated team of twenty-five contract workers as the head of Global Commercial Import and Transport.

Atlantis Cuisine is also a business Albert heads. The business was created with her sister’s support. As she shared, while she had no prior experience in the culinary arts, she felt the restaurant was needed in Region Three.

“Atlantis Cuisine was another venture where we had no prior experience. Our background was mainly in maritime services and importation. However, I have always had a passion for food. My sister was instrumental in the design and layout of the restaurant while I focused on developing the menu. Our international travels allowed us to bring different flavours together,” she added.

“Region Three was lacking entertainment and social spaces. Atlantis Cuisine helped create that space, and we continue to work on improving the dining experience and introducing new dishes.”

With support from her sister and family, Albert created a menu inspired by dishes from around the world.

Albert’s biggest entrepreneurial undertaking to date, however, is the West Central Mall and West Central Movies. A first-of-its-kind in the region and opened just a few years ago, the mall has become a pillar of the region, offering a state-of-the-art entertainment experience.

Speaking on its establishment, Albert says that getting the theatre experience the mall is known for today required months of talking, networking, and work.

“With West Central, I was directly involved in procurement and outfitting the mall. One of the biggest projects for me was the movie theatre. At the beginning, we had no knowledge of the industry,” she added.

“We reached out to several theatre operators and were told that they could only install six or eight screens, and that a two-screen theatre would not be profitable. However, we were determined to have a theatre at West Central.”

Today, the West Central Movies is home to a theatre experience recognised in Latin America.

These businesses paved the way for Albert to become the first woman to be president of Region Three’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. After joining the chamber several years ago, seeking recognition and collaboration, Albert found that it offered a unique space for networking and learning.

“Over the years, I connected with many good businesses and professionals. I strongly believe that businesses should not operate in isolation anymore. These are the days for collaboration, consortiums, and sharing ideas,” she added.

“When I was asked to join the executive team, I was happy to do so. I served as a committee member, then vice president, and eventually I was elected president.”

Since taking the post, Albert has significantly increased membership, enhanced engagement with government and diplomatic partners, and expanded international connections. One of her most recent projects has been the Junior Chamber, a space for young entrepreneurs to connect, gain mentorship, and access growth opportunities.

Sharing insight into the challenges that come with being both a mother and a business pioneer, Albert says that it can be difficult to split her time between family and work. This has pushed her to create a plan. As she explained, she developed a work schedule that prioritises family. While she admits that there are still some challenges, Albert says she continues to place family at the forefront.

“It is challenging to balance being a mother with such a busy professional life. Many of our Chamber meetings are held at night, and in the early months, we had bi-weekly meetings,” she added.

“I realised that there were gaps in my family life due to the hectic schedule, so I had to create a work structure that prioritises family time. While it is not perfect, I now spend more time with my daughter.”

Moving ahead this year, Albert has plans to establish three new businesses, including the West Central Home Store, Step Up Footwear, and a Kids Toys Factory. While these ventures are centred on affordability, convenience, and quality, Albert says her long-term vision extends beyond business expansion. She believes strongly in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals.

“To women who may feel uncertain about taking on big responsibilities, I would say that if others can do it, then you can do it as well. Take things one step at a time, avoid burnout, and stay focused,” she said.

Albert’s journey from a young clerk in her father’s business to a leading entrepreneur in Region Three reflects years of persistence, learning, and determination. Today, as she continues to expand her ventures and lead the chamber, encouraging women and young professionals to pursue their ambitions, Albert believes that success comes from taking things one step at a time, staying focused, and being willing to learn along the way.