-honours agents, employees during dinner and awards ceremony
THE Guyana Lottery Company Limited (GLCL) on Friday night celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Banquet Hall, Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown in fine-style, honouring its agents and employees.
General Manager of GLCL, Kalima Ali told the large gathering that the event is not only a celebration of a milestone, but it is a reflection of a journey built through partnership, perservance, innovation and service.
She added that for three decades, they have partnered with the Government of Guyana to successfully provide lottery services to the people of Guyana.
Ali reported that in 1996, government awarded the Canadian Bank Note company a long-term operator agreement to establish a national lottery in Guyana.
The Guyana Lottery company was then formed with a main office at Lot 357 Lamaha Street, Georgetown, and its regional sales office at the General Post Office building on Robb Street.
“We have invested in strengthening our human resources to ensure our compliance standards are always above board, and our staff and agents are equipped to deliver excellent service every time,” she said.
Ali disclosed that to support this, the company has undergone significant management restructuring, and a new board of directors was appointed earlier this year.
The GLCL General Manager added that the company’s vision is strategically aligned to complement Guyana’s booming economic development.
She said the stories of their winners are truly inspiring. Many have used their prizes to build or renovate homes, pay off mortgages, start or expand businesses, take long-awaited family vacations, or pursue other meaningful goals.
“Our contribution has also extended beyond lottery and gaming. We have supported the growth of more than 200 small businesses through our local agent network,” Ali said.
During the dinner and awards ceremony, several long-serving agents and long-service employees were recognised for their contributions to the company.
Kirk Arends, President of Lottery and Gaming Division, Canada Bank Note, noted that he wanted to take a moment to recognise the remarkable milestone and offer his sincere congratulations.
He added that 30 years of success is an extraordinary achievement as it reflects the dedication, leadership, and commitment of countless individuals who have helped build the company into a trusted institution.
Arends said gaming entertainment drives benefit beyond the game.
“We have contributed meaningfully to the development of Guyana and the growth of the lottery and gaming sector with safe and responsible play at the heart of everything we do,” he said.
He noted that this anniversary is also a celebration of partnership. For three decades, Canadian Bank Note Company, the Guyana Lottery Company, and the Government of Guyana have worked together with a shared commitment to integrity, innovation, and responsible growth.
“Before I close, I would also like to recognise the profound impact of the recent MV Barima tragedy that occurred on the night of July 18. Our thoughts remain with the survivors, the families who lost loved ones, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event. As a demonstration of our support and commitment to the people of Guyana, Canadian Bank Note Company is pleased to announce a contribution of G$5 million to the HEART Initiative to help provide ongoing support to survivors and bereaved families affected by the tragedy. We hope this contribution will assist in the recovery process and serve as a small expression of our solidarity with those impacted during this difficult time,” Arends said.
