— Rodrigues says investment reflects expanding productive capacity beyond energy sector

ACADO Guyana Inc. has officially commissioned a new state-of-the-art distribution centre on the Heroes Highway, marking another stage in the expansion of the Guyanese company.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, delivered the feature address at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where she joined ACADO Founder and Director, Frank DeAbreu; Chief Executive Officer, Alicia DeAbreu; representatives of the Agostini Group; management and staff, and members of the private sector.
According to a release from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Rodrigues highlighted ACADO’s growth from a small family-owned business established by the DeAbreu family in 1992 to a company with a national footprint and regional partnerships.
“Today is an important day because we are not simply recognising the growth of a company. We are recognising more than three decades of enterprise, resilience, partnership and confidence,” Rodrigues said.

The Minister reflected on Frank DeAbreu’s account of the company’s beginnings and the risks, relationships and determination that contributed to its development, noting that such experiences provide important lessons for younger Guyanese entrepreneurs.
Rodrigues said the new facility comes at a time of significant economic expansion and stressed that Guyana’s transformation extends beyond the energy sector.
“Economic transformation is not only about large infrastructure projects or the energy sector. It is also about building the productive capacity of Guyanese businesses, strengthening our distribution and logistics networks, expanding manufacturing and services, creating jobs, and ensuring that businesses have the infrastructure and partnerships required to compete,” she said.
REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Rodrigues also highlighted the importance of regional partnerships, pointing to ACADO’s collaboration with the Agostini Group as an example of how Guyanese family-owned businesses can leverage regional expertise, networks and capabilities to expand their operations.
Frank DeAbreu, reflecting on the company’s journey, credited his family, employees, financial institutions, suppliers and business partners for supporting ACADO’s growth.
“It was about people. It was about trust. It was about taking risks when you had little, giving your word and recognising people who believed in you,” he said.
Meanwhile, CEO Alicia DeAbreu described the new distribution centre as the result of a foundation established by her parents.
She said integrity and honesty were central to ACADO’s early development and remain core values of the company.
Alicia DeAbreu also recognised the contribution of employees, directors and regional partners to the company’s continued expansion.
On behalf of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana, Rodrigues commended ACADO for its investment in its workforce and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
She also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating an environment in which businesses can invest, innovate, expand and create opportunities.
Rodrigues congratulated the DeAbreu family, Agostini Group, ACADO’s management and staff, and the company’s partners on the opening of the new facility.