A Short History of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The establishment of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) was catalysed by a meeting between the Royal Agricultural Commercial Society and a Commercial Committee on December 20, 1888—an initiative that was led by Mr. J. Errest. It was during these discussions that a decision was taken to merge the two organisations, and on June 17, 1889, it was decided that the Chamber of Commerce for the City should be recognised by law.
During a general meeting on July 8, 1889, the Memorandum and Articles of Association were submitted, and the President, Vice-Presidents and Council were elected. In the first year of its establishment, the Chambers membership stood at 77, with an annual. In its initial stages, with factors such as the colonial era and the leadership of expatriate business executives, the Chamber was perceived as an exclusive “club” for men. Despite this, during that period, a number of Guyanese held the post of President of the Chamber, while representing companies such as Bookers, Sandbach Parker, Demerara Bauxite Company, Demerara Tobacco Company, Sprostons and the banks.
The Wight family, who owned two of the three daily newspapers, along with insurance companies, and properties and business magnate, Mr. Peter Stanislaus D’Aguiar were very active in the chamber. The Gajraj family, that operated a merchant and motor vehicle business were also members, with Mr. Harold Gajraj holding the post of President, while his brother, Mr. R.B. Gajraj was also a member of the Chamber’s Executive Council.
The Chamber was revered, and often consulted with by the Governor on issues of national importance. The Annual General Meetings of the Chamber were also specially regarded, with wide media coverage being given to these proceedings, as well as speeches by the Governor, representatives of the government of the day, and both the incoming and outgoing Presidents of the GCCI.