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With emphasis on the power of collaboration and partnership, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Mrs. Kathy Smith on October 24 addressed the Trinidad Energy Chamber’s Post-AGM Networking session and encouraged closer regional cooperation within the private sector.

Mrs. Smith delivered the keynote address at the event which was hosted at the Hilton Hotel in Trinidad and participated in a panel discussion that featured Dr. Thackwray ‘Dax’ Driver, President & CEO Energy Chamber of T&T; Ms. Mala Baliraj, Chairperson, Energy Chamber of T&T; Mr. Gary Frost, Managing Director, Rig Bound; Ms. Sasha Addo, Managing Director, L&S Surveying Services, and Mr. Richard Thompson, Director, New Business Development, IRP Fire & Safety Ltd.

At the event, the GCCI President pointedly addressed the need for the removal of Non-Tarriff Barriers for Guyanese importers looking to tap into the Trinidadian market, and for urgent and strategic action to be taken to remedy port congestion in Trinidad that has been resulting in shipment delays bound for Guyana.

Addressing the Trinidadian Private Sector, Mrs. Smith stated, “We are neighbours, we are partners, and increasingly, we are part of the same energy story — one that is transforming the face of our economies, our businesses, and our people.”

She highlighted Guyana’s transformative development over the last several years, which resulted from the emergence of the oil and gas sector, the opportunities for businesses, and how the GCCI has empowered Guyanese businesses to enter the industry’s supply chain—particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

“When Caribbean businesses connect and collaborate — we all rise together. Trinidad and Tobago has long been the energy capital of the Caribbean. You have the expertise, the infrastructure, and the experience that the region can learn from. In Guyana, we’ve already seen the benefits of Trinidadian investment —your companies bring speed, technical knowledge, and a wealth of experience that strengthens our ecosystem. But partnership must be a two-way street. As we grow our own capacity, Guyanese firms are also looking outward —for opportunities to supply, to service, and to partner right here in Trinidad and Tobago,” she affirmed.

The GCCI President underscored that the region is at a turning point—where the actions taken today can build resilient, diversified economies, strengthen manufacturing, agriculture, technology, and human capital and ensure that the wave of prosperity touches every home, community, and business. She emphasised, “The Caribbean’s strength has always been its people — resourceful, resilient, and ready to rise. The oil beneath our seas is valuable, yes —but the real resource lies in the partnerships we build, the trust we forge, and the opportunities we create for each other.”

The two organisations committed to establish a Memorandum of Understanding for the advancement of the private sectors in both countries.