Achievements of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Local Content
With the advent of the oil and gas industry, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry began the conversation on how the industry should involve and benefit Guyanese. Through consistent advocacy, the Chamber lobbied for the implementation of local content laws, which were passed by the National Assembly in 2021, and included requirements for Guyanese businesses to be given preferential treatment for 40 niche services and also included mandates for upskilling and employing locals.
Training
The Chamber recognised the need for a high-calibre Human Resource Pool. Consequently, the Chamber was involved in extensive management training. Staff for various government and private sector agencies have been trained in multidisciplinary management skills that allow them to function more effectively within their respective designations.
Companies and organisations which benefited included Laparkan, Royal Castle, National Hardware Guyana Ltd., The Public Utilities Commission, Anlim, Guyana Stores, The Georgetown Public Hospital, The Bank of Guyana, and Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company, among others. The Chamber also collaborated with international agencies, the International Labour Organisation and the University of the West Indies Business Institute to bring quality management skills to Guyanese at affordable rates.
Business Programmes
Concomitant with its training programme, the Chamber had established since 1996, a Schools Business Sensitisation Programme which was aimed at creating a synergy between the business community and the high school system. Over the years, schools in and out of Georgetown have benefited from this programme.
Public Awareness
The Secretariat regularly issues press releases on matters of importance to the business community. Moreover, “Global Perspectives”, a local television programme, was pioneered by the Chamber and a wide range of topical issues impacting business were discussed on a bi-weekly basis.
Representation
As the oldest and most recognised voice of the business community, the Chamber has effectively represented its members on a wide range of issues. Internationally, the Chamber has represented Guyana on high level matters ranging from peace talks in Northern Ireland, Trade Fairs, the Guyana/Brazil super Highway and other matters of significance to Guyana.
In November of 2002, the Executive Director presented a paper to a conference in Brazil hosted by the International Trade Network on Business implications of the WTO Trade remedies in EC, Canada and the US. This paper is currently hosted by the International Trade Centre official website.
The Secretariat is also integrally involved in matters pertaining to telecommunications, electricity, Customs, the Mayor and City Council, Government, etc., which were all dealt with and inevitably resolved to the satisfaction of the business community. Since 1996, the Chamber has been instrumental in advocating the position of its members via its presentations to the government. In fact, the Chamber has annually submitted proposals for the National Budget.
Crime Fighting
During the period when crime threatened to undermine stability, the Chamber secured the services of an internationally renowned crime consultant and held several training seminars to sensitise its members about crime prevention. Through its various committees, the Chamber has developed a working relationship with the Guyana Police Force to lend support in tackling issues related to crime, traffic management and accident reduction.
Networking
The Chamber has exponentially increased the commercial possibilities of its members through its collaboration with other chambers internationally. Memoranda of understanding have been signed with numerous other Chambers of Commerce, including London, chambers in the USA, Columbia, Surinam, Brazil, Cuba, etc. Additionally, the Chamber is a member of the British/Caribbean Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Local members benefit from several informative and representative possibilities the British/Caribbean Chamber offers. The Chamber also embarked on several outgoing trade missions and facilitated incoming trade missions from abroad, and its members have been direct beneficiaries of these expositions.
Accountability
The Chamber’s accounts are audited, and no record of financial impropriety has ever been reported.
Mediation
On several occasions, the Chamber has mediated on behalf of its members who faced problems with government and other private sector organisations. These cases are documented.