Yesterday, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)’s representatives paid a courtesy call to the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Yesim Oruc, where pertinent areas of development were discussed.

The GGCI first pinpointed capturing adequate documentation on migration in Guyana since the labour force is insufficient to support the current growth. Further, they emphasized a need to access workers of particular professions since many are available but cannot be accessed due to lack of registration, language barriers and other outstanding factors.

The also GCCI highlighted a need to decipher how MSMEs will participate in the oil and gas industry and capitalize on Guyana’s newfound wealth. This will be done by driving the development of the MSMEs, so they are adequately resourced to function and capitalize.
Additionally, both parties discussed financing for carbon trading, where the UN team noted that it is done mainly on a government level; however, there are criteria for the private sector to access these benefits.

On food security, Oruc also noted the rising food prices and attested that the food price inflation in Guyana is very “concerning”. She further stated that Guyana holds the capacity to invest in food systems and touched on feeding programmes, buying locally and supporting the “Twenty-five by 2025 Initiative”, which aims to reduce extra-regional agri-food imports by 25 percent by 2025.
Lastly, the GCCI noted a very stringent code of conduct that the OAS has recognized. However, the representatives indicated that it was crafted before the SDGs and will be updated to include them.

Yesterday’s courtesy call has set a foundation for active engagement with the UN and organizations. The GCCI looks forward to increased development through collaboration and working following the SDGs.