Multi-million-dollar Suri Trading warehouse to add value to Little Diamond, surrounding communities

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday commissioned a multi-million-dollar warehouse facility for Suri Trading, a well-known local distributor, at Plantation Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

The President, in his feature address, said this facility, owned by Frank Sanichara, adds value to the developing area, highlighting that Guyana is undergoing a massive transformation and private sector investment is very much needed.

The Head of State said the company’s new warehouse paves the way for the country’s supply chain to increase with Suri Trading being able to purchase more.

Businessman, Frank Sanichara (fourth from left), his children, President Irfaan Ali and others cut the ribbon to the new warehouse (Photo: DPI/March 25, 2023)

“These individual investments collectively integrate into that macro vision that will transform our country and transform our business ecosystem.

“You have added now to the value of this entire area with this building…we are now advancing development because developments spur development,” the Head of State said.

The new location is an upgrade from the facility at Eccles where the products distributed were previously stored. Suri Trading is a distributor of Sleepy’s and Predo diapers, Mogu Mogu beverages, Basil seed drinks and many other beverages locally and to other countries including Trinidad, Grenada and Suriname.

Sanichara, while reflecting on his journey to creating the business, said that he faced many challenges.

Inside the new warehouse (Photo: DPI/March 25, 2023)

He explained that his search for land began due to a need for storage for his products. But getting the land was not an easy task and when he first applied for the land at Little Diamond, he was told none was available.

But he was persistent and continued his quest to secure two acres which he committed to building a warehouse.

“We were told that all the lands at the back here were done completely…

“We were able to squeeze in two acres which took a little longer than expected but we fulfilled all the obligations that we promised to do. We promised that if we were given the opportunity to purchase this land, we will build a warehouse and today we completed our task,” the businessman said.

Frank Sanichara

But in order to accomplish this achievement, Sanichara had to invest heavily in building the land. He called on the government to intervene by providing access to finance and land development programmes so that future buyers do not suffer the same fate.

“It is an extremely, extremely expensive investment. We all know these were cane fields…So the sand filling per acre at the back here alone to bring these lands up to a level where we could start construction is about 1,500 truckloads of sand…We should have some sort of system in place to help so that people can be able to complete their project,” the businessman highlighted.

Meanwhile, the President of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Paul Cheong, said this expansion will add to the country’s economy, noting that the company’s commitment to innovation and investments to keep up with the country’s market demands is commendable.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir, and President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Timothy Tucker were among the special invitees at the launching.

The new Suri Trading warehouse at Plantation Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara (Photo: DPI/March 25, 2023)