‘The quintessential man of action’- Paul Cheong honoured for serving as PSC Chairman 

As his stint gradually comes to an end, Paul Cheong was on Wednesday praised for his exceptional performance as Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and at a time when the country is experiencing unprecedented change.

Described as a “man of action than a man of words”, Cheong was honoured during a dinner and cocktail reception held at Parc Rayne on Wednesday night.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has commended the leadership of the outgoing PSC Chairman (Photo: DPI/March 29, 2023)

“Paul has walked the walk…Paul Cheong is the quintessential man of action…He is a man that would deliver the goods,” Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh said during his address at the event.

Dr Singh said Cheong was never “shy” of representing and articulating the interests of the PSC during his chairmanship.

“The scale, scope and speed with which things are changing in Guyana…at which the economic landscape and at which the business economy is changing, evolving and emerging…It takes a safe and steady pair of hands to conduct whichever ship you might be navigating through this complicated and unprecedented time,” the Finance Minister said.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Cheong noted that as Guyana’s economy continues to mature, it is “crucial” that robust institutions are established to safeguard the interests of local businesses.

Cheong noted that during his tenure, he has “consistently” emphasised the importance of “strong” local content legislation.

“…We will continue to advocate for this legislation to ensure that our country’s resources are utilised to benefit the people of Guyana…Ensuring that they do not face any unfair competition or practices,” he said.

And to prevent the decision-making body from being dominated, Cheong said the PSC must remain vigilant and the nurturing of small and medium size businesses must be prioritised.

“In whatever we are tasked to do, we must do it with dedication, passion and pride…We must never shortchange the organisation.”

He further noted that with the massive transformation ongoing in all the sectors in the country, the opportunities are “plenty” to expand and grow business.

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Paul Cheong (Photo: News Room/December 15, 2021)

As such, he urged people not to procrastinate but take full advantage of them.

“I am truly grateful for the many opportunities we have had to learn and grow and collaborate and I am confident that the PSC will continue to strive under the leadership of my successor,” Cheong said.

Cheong served as the Chairman of the PSC for two consecutive years; he was elected in April 2021 and re-elected in 2022. A new chairman is expected to be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) slated for April 18.

He is a business executive with over 40 years of experience and currently serves as the chairman of several boards, including the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil), the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) and the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated.

He also served as a member on the boards for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Edward B. Beharry Company, Sterling Products, North American Fire and General Insurance (NIS), among others.

He has among his academic qualifications a Master in Business Management.