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As internal fractures continue to deepen within Guyana’s main opposition coalition ahead of the upcoming September 01 General and Regional Elections, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has weighed in on the developments, dismissing the APNU+AFC as a “coalition of incompetence” and “undemocratic forces” unfit to lead the country.

Speaking on Wednesday at the sidelines of the launch of Orinduik Marine Services, the President offered a scathing critique of the opposition’s failure to unite, citing both past actions and current disarray.

“These are the same people who tried to rig an election, the same individuals who claimed 32 was greater than 33,” President Ali said, referring to the 2020 electoral crisis that thrust Guyana into months of political uncertainty.

“They destroyed the economy for five years—sent home sugar workers, almost shocked the rice industry, and let our country into disaster.”

The President described the opposition’s current posture as a “run for power” rather than a credible policy-driven campaign, asserting that their focus remains rooted in “hate, division, and racism.”

“They are stuck in the past. They’re not part of coaliting the future of Guyana,” he said.

Dr. Ali said that the PPP/C has emerged as the true unifying force in the country, contrasting the opposition’s turmoil with what he characterised as his party’s record of delivering clear policies, strategies, and results for the Guyanese people.

“When people compare where they were under APNU+AFC and where they are today, they are making an analytical, clear decision—and that is what is driving so many to gravitate to the PPP,” the Head of State explained.

He was also asked about his party’s apparent openness to welcoming former opposition members who had once been part of the very administration he condemned. Notably, a string of high-profile defections from the APNU+AFC has seen former senior figures throw their support behind the PPP/C.

In response, President Ali offered a philosophical view: “Forgiveness is a part of moving forward. These persons are not only moving forward—they are explaining on what platform they are doing so: one that is better for Guyana, for democracy, and for the rule of law.”

While he acknowledged there may be internal discomfort among long-time PPP/C supporters, the President insisted that the party’s philosophy of inclusivity and national unity overrides any concerns about political opportunism.

“The PPP has always been about building a national front—bringing together people of every class, every race, every religion. That philosophy is winning,” he said. “And that is why the opposition’s old philosophy of division and anti-rule-of-law positions is losing.”

As the electoral clock ticks down, President Ali, though in humility, projected confidence, stating that his party remains focused on “prosperity, opportunity, and unity” while the opposition struggles to “come up with a cohesive plan or structural strategy.”

“The PPP will go again into government,” he said.

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President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith has issued a strong call for more equitable business practices and faster payments within Guyana’s oil and gas industry.

During a recent interview with the News Room, Smith expressed concern about how some companies are interpreting local content legislation.

“We are still seeing some grey areas in the local content legislation, not the legislation per se, but how some businesses are interpreting the legislation and using it.

“We are still finding areas where large companies are trying to compete aggressively against small businesses by setting up small companies under their companies so they can compete against small businesses,” Smith explained.

She also pointed to unfair practices involving international firms that partner with local companies but retain control of purchasing decisions and revenue streams.

“The international parent company, some of them are pulling the revenue out of the local companies through sales of material or expertise that they are bringing, equipment that they are bringing, capacity area that they have that the local companies don’t have,” Smith stated.

She added that at the end of the business calendar, many of these local companies are left with little or no profit for distribution.

A particularly persistent challenge has been delayed payments from oil companies. In past years, local businesses faced wait times of up to 90 days to receive payments after delivering goods and services.

Earlier this year, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat stated that the government is pushing oil companies to settle payments with contractors within 30 days of receiving a correct invoice. This will mark a further reduction from the 45-day payment period.

“Some of our members are still talking about late payments,” Smith said.

“They’ve invested hundreds of thousands of US dollars, and when the month comes, the payments haven’t arrived.”

She said, the GCCI continues to engage stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to push for more timely payments and transparent, fair practices that allow local businesses to thrive in Guyana’s rapidly evolving economy.

As the first female president of the GCCI, Smith describes the moment not as a personal milestone, but as a breakthrough for leadership in Guyana’s business landscape.

Smith said she feels both empowered and humbled, and emphasised that her new role carries a deep sense of duty. She spoke about her commitment to fostering a culture of transparency, inclusivity, and innovation during her tenure.

Smith credits intentional hard work and a passion for business as the driving forces behind her rise, and now hopes to use her platform to inspire others and help shape a more inclusive and dynamic business environment in Guyana.

“One of the fastest ways to succeed in business is through business-to-business support.

“I want to ensure that the Chamber I am leading continues to be an innovative one. One of our biggest mandates is to ensure that local businesses are given opportunities, that they are supported and respected in doing business in Guyana,” Smith said.

 

 

 

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As Guyana inches closer to the 2025 General and Regional Elections on September 01, internal discord within the country’s main opposition parties is spilling into the public domain. Two sitting opposition Members of Parliament — Amanza Walton-Desir of the PNC/R and Juretha Fernandes of the AFC — have issued pointed statements, signalling frustration and dissatisfaction with how the coalition talks between A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) have unfolded.

Both statements come on the heels of a formal breakdown in negotiations between the two parties. The AFC announced recently that it would contest the elections independently, while APNU — comprising primarily the PNC/R — has said it remains open to further discussions, even as it prepares to move forward with its own electoral plans.

In a strongly worded statement on her official Facebook page, PNC/R parliamentarian Amanza Walton-Desir criticised the prolonged and unresolved negotiations, stating that the delay is eroding public confidence and weakening the opposition’s ability to present a united front.

“I, like the majority of our supporters, am deeply frustrated and fed up with the state of the negotiations,” she said. “Six months later, we are no closer to an agreement and seem more divided than when we started.”

Walton-Desir, who serves as Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, warned that the opposition risks failing those who rely on them for leadership by fostering a climate of “division and public bickering.”

“The future will not forgive us, history will not absolve us,” she added.

Earlier, AFC Member of Parliament Juretha Fernandes questioned the legitimacy and strategic rationale behind her party’s push for a so-called “consensus candidate” to lead a potential coalition.

In her statement, Fernandes disclosed that the concept had previously been rejected within the AFC by senior leadership, only to be reintroduced under different circumstances.

“This idea formed the basis for heavy discussions a year ago in my party, and it was wholly dismissed by those considered senior leaders,” she said. “So you can only imagine my surprise when reading about consensus candidates promoted by the very people who strongly dismissed that idea.”

Fernandes also voiced concern over the trend of elevating political outsiders to leadership roles without sufficient experience or proven commitment to the party’s cause.

“Governance is no walk in the park,” she stated. “It demands not only knowledge of how the system functions but also a deep commitment to crafting policies that benefit the people, not oneself.”

The fallout between APNU and AFC has been attributed largely to a disagreement over the selection of a presidential candidate. The AFC, led by Nigel Hughes, has advocated for a non-partisan “consensus candidate,” proposing names such as former Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge. According to Hughes, these suggestions were rejected by APNU, which maintained that its leader, Aubrey Norton, should head the ticket.

In a recent Facebook post, Hughes rejected what he described as “mischaracterisations” of the AFC’s position, clarifying that the party had not demanded the presidential spot, but rather a candidate that could represent a genuine unifying figure.

Meanwhile, APNU has reaffirmed its readiness to contest the elections, and notably referenced the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) as part of its current coalition structure—a move interpreted by some analysts as a signal of shifting alliances.

The impasse has triggered public backlash, with many citizens expressing disappointment over what they view as political posturing at the expense of national interest. Social media commentary has been critical, with accusations of selfishness and a failure to prioritise the needs of ordinary Guyanese.

In recent weeks, the APNU+AFC coalition has seen a string of defections, with several senior members—including former ministers and party stalwarts—now publicly throwing their support behind the governing PPP/C.

Observers say the opposition’s fragmentation could weaken its ability to mount a serious challenge to the ruling PPP/C government, which has already begun positioning itself for re-election amid Guyana’s rapidly changing economic landscape.

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The Guyanese cricket community was thrown in mourning this week, with the passing of Stephon Sankar, a young cricketer who was also making his mark as an umpire.

The 18-year-old all-rounder came through the ranks from Under-13 level at the Malteenoes Sports Club and Transport Sports Club.

The Guyana Cricket Board and the Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association paid tribute to Sankar.

Guyana Cricket Board: The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is deeply saddened by the passing of young cricketer and umpire, Stephon Sankar.

Stephon was more than just a rising talent- he was a dedicated young man whose love for the game was evident. He carried a passion and respect for cricket that inspired many.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates and the wider cricketing fraternity.

This is a profound loss, and we mourn with all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Gone too soon, but never forgotten.

Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association: The Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (GCUSA) is saddened by the passing of its member Mr. Stephon Sankar.

Stephon’s unwavering passion for the game and his steadfast commitment to upholding its spirit were evident in every match he officiated.

As both an emerging umpire and a cricketer, his contributions were invaluable, and he will forever be remembered for the camaraderie he shared with everyone around him.

The GCUSA extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Stephon’s family and friends during this profoundly difficult time.

His warm presence and invaluable contributions will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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Alliance for Change leader, Nigel Hughes, on Tuesday clarified that the party has not demanded that it be given the Presidential candidate spot in a possible coalition with APNU. However, he maintains that the AFC wants a “consensus candidate” instead of APNU’s Presidential candidate, Aubrey Norton.

In a Facebook post on Mr. Hughes’ Facebook page, he said the AFC was “categorically rejecting mischaracterizations and inaccuracies” in the ongoing APNU-AFC coalition talks. He emphasised that the party has sought a consensus candidate to lead the ticket for the coalition, opining that such an individual could represent a “genuine third-party representative.”

“The AFC has proposed multiple independent and qualified Guyanese as potential consensus candidates, including former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice President Carl Greenidge, whose credentials and integrity are beyond reproach. None of these proposals was accepted by APNU, and it is a matter of public record that there was only one party that insisted on a specific candidate without compromise. That insistence, not any action by the AFC, has hindered meaningful progress toward unity,” the statement noted.

APNU/ AFC coalition talks collapse despite ‘best efforts’ in negotiations 

There has been increased discussion about the coalition talks again, following statements made by the AFC’s David Patterson and the PNC’s Sherwood Lowe several days ago. The two men spoke about the diverging positions of the two parties, positions which hinder the formation of a coalition.

The People’s National Congress (PNC) is the major Constituent of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

It was reported that AFC demanded 55% of the Parliamentary seats that the coalition wins after the elections, but APNU wanted it to be a 70/30 split, with APNU getting the larger share as it has brought in more votes in the past. Additionally, APNU held firm that the presidential candidate should be PNC leader Aubrey Norton, since the PNC is the largest opposition political party and the largest party in APNU. The AFC had said it wanted Nigel Hughes as the presidential candidate, but also spoke of a consensus candidate.

APNU and AFC held government office between 2015 and 2020 as a coalition; they had been engaged in talks to revive the alliance ahead of this year’s general elections. However, multiple sources suggest the talks collapsed over disagreements about the presidential candidate, the allocation of parliamentary seats and ministerial portfolios—issues seen by many as reflective of deeper mistrust and competition for power.

Aside from addressing concerns over the selection of the Presidential candidate, Mr. Hughes addressed the sharing of Parliamentary seats.

“While we recognize that the AFC, like all political movements, must continuously work to broaden its support, it is disingenuous to suggest that electoral viability hinges solely on historic polling. The AFC brings policy depth, principled leadership, and a track record of governance reform, all of which are essential to any coalition seeking to deliver results for the people of Guyana,” the post on Mr. Hughes’ page noted.

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Ben Duckett’s inventive 84 helped big-hitting England blast their way to a record score on home soil as they wrapped up a series clean sweep with a 37-run victory over West Indies in the third T20.

Duckett’s knock came off 46 balls as he shared a 120-run stand with fellow opener Jamie Smith, who made a 26-ball 60, as the pair provided the backbone of England’s total of 248-3.

Skipper Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell continued the momentum as they peppered the boundary to finish unbeaten on 35 and 36 respectively, as a dispirited West Indies bowling attack ran out of ideas.

England’s total was their highest in T20s on their own turf, eclipsing the 234-6 they made against South Africa at Bristol in July 2022, and was their second highest anywhere.

West Indies gamely approached the chase as Rovman Powell cracked an unbeaten 79, while captain Shai Hope smeared three sixes in his 45.

It helped ensure the margin of defeat for the tourists was more modest than might have been anticipated as left-arm quick Luke Wood finished the pick of England’s bowlers with 3-31.

The win maintained Brook’s impressive start as England white-ball captain as he chalked up his sixth victory from as many matches in charge.

England batters run riot – the stats

• England’s total of 248-3 at Southampton was the joint-highest T20 international score overall in the country. Australia made the same total against England on the same ground in 2013.
• With a combined total of 459 runs this was the highest scoring T20 international in England, beating the 457 aggregate between England and Australia in 2013.
• It was England’s second-highest T20 score overall behind the 267-3 they made against West Indies at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad in 2023.
• England failed to score any runs off just 25 balls – the fewest number of dot balls they have faced in a T20.
• Ben Duckett’s half-century of 20 balls was the joint-fourth fastest half-century by an Englishman in T20s.
• England’s run-rate of 12.16 in the powerplay was their quickest in a T20 series of at least three matches. Their total of 83-0 was their second-highest in the six-over block too.

End-of-term feel for Windies

If England were ruthless West Indies were rudderless as this match marked the end of a pretty chastening tour.

A 3-0 drubbing in the one-day international series was followed up by the same scoreline in the three T20s which have followed.

Indeed, this is the first time West Indies have been ‘double’ clean swept by England in both an ODI and T20 series since 2012.

Here they were again cumbersome in the field and struggled to know how to contain England with the ball.

Romario Shepherd’s economy rate was 19 across two overs and Hosein went for 10.50 an over.

Evin Lewis pumped Luke Wood’s for six off the first ball of West Indies’ innings, but there was an end-of-term feel to the early part of the chase.

Certainly the callous disregard for anything tossed up by spinners Liam Dawson, Rashid and Bethell early in the innings suggested some of their top order were already in the departure lounge for the flight back to the Caribbean.

West Indies skipper Hope, and the man he succeeded in the form of Powell, at least showed some fight during what always looked to be a forlorn effort.

It does not help their cause that one of their best players- and one of the best T20 batters in the world- has seemingly turned his back on them.

Nicholas Pooran, who was not part of this tour, announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday at the age of 29 and has prioritised franchise paydays.

With eight months to go until the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka there is much for West Indies coach Daren Sammy to ponder. (BBC)

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Guyanese middle-order batsman Kevlon Anderson has been rewarded for consistent domestic form, earning a maiden Test call up for West Indies against Australia in June.

White-ball opener Brandon King also gets a first-time Test call up, while the trio- wicketkeeper/batsman Shai Hope, middle-order batsman Keacy Carty and opener John Campbell- makes a return.

With captain Roston Chase and his deputy Jomel Warrican handling spin duties, left-arm spinner Gudakesh misses out, so too wicketkeeper Joshua DaSilva, who was one of the captaincy candidates just recently.

West Indies Test squad for series against Australia: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Kevlon Anderson, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip and Jayden Seales

See full press release from Cricket West Indies

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced its 16-member squad for the much anticipated three-match home Test Series against Australia, which begins on Wednesday June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados for the coveted Sir Frank Worrell Trophy.

With this series signalling the critical start of the 2025-2027 ICC Test Championship Cycle, several changes have been made to the squad that last featured in the drawn series against Pakistan earlier this year.

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe expressed that selections were made in line with the team’s commitment to building a bold, execution-driven identity in Test cricket, with consistency in batting output and a dynamic bowling attack being key in the overall assessment.

“The start of the Test Championship Cycle is critical to building positive momentum as we strive to work our way up the rankings. Beginning with a strong showing against a team like Australia would be ideal in our quest to bring West Indies back to the helm of Test Cricket”, said Bascombe.

“It was imperative that we sought to put a squad together that was well equipped, in both and the batting and bowling departments, to manage the ebbs and flows of this format of the game, while possessing the ability to apply pressure in key phases, through disciplined, purposeful play.”

John Campbell returns to the squad, bolstering the options at the top of the order.

After a prolific domestic season, inclusive of three centuries, backing up a strong showing in the 2023-2024 season, Kevlon Anderson earns a maiden call up; while on the back of his recent ODI form, Keacy Carty earns a recall to the squad, with ODI Vice-captain Brandon King securing a first-time inclusion.

In conjunction with the return of limited overs captain Shai Hope, these selections are intended to fortify a battling line-up that is expected to sustain pressure on the opposing attack.

Head Coach Daren Sammy praised the work of the selection group to identify the players needed to start the new Test cycle.

“We analysed what the top teams in the world are doing and what is needed for us to bridge the gap. We have identified a direction, along with the group of players and resources to give us the best advantage as we seek to take the team up ladder and challenge the best in the world.”

Sammy added: “I’m excited about the inclusion of young prospect Kevlon Anderson, who comes in after solid seasons in our domestic competitions to help provide stability in the top order, while the return of Shai Hope is welcomed given his consistency in white ball cricket.” Sammy said.

“Brandon King’s inclusion fits a role we have identified that needs special focus to take our team to those closer to the top of the rankings.”

Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph headline the fast-bowling attack.

Additionally, Johann Layne, a 21-year-old product of the West Indies Academy, who claimed 63 first-class wickets in 17 matches, along with Anderson Phillip, who recently captured a five-wicket haul for West Indies A against South Africa A, have being called up to provide reinforcement.

Spin responsibilities will be handled by captain, Roston Chase and Vice-Captain, Jomel Warrican.

Despite being under consideration, veteran pacer Kemar Roach has not been included and has been duly informed.

Sammy, while asking for patience from the fans towards the players, said they can look forward to an exciting style over the series.

“I am truly looking forward to this series because we want to start off strongly and make our home turf a fortress during this cycle, while having our passionate and proud fans behind us. The matches will be challenging but I believe in this core of players, and they are eager to wear the maroon and make our fans happy.”

Team Manager Unit:

Head Coach: Daren Sammy

Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer

Assistant Coach (Bowling): Ravi Rampaul

Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith

Team Manager: Rawl Lewis

Physiotherapist: Dr. Denis Byam

Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ronald Rogers

Massage Therapist: Darc Browne

Team Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram

Content& Media Officer: Jerome Foster

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE

1st Test: 25-29 June 2025 @ Kensington Oval, Barbados

2nd Test: 3-7 July 2025 @ National Stadium, Grenada

3rd Test: 12-16 July 2025 @ Sabina Park, Jamaica DAY/NIGHT

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First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali addressed a United Nations gathering on Tuesday, highlighting the strong support for persons with disabilities in Guyana.

Mrs. Ali spoke at the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In her statement, the First Lady detailed the legislative and institutional measures in place to support this vulnerable group in Guyana.

According to her, the Prevention of Discrimination Act and the Persons with Disabilities Act provide the legal foundation to prohibit discrimination in employment, mandate rehabilitation, ensure access to free education and healthcare, and promote participation in cultural and recreational life. Guyana also has its National Commission on Disability, which is tasked with promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.

But that’s not all. Mrs. Ali said the government has been keen on providing “practical support” including life-long public assistance, employment, housing opportunities, and assistive devices.

“We recently launched the Center for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation – that currently employs scores of persons with disabilities and provides technical, vocational and business development training.

“The combined efforts of the Mahaica Learning Lab, Board of Industrial Training, Business Center and the Open Doors Vocational Centre offers free skills training for persons with disabilities,” Mrs. Ali highlighted.

She also noted that Guyana is home to the Regional Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, which offers early diagnoses for children with disabilities.

First Lady opens Center for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation in Palmyra

 

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Ravens Basketball Club’s promising run in the Kreyol Basketball Festival concluded on Monday night with an 87-73 loss to GCB of Guadeloupe in the Northern Division championship game.

Despite a valiant effort and a strong tournament showing, the Guyana-based Ravens ultimately succumbed to the disciplined Guadeloupean squad.

Ravens kicked off their campaign two days earlier with a decisive victory over the DTread Blazers of Dominica, followed by another win against the USR Basketball Club, securing their spot in the final against GCB.

The championship game began with immediate intensity.

Ravens youngster Alroy Nurse was assessed two early fouls after an altercation with GCB captain Baptise, setting a tense tone.

Offensively, the Ravens’ intent was clear: push the ball and relentlessly attack the paint.

Defensively, Coach Rodrigues emphasised constant court awareness, imploring his team to keep eyes on the perpetually moving GCB players.

The officiating crew worked diligently to maintain control, but early fouls on starters from both teams proved particularly costly for the Ravens in the latter stages.

The first quarter ended with GCB holding a slim 29-26 lead, with Shamaar Huntley and Nicholai Smith leading the charge for the Ravens.

The second quarter saw the Ravens look dangerous. After trailing by three in the first, they adjusted their defensive strategy, effectively stifling the Guadeloupean offense.

Their relentless paint attack continued, spearheaded by shifty point guard Shamaar Huntley, whose nine-point contribution helped the Ravens outscore GCB 20-9 in the quarter.

Unfortunately, Huntley exited the game shortly after, sustaining a lower leg injury. Despite the setback, the Ravens headed into halftime with an 8-point cushion, leading 46-38.

The second half, however, belonged to the seasoned GCB squad. They executed their offensive sets clinically, easily overcoming the Ravens’ early lead and orchestrating a significant 15-point swing in their favor.

GCB capitalised on defensive lapses by the injury-plagued and foul-troubled Ravens, building a seven-point lead in the third quarter.

The timely return of Huntley to the game sparked a Ravens recovery, bringing them back within two points at 64-62 by the end of the third.

In the fourth quarter, GCB maintained their disciplined brand of basketball, while the Ravens struggled to find the right combinations to ignite their offense.

The Guadeloupeans executed flawlessly, embarking on a decisive run that extended their lead to as much as 15 points.

They outscored the Ravens 23-11 in the final quarter, sealing the 87-73 victory and securing their place in the ‘King of Kings Tournament’ in Guadeloupe later this August.

Shamaar Huntley led the Ravens with 23 points on 8-17 shooting from the field and 7-14 from the free-throw line.

Domonic Vincente and Nicholai Smith each contributed 11 points, while journeyman Ryan Gullen added an efficient 10 points on 4-6 shooting from the field, including two of four from three-point range.

Despite the championship loss, coach Marlon Rodrigues thanked his team for their professionalism on and off the court and expressed he is proud of their efforts throughout their tour of Dominica.

Their impressive 2-0 record in the Northern conference and strong overall showing put them in good standing for qualification in the King of Kings Tournament, with a spot typically awarded to the best runners-up in the conferences.

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More than 27 companies from Suriname, Trinidad and Guyana are participating in a trilateral trade mission expected to provide opportunities for stronger relations and business ventures.

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), launched the event, on Tuesday at the Pegasus Corporate Suite, Georgetown.

The TTMA-SGCC Trade Mission aims to create pathways to bridge the challenges companies face. It is said to embody what the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) regional trade agreement among the CARICOM member states, aims to do.

President of the TTMA, Dale Parson, said the opportunities that can arise from companies to benefit each participating country is significant and with areas untapped, the participants are urged to hold meaningful discussions in Guyana.

He also said these countries’ partnership with the TTMA, inter-regional trade can be improved.

“With the growing opportunities in Guyana, there’s a huge gap that needs to be filled out of demand because it’s a fast growing economy and it’s an opportunity for all of the manufacturers here to take advantage of,” Parson said.

Rahul Lildhar, Chief Executive Officer, Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce and Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), Navin Dookeran.

Director of TTMA, Navin Dookeran echoed sentiments of trade improvement and business ventures that will benefit the participating companies.

Rahul Lildhar, Chief Executive Officer, the SGCC, said by the end of this mission forms a space for unified economic growth.

“In terms of CARICOM, trade still accounts for 13-15 per cent among its member states that figure to us could be a challenge but it could also be an opportunity,” Lildhar said.

Guyana offers investment business opportunities and through this trade mission, it is expected that multiple areas of trade will be discussed and eventually developed.

As the nation develops, demand, needs and gaps that need to be bridged can become a reality. Participating companies hail from the manufacturing, logistics, energy, health, beauty, and consumer goods areas. Participating companies will undergo training, strengthened relationships with companies from neigbouring countries and improved trade relations

One such challenge that may soon be tackled involved logistics and according to Vishnu Doerga, the Chair of the SGCC, with the introduction of a ferry system between Guyana, Trinidad and Barbados that will accelerate trade between Caribbean countries.

Additionally, he encouraged persons to tap into areas of tourism and support Guyana’s development.

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