SOME
OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE GEORGETOWN
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TRAINING
The
Chamber recognized the need for a high calibre Human Resource Pool.
Consequently, the Executive Director, Mr. Dev Sharma, was involved in extensive
levels of management training. Staff for various government and private sector
agencies were trained in multidisciplinary management skills that allowed 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, Hand In Hand Insurance Company
and others too numerous to mention. The Chamber, through it's Director, also
collaborated with international agencies, the ILO and the UWI Business Institute
to bring to Guyanese, quality management skills 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. So
far, over twenty schools in and out of Georgetown has 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's director, and a wide range of topical
issues impacting on business were discussed on a bi-weekly basis.
Representation
As
the oldest and most recognized 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, were all dealt with and inevitably resolved to the satisfaction of the
Business Community. From since 1996, the Chamber has been instrumental in
advocating the position of its members via its presentations to government. In
fact, the Chamber has annually submitted proposals for the National Budget.
Crime
Fighting
The recent crime spree which threatened to undermine
the Business Community and indeed the very fabric of the Guyanese nation was
tackled headlong by the Chamber- The Chamber secured the services of an
internationally renown crime consultant and held several training seminars to
sensitise its members about crime prevention. The Executive Director, Mr.
Sharma, also designed a questionnaire that was part of the National Crime
Consultation Committee of which the the GCC&I was actively involved.
Networking
The Chamber has exponentially increased the commercial possibilities of its
members through it's collaboration with other chambers internationally.
Memoranda of understanding has been signed with numerous other Chambers of
Commerce including: The British, USA, Columbia, Surinam, Brazil, Cuba, etc.
Additionally, the chamber is now a member of the British/Caribbean Chamber of
Commerce and Industry. Local members benefit from several of the informative and
representative possibility the British/Caribbean chamber offers. The Chamber has
also hosted several trade expositions and its members have been direct
beneficiaries of these expositions.
Finance
Despite the trying economic times, through astute management, the Chamber
was able to show surpluses. This is a reverse from a situation inherited prior
to 1995 when the organisation was in the red. The Secretariat hosted successful
annual dinners, and offered consultancy services. Membership fees was a major
contributory factor to the budget.
Refurbishing
The Chamber's President, Mr. Edward Boyer, was instrumental in spearheading a
refurbishing drive that improved the aesthetics of the Secretariat. Much of the
infrastructural improvements costs were borne directly by the President.
Accountability
The
Chamber's accounts are audited by Deloit and Touche and no record of financial
impropriety has ever been reported.
Mediation
The Chamber has on several occasions mediated on behalf of its members who faced
problems with government and other private sector organisations. These cases are
documented.
