Upon my assumption to the position of President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), my plans were numerous. I felt that first and foremost, much work needed to be done at the Chamber to improve and enhance its management and financial capacity as well as the actual Secretariat’s surroundings in order for its work plan and mandate to be carried out more efficiently and effectively.

Another priority area was for the Chamber to attract more businesses to its membership and to implement its first ambitious five-year Strategic Plan which was formulated under my predecessor Colonel (retired) Carl Morgan. The intent of this plan is to create value-added services to our members and the wider business community

There was also need for members to be encouraged to get more actively involved and contribute to the numerous activities of the Chamber at both the local and international levels.

With these in mind, I set out to achieve those objectives in the shortest possible time but there were a few hurdles, as there usually always is when you set out on a challenging journey.

The then Executive Director Jean Bacchus provided much assistance in our upward movement as she possessed much experience in her field and had been at the Chamber for some time. The Chamber’s membership increased and a new fee structure had been approved by the Council. The Chamber’s relations with a number of entities also proved fruitful and developed further in 2008. Some of these entities included the Private Sector Commission, other sister agencies around the country and abroad and the Guyana Revenue Authority.

As to the latter, then Commissioner of the Customs and Excise Taxes Department (Retired Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup) ensured that the GCCI and the GRA maintained a cordial and friendly relationship through in some cases his personal interventions.

The beginning of 2008 was a huge challenge for the business community throughout the country as fear spread with the killing of 23 persons at Lusignan and Bartica. In this regard, businesses upped the ante on their security measures despite the commitment by Government that it would provide additional security-an additional cost which had to be bourned. Many also vowed to close their doors early in the event of sudden attacks by large gangs while some unfortunately suffered losses through a number of robberies. At that time, the Chamber joined with other organisations and Government in publicly condemning these vicious and deadly attacks.

Under my Presidency in 2008, Guyana and the entire Caribbean Community (CARICOM) were also battling with other international challenges and businesses faced difficulties again later in the year with especially the effects of the World Food and Financial Crises trickling down to the wider Caribbean region and the Americas. These took their toll on some businesses and a few unfortunately resigned from the Chamber citing financial and other difficulties. Needless to say, we continued to make strides and as some businesses withdrew, new ones came on board.

In July, Council ratified the five-year strategic plan which was then launched and its implementation commenced in August 2008. The GCCI continued to coordinate initiatives such as business dinners and luncheons to provide informative sessions and fora for the business community and simultaneously increase its financial base. The Chamber also assisted other organizations by making its Boardroom facilities available to them in exchange for small fees to complement its finances.

However, in the latter part of the year, the Chamber encountered yet another hurdle when the Executive-Director Mrs. Jean Bacchus resigned from her post, the effects of migration, a challenge our country faced.

In this regard, I must sincerely thank the Chamber’s longserving Secretary, Ms. Tara Rampersaud for her dedication and much-needed contributions when she worked beyond the call of duty using her knowledge and experience to assist the acting Executive-Director and to oversee the operations of the Secretariat during that void.

The GCCI wrapped up 2008 with its annual Business Awards and Dinner ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown where several businesses were rewarded for their sterling contributions and development strides in the business community.

It is my hope that other businesses which did not receive such awards are not daunted by this but will instead be inspired to make even greater efforts to reach their goals and to even emulate the awardees so that for 2009, they may become the recipients. After all, competition serves to be healthy in business and can enhance customer service at the same time.

This financial year we have seen a turnaround of the chamber finances, with a profit position – surplus of $264k moving from a deficit of $291. This is a significant improvement and heading in the right direction despite the fact that the Chamber spent a significant sum on the repairs to the Secretariat. A sincere appreciation to all for their efforts and contribution in making this happen.

I would like to continue to encourage members to seek all opportunities to sustain their businesses, remain competitive and maintain full employment, particularly during this period of global turmoil. Continue to invest in training and development of our human resources, retool where necessary, thus preparing ourselves for the turnaround in the global recession. Let’s continue to support the Chamber in its activities during the coming year by joining forces to ensure continued progress.