City Chamber joins CARICOM business group for better Guyanese representation

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has become a member of the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO), a service organization that mobilises and advances private sector participation within the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). 

The Chamber announced the membership on Friday, noting that it was done in a bid to extend its representation and advocacy for Guyanese businesses to the wider Caribbean. The GCCI has been one of Guyana’s leading private sector representation and advocacy organizations to date. With its CPSO membership, the Guyanese business service group can now look forward to increased regional representation and advocacy. 

The CPSO, since its 2020 establishment and incorporation under the St. Ann’s Declaration on the CARICOM Single Market & Economy (CSME) has been the key private sector organization in the Caribbean Community where member countries sought to take their plights. However, just months ago the body faced heavy condemnation from the Guyanese private sector, including the GCCI, following a leaked email which revealed its Chairman, Mr. Gervase Warner, stating that Guyana’s Local Content Act contains several provisions that run counter to the Treaty of Chaguaramas. The email further noted that the CPSO would raise its concerns with Guyana’s Government, then CARICOM. 

Nevertheless, the Chamber has since met with representatives of the CPSO, including its Technical Director, Dr. Patrick Antoine, and Advisor to the Technical Director, Mr. Neville Bissember who are currently in Guyana. 

Thus far they have discussed critical areas such as achieving the visions of the CSME, private sector influence and priorities, and are hoping to establish a good working relationship.