Berbice Chamber elects 1st female President

The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) has its first female President.
Businesswoman Samantha Reid was elected to head the chamber at its recent annual general meeting.
Reid replaces Errol Azal as President while Ryan Alexander, who is the Vice Chair of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), has been retained at the Vice president of BCCDA.

The full executive is; Samantha Reid – President; Ryan Alexander – Senior Vice President; Dr Ganesh Shiv Kumar – Junior Vice President; Imogen Ferdinand – Secretary; Gregory Sears – Treasurer; Nandram Basdeo – Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, and Ashraf Ali Jahoor – Public Relations Officer.
In a release, the chamber said the executive comprises experienced and talented professionals who will work together to ensure that the Berbice Chamber of Commerce continues to serve as a valuable resource for its members and the broader business community.
Meanwhile, commenting on the ExxonMobil court matter, the chamber said it is saddened with the decision executed by the honourable learned Judge on the case involving ExxonMobil.
“We are of the strong belief that this matter requires more expert involvement and guidance on the impact of the project in its entirety, the socioeconomic and environmental implications for Guyana and its citizenry,” it said in a separate release.
It added that the BCCDA looks forward to seeing this matter be resolved in the most efficient and effective manner to ensure the integrity of all parties involved is preserved.
In a ruling earlier this month, High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon found that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) abdicated its exclusive statutory responsibilities and ordered that it issue Exxon’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production (Guyana) Limited (EEPGL), an Enforcement Notice to provide an unlimited Parent Company Guarantee Agreement and/or unlimited liability Affiliate Company Guarantee within 30 days. Failure to comply would result in the suspension of the permit dated May 31, 2022, the Judge has declared.
The EPA has since appealed the decision, arguing that the High Court Judge’s reasoning was flawed and that the permit is in keeping with the law.
On Thursday, Exxon sought to clarify its position on the recent events, declaring its support for the legal recourse taken by the EPA, while also adding that it has also filed its own appeal. (G4)