BritCham to expand membership, push for policies to enhance ease of doing business

– as new Board of Directors appointed

The British Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (BritCham Guyana) has announced that a new board of directors has been appointed, coinciding with its push to achieve several strategic objectives, including the expansion of its membership and its mandate for ease of doing business.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, BritCham Guyana explained that, following elections last week, the new board members, who “bring a wealth of expertise from diverse industries”, have been elected. They include Chief Operating Officer of Insurance Brokers Guyana Ltd, Adrian Barrow; Rocky Hanoman – Manager, Strategy and Transactions, Ernst & Young Services Inc; Anand Harrilall – Head, Strategy and Sustainability, Farfan & Mendes Ltd; and Robert Hiscock – Head of Mobile Operations, Enet.
Also appointed were Faizal Khan – Chief Executive Officer, Guysons; Timothy Miller, OBE – Country Director Guyana, Control Risks Guyana Services Inc; Liam O’Toole – COO, Nations Inc; Richard Stanton – Deputy CEO, One Communications; Claire Antell-Thorne – Director, Wilderness Explorers Company Ltd.
“The new board members bring a wealth of expertise from diverse industries, reflecting BritCham’s dedication to fostering economic growth and collaboration. Together, this distinguished team will lead BritCham Guyana in its mission to support businesses by providing networking opportunities, market insights, and advocacy,” BritCham has explained.
“Their combined expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of BritCham Guyana, ensuring it continues to deliver value to its members and stakeholders,” the chamber further explained.
Among the board’s priorities that were listed are expanding membership to include a broader range of industries; hosting key events to facilitate dialogue and partnerships between Guyanese and UK businesses; advocating for policies that enhance the ease of doing business, and promoting sustainable economic development.
“BritCham Guyana remains committed to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive, leveraging the strengths of both Guyana and the UK to unlock new opportunities. The newly appointed board is scheduled to meet in January 2025, where the roles of Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary will be formalized,” the chamber has added.
The British Chamber of Commerce was launched in Guyana only days after British Airways made its inaugural flight to Guyana, and months after visa restrictions were removed for Guyanese visitors to the UK.
It was revealed at the time that the Chamber has close to 30 member companies, with some 50 verbal commitments.
It was also revealed that BritCham Guyana would be launched in London, England, and Aberdeen, Scotland.
The Chamber acts as a support for other Chambers of Commerce that exist in the countries in which it operates. British and Guyanese companies have also been encouraged to sign up as members with BritCham Guyana in order to enjoy the full benefits of its support in exploring and accessing each market.
The independent, non-profit Chamber serves as a leading promoter and enabler of trade and investment between the UK and Guyana, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. BritCham Guyana will also work closely with the British High Commission in Georgetown and UK Government departments to support their advocacy work in Guyana.
Guyana is the UK’s largest trading partner in the Caribbean. In fact, total trade in goods and services between the UK and Guyana has reached an impressive £1.6 billion in the four quarters leading up to the end of 2023. According to reports from its Department of Business and Trade, a substantial increase of 312.5 per cent, or £1.2 billion, in current prices has been recorded, compared to the same period in 2022.