Guyana & Grenada forge ahead to strengthen trade, tourism

– as direct flights between 2 countries to commence on September 28

It has recently been announced that interCaribbean Airways, based in the Turks and Caicos Islands, would provide direct flights between Guyana and Grenada. The flights would be operated twice weekly, and are expected to commence on September 28, 2024.
Days after this development had been announced, a 25-member delegation from Grenada visited Guyana to explore opportunities to strengthen trade, commerce and tourism between the two countries. During their 4-day visit, the Grenadian delegation hosted a “Pure Grenada” Expo at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Thursday to showcase what they have to offer to the Guyanese people.

Speaking with Guyana Times at that event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Petra Roach, explained that the expo is an opportunity to foster collaborations between the two nations – an idea which she noted was birthed by Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell just a few weeks ago.
“Part of this mission really is for us to stimulate conversations and collaborations, not just from a tourism perspective, but also from a trade perspective. We are very different, but, at the same time, Guyana and Grenada are equally yoked in terms of the intentions both countries have for economic development and ensuring our economic footprints are improved through this collaboration,” she declared.
Roach has said she foresees this development of air links holding much significance in opening more doors for engagement of business between the two countries.
“When you talk about air activity, if you are just looking at it from a leisure activity, there’s no way you can ensure that it (would) be successful. But if you then introduce business ventures and the movement of cargo, it ensures the profitability of the route,” she explained.
Roach added that President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mitchell have each played a vital role in ensuring the expo becomes a reality.

“I think we have two extremely strong leaders in the Caribbean who are very resolute in their overarching vision of ‘One Caribbean’. With the passing of Hurricane Beryl, the Prime Minister of Grenada was very indebted to all the wonderful charity that President Ali afforded in terms of aid for the people of Carriacou,” she disclosed.
The launching of this air route has come on the heels of burgeoning economic ties between Guyana and the Caribbean market.
“We also have seen the burgeoning economy between Guyana and the Caribbean market, which represents the third-largest market for Grenada. Guyana hasn’t done very well; it’s not in the top five, and we really see an opportunity to have a direct air link between Grenada and Guyana,” Roach has said.
However, PSC Chairman Komal Singh has said of this air route, “This collaboration is a significant step in expanding our bilateral trade and cultural exchanges. We look forward to the new opportunities it will bring.”

The “Pure Grenada” event featured several Guyanese and Grenadian cultural heritage displays, including spices, tourism offerings, rum and chocolate tastings, cultural exhibits, and more. Exhibitors have expressed their fondness for the event by talking about the goals they had set out to accomplish from this collaboration. One of those persons who spoke was Akimbie Worme from Westerhall Rum, who showcased a wide array of rum products. He emphasized that Westerhall is not seeking to dominate the rum market in Guyana, but rather to offer buyers an alternative.
“We are here trying to incorporate a business aspect with supermarkets, hotels and bars (in order) to get a piece of Grenada in Guyana. We don’t want to take over from El Dorado, but we would like to just be an option for people here; we just want to offer what we have in terms of the best,” Worme explained.
He added that Westerhall has already reaped several benefits from coming to Guyana to showcase its business.
“To be honest, I had some great conversations with a few distributors and people linked to distributors. Hopefully, in the near future, we will have more access (for) our products, especially with the developments happening in Guyana. I think it will be great to have a little piece of Grenada here,” he explained.
Not far away was the farmer session, with Tricia Simon of Grenada Agro Tourism, who expressed how her products could benefit the Guyanese populace.
“We are Grenada, the land of spice; as you know, our prices are reasonably ranged. We try to be sustainable, but one of the more expensive things in terms of agro-processing are the skincare lines, because we have to import some of the ingredients,” Simon said.