“Guyana is changing at a terrific rate” – PM Phillips to JCI on working with Govt for positive impact

…as organisation celebrates 60 years of service in Guyana

Prime Minister, (Ret’d) Brigadier Mark Phillips, has lauded the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Guyana for its 60 years of dedicated service in the country and highlighted the scope for much more to be done if the organisation partners with the government and the private sector.
JCI is a global NGO network of enterprising young people, ages 18 to 40, who are transformed into capable and enterprising young leaders through training, programs, projects and events aligned with four areas of development opportunity – Individual, Business, Community and International.
On Saturday, the JCI Guyana celebrated its 60th anniversary with a Diamond Soiree at the Umana Yana in Georgetown, where 64th National Convention of the JCI West Indies was also opened.

During his address to the gathering, PM Phillips highlighted the Chamber’s commitment to fostering unity, civic responsibility, and community development in Guyana and the wider world.
He praised JCI Guyana’s enduring commitment to community service.
“Over the past six decades, this organisation has demonstrated its mission to serve humanity and foster community development, weathering challenges and emerging stronger each time. This celebration reflects the countless achievements, from impactful community projects to leadership programmes, that have left a lasting positive mark on communities and individuals across Guyana,” he noted.
According to the Prime Minister, JCI-Guyana has had tremendous impact on local communities, stating, “Through your community development initiatives, you have created sustainable solutions for local problems, and the results have brought forth improved healthcare, better educational opportunities, and enhanced environmental sustainability in many communities throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.”

Looking to the future, PM Phillips pledged Government support for the organisation and its work. He said, “Our Government is fully committed to fostering partnership opportunities with JCI-Guyana in its community service activities. We recognise the profound impact that these initiatives have on our society and pledge to support them through collaborative projects and resources.”
The Prime Minister also called on the private sector to increase its support for JCI-Guyana. He outlined that as Guyana undergoes rapid development, collaborations at these levels are critical.

“The collective effort of businesses, Government, and civic organisations can significantly amplify the reach and effectiveness of community service activities… Guyana is changing at a terrific rate and there are so many areas for collaboration… There are so many projects that the JCI can make a positive impact on working with Government and the private sector,” he posited.
Meanwhile, during Saturday’s event, PM Phillip’s wife, Mignon Bowen-Phillips, who has served as a member of the JCI for year, was inducted as a JCI-Guyana Senator as part of the Chamber’s 60th anniversary celebration. (G8)