Lilian Chatterjee now co-chair of Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce

The Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Lilian Chatterjee, former Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, as its Honorary Canadian Co-Chair.
Her term began on January 1, 2025.
Chatterjee brings decades of expertise in diplomacy and public service to her new role. She served as Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Ambassador to Suriname, and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ambassador from 2017 to 2020.
Most recently, from 2021 to 2024, she represented Canada as High Commissioner to Barbados and six other Caribbean nations.

In offering congratulations to the Chatterjee, Chair of the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, Patricia Bacchus stated “we are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ms Chatterjee to the Chamber. Her deep knowledge of Guyana and the Caribbean, coupled with her distinguished career in Canadian public service, will be invaluable in helping us advance our mission to promote trade, investment and strengthen the relationships between Canada and Guyana.”
Also expressing similar sentiments was the Chamber’s Co-Chair, Winston Kassim, who highlighted that “Ms Chatterjee’s appointment reflects the Chamber’s commitment to leveraging exceptional expertise to facilitate meaningful collaboration and growth. Her leadership will enhance the Chamber’s ability to connect businesses in the region, create opportunities, and further strengthen economic partnerships”.
Before her diplomatic career, Chatterjee’s professional journey began in journalism and extended to public service roles in the Canadian House of Commons and international non-government organisations (NGOs). She holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and a master’s in International Affairs.
In fact, in 2003, the newly appointed Co-Chair joined the Canadian International Development Agency, eventually holding senior executive positions at Global Affairs Canada.
Roles and responsibility
In her honorary position as Co-Chair of the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, Chatterjee will typically serve in an advisory and symbolic capacity, playing an important role in guiding the strategic direction and enhancing the organisation’s influence.
While the specific responsibilities may vary depending on the Chamber’s bylaws and the individuals involved, the core function of the Honorary Co-Chair is to provide high-level advice and support. This could include offering insights on economic and trade relations between Canada and Guyana, particularly regarding opportunities for business growth and investment between the two countries.
Looking ahead, Chatterjee stated that she is most excited to promote “bilateral trade and foreign direct investment between Canada and Guyana”.