Over 250 business leaders attended BritCham Guyana event to push trade ties

More than 250 business leaders, Government officials, and investors from the United Kingdom (UK), Guyana, and the Caribbean diaspora met at Chelsea Football Club, Stamford Bridge, last Thursday for the British Chamber of Commerce Guyana’s (BritCham Guyana) Business Forum and Networking Event. The gathering marked the Chamber’s largest event to date, underscoring growing interest in strengthening UK–Guyana trade and investment relations.

Guyana’s Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Susan Rodrigues, outlined Guyana’s current economic trajectory and the Government’s strategy for inclusive development. She said Guyana’s progress stems from long-term planning and the creation of an environment that supports investment and sectoral expansion.
Rodrigues noted that the Government continues to prioritise tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology, with an emphasis on ensuring that economic gains benefit communities across the country.
Opening the forum, BritCham Guyana Founding Chairman Faizal Khan reaffirmed the Chamber’s mandate to enhance collaboration between the two markets. He highlighted BritCham’s role in connecting stakeholders and creating opportunities that support Guyana’s development.
“BritCham Guyana serves as a bridge between two dynamic markets,” Khan said, adding that the forum represented an important marker in the strengthening of UK–Guyana economic ties.
As title sponsor, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Head of Legal, Andrew Lodge, reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to Guyana’s development. He said the company is engaged in partnerships that include capacity-building, education, and initiatives intended to support sustainable development beyond the energy sector.
Lodge also joined the Oil & Gas Panel Discussion, which examined opportunities for sector expansion, the private sector’s role in national development, and Guyana’s growing relevance in the global energy landscape. Other panellists included GO-Invest Chief Investment Officer Dr Peter Ramsaroop, Sky News presenter Sir Trevor Phillips, and Private Sector Commission Chairman Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr.

Ramsaroop used the forum to highlight Guyana’s investment climate, pointing to sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, and technology as emerging opportunities. He referenced projects including the Gas-to-Energy initiative, which is expected to reduce operating costs and open pathways for new industries.
A second panel discussion focused on infrastructure and digital transformation and was moderated by BritCham Guyana Board Director Anand Harrilall. Speakers from City & Guilds International, Mowlem International, One Communications, Demerara Bank, REAS Group, and Guyana Americas Merchant Bank addressed Guyana’s rapid infrastructure expansion, the need for digital modernisation, and financing options to sustain growth. Attendees also viewed a presentation on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion, currently being executed by Mowlem International.
Guyana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Rajendra Singh, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of the partnership between the two countries. He noted that BritCham Guyana continues to play a central role in deepening economic and cultural ties.
The event also saw a business networking mixer and a charity auction headlined by international recording artist Maxi Priest. The auction raised £21,035 for hurricane-relief efforts in Jamaica. BritCham partnered with Priest to channel proceeds to organisations assisting with recovery and rebuilding.
“This initiative embodies the spirit of regional unity,” Khan said, noting the Chamber’s commitment to supporting the wider Caribbean community.