– Managing Director of Woods Direct, Mr. Rafeek Khan, has been re-elected unopposed to head the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA). He will be supported by Mr. Ramsay Ali, CEO of Sterling Products Limited, as First Vice President and Chairman of Agro-Processing Sub-sector; Dr. Vishnu Doerga of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., as Second Vice President and Mr. Vasudeo Singh, Chief Financial Officer of Demerara Distillers Limited, as Third Vice-President and Treasurer. In a release, it was noted that the GMSA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the fiscal year 2022-2023. This was held in two parts, as is customary. On March 31, 2022, 13 board directors were elected through a blended voting process, in-person and virtually. On April 19, 2022, the President, three Vice-Presidents and Treasurer, the remaining members, were elected to form the full complement of the Board of Directors. Mr. Khan, in his brief remarks to the Board, emphasised his gratitude in being re-elected to serve once more as President. He stated, “I am humbled by the opportunity to serve you and the invaluable GMSA membership for a second term. I have no doubt that this year will be even more dynamic and progressive for the GMSA.” Mr. Khan further explained that it is his vision to create a dynamic and progressive GMSA by ensuring greater representation and maximising opportunities for the membership of the association. He underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in creating and enabling cohesive and conducive environments. The sub-sectors within the GMSA have been re-aligned and will reflect Agro-Processing and Agriculture being separate, the emergence of an Information Communications & Technology (ICT) subsector and the merging of Forestry and Mining which will form Extractive Industries. This, he notes, will ensure maximum benefits to members are received coupled with aiding where Guyana is currently heading with the advent of the Oil and Gas sector. Mr. Khan stressed the importance of joint inter-ministerial working groups and how these have aided the GMSA. He hopes to engage more ministries in the future to further compliment the work. As an addition, a trade and investment committee will be set up within the GMSA to assist in the facilitation of trade relations in Guyana and across the region. “This committee will also help to foster opportunities for investments across all our sectors by seeking out more non-traditional financing,” stated Mr. Khan. Finally, he added that of utmost importance, he will be working for the membership of GMSA and assisting them to take their businesses to the next level amid the many challenges being faced globally. The 2022/2023 Board of Directors are as follows: Durable Wood Products – Mr. Rafeek Khan, President of GMSA; Sterling Products Ltd. – Mr. Ramsay Ali, First Vice-President and Chairman of Agro-Processing Sub-sector; ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. – Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Second Vice-President; Demerara Distillers Ltd – Mr. Vasudeo Singh, Third Vice-President and Treasurer; Agro Services Inc. – Mr. Aditya Persaud, Chairman of Agriculture Sub-sector; New GPC Inc. – Mr. Narendranauth Maraj, Chairman of Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Sub-sector; Brass Aluminium and Cast Iron Foundry – Mr. Peter Pompey, Chairman of Construction and Engineering Sub-sector; Superior Woods – Mr. Denish Bisessar, Chairman of Extractive Industries Sub-sector; DENMOR Garment Manufacturers – Ms. Upasna Mudlier, Chairman of Textiles and Sewn Goods Sub-sector; GTT – Mr. Orson Ferguson, Chairman of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Sub-sector; Social Rank Media – Mr. Rosh Khan, Chairman of Services Sub-sector The executive members include: Banks DIH Ltd.– Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo, Barama Company Ltd. – Mr. Mohindra Chand, Bulkan Timber Works – Ms. Roseann Bulkan, Edward B. Beharry and Company Ltd. – Mr. Raymond Ramsaroop, Environmental Management Consultants – Mr. Shyam Nokta, GAICO Construction and Engineering Service – Mr. Komal Singh, NAMILCO – Mr. Vishal Lalbachan, UMAMI Inc. – Mr. Chris Persaud, Latitude Geospatial Consulting Inc. – Mr. Haimwant Persaud and Tropical Shipping Agents – Ms. Glenis Hodge.
