Locally-made products now on sale on GMSA-sponsored website
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The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has revamped a website where locally-processed agricultural products and other items are on sale.
The UncappeD Marketplace portal also facilitates free delivery of purchased products nationwide.
At least 30 businesses are selling online. “The initiative marks a major step in empowering local producers to scale their operations and connect directly with consumers nationwide,” GMSA communications officer, Nikeshia Castello told a recently-held awards ceremony.
The initiative is as a result of a memorandum of understanding between the GMSA and the International Trade Centre (ITC) under a European Union-funded project that aims to strengthen nutritious foods, food security and sustainable value chains in the Caribbean.
GMSA Executive Member, Ramsay Ali said the website was relaunched at the right time and he appealed to Guyanese to support the entrepreneurs. “These are small businesses that need our support. There is convenient shopping and they have come a long way,” he said. Mr Ali said, for instance, the labelling and packaging have improved from where they were 10 years ago.
Mr Ali said soon an app would be developed. Plans are also underway to facilitate payments by Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) and bank transfers.
GMSA President Rafeek Khan also sounded a call for Guyanese to buy local because the quality and standards are improving. “Being a patriotic investor is one thing. As Guyanese, we invest in Guyana but being patriotic consumers, meaning ‘buy local’, support your local brands, embrace them. We’re getting better and I encourage you strongly because without local manufacturing, we’re going nowhere,” he said.
Mr Khan, meanwhile, said the 62-year-old GMSA would be investing GY$250 million in establishing a business incubator for small, medium and large companies. “We want to have our own business incubator and not just waiting on the government to do it. I believe the private sector can do it as well,” he said.
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GMSA eyes $250M incubator & Uncapped Market 2026 in major growth push
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Capping off a year marked by major service improvements, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) is gearing up to launch its UnCapped Market Place 2026 while establishing a $250 million business incubator aimed at boosting local enterprises.
GMSA President Rafeek Khan, speaking at the Association’s 30th Annual Presentation Awards Ceremony at the Marriott Hotel, said Guyana’s rich resources and expanding economic landscape are creating unprecedented investment opportunities.
“This is how we transition into new economies. I believe this could be a manufacturers’ incubator for small, medium and large companies,” Khan explained, noting that the facility will allow businesses to operate without relying on government-provided infrastructure.
The ceremony also honoured member companies for their contribution to national development. The Uncapped Market Place Online Portal – used to connect businesses with consumers – was also introduced during the ceremony.
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said the country’s rapid expansion in private investments reflects confidence in Guyana’s development trajectory. He emphasised that government efforts to strengthen infrastructure and human capacity are not short-term but designed to support emerging industries.
“You know the investments we are making to improve the quality of life enjoyed by our population, ensuring we have a healthy workforce with the right skills,” he said.
Dr Singh underscored that the planned landing of a second gas pipeline in Berbice, recently announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali, will trigger a new wave of industrial development, expanding electricity generation and complementing the Wales Gas-to-Energy project.
Crucially, the new infrastructure opens doors to industries previously unexplored.
“The potential for fertiliser production, the potential for value-added operations that we have not been able to host in Guyana… the potential to develop energy-intensive industries,” Singh said.
Value-added production remains a national priority, and GMSA has already responded by forming several consortiums this year, aligning with President Ali’s call for local businesses to collaborate and compete in the growing economy.
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Press Release: GMSA Welcomes the Opening of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge
Georgetown, Guyana, October 5, 2025: The Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) welcomes the official opening of the Bharrat Jaggeo Demerara River Bridge, a project that marks a major step forward in improving Guyana’s infrastructure and competitiveness.
For manufacturers, businesses, and employees, the new bridge brings immediate benefits, such as faster, more reliable logistics; reduced costs by eliminating delays that consequently lead to demurrage charges and holding costs; and equal benefits for all with the zero-toll system. The bridge will also improve quality of life for employees, who will spend less time in traffic and more time being productive at work or with their families.
The GMSA applauds this investment in Guyana’s future. Better infrastructure strengthens the backbone of our economy, improves business competitiveness, and creates the right environment for sustained growth.
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PRESS RELEASE: GMSA Congratulates the PPP/C on Winning the 2025 General and Regional Elections
Georgetown, Guyana, September 7, 2025: The Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) extends heartfelt congratulations to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on their victory in the General and Regional Elections held on Monday, September 1, 2025. We also congratulate President Elect, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, as he commences his second term as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
The GMSA looks forward to working closely with the government of Guyana in achieving the vision plan outlined in their 2025 manifesto to further advance the development of Guyana’s economy. The manifesto, over the next five years presents a framework for achieving a new era of economic growth and industrial modernization, based on strategic investments, targeted policies, and collaborative efforts across all sectors of society.
We also commend the public for their peaceful participation in the elections and the professional and diligent work by the Guyana Elections Commission. This demonstration of democratic maturity reflects the unity and resilience of our people as we continue to build a stronger nation.
The GMSA extends congratulations to all other political parties that participated in the elections. Their involvement enriches our democracy and ensures that the voices of all Guyanese are represented in the national dialogue.
As we move forward, the GMSA remains confident in Guyana’s future. With collaboration and shared vision, our country is poised to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for all.
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Read MorePRESS RELEASE: GMSA Condemns WIN’s Boycott Call: A Dangerous Assault on Private Enterprise and National Stability
Georgetown, Guyana, August 2, 2025: The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) strongly condemns the recent statement issued by the political party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), which called for a public boycott of several longstanding Guyanese businesses.
The GMSA reiterates that political competition must never come at the cost of economic sabotage. Our business community must not be politicized and attempts to weaponize the private sector is destructive to national progress. We have always championed efforts for the Guyanese business environment to be seen as a credible economy, and statements such as these serve only to introduce uncertainty.
The businesses named in WIN’s boycott are among the largest manufacturers in Guyana’s private sector. They collectively sustain thousands of jobs, contribute significantly to national revenues, and provide goods and services essential to everyday life. Several of these companies are publicly traded and have a legal and fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders, many of whom are ordinary Guyanese citizens with savings and investments tied to the success of these institutions.
Furthermore, Commercial banks have a legal obligation to manage risk and uphold compliance with international standards, including Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions and anti-money laundering regulations. They also carry a fiduciary responsibility to safeguard the interests of depositors, shareholders, and the country’s financial stability.
If any party feels aggrieved by the actions of a private business, Guyana’s judicial system remains the appropriate and available forum for resolution.
The GMSA stands in firm solidarity with all law-abiding businesses that have contributed tirelessly to Guyana’s development. We call on all political actors to exercise restraint, act responsibly, and put the interest of the nation above partisan ambitions.
Let us not undermine the private sector, the very engine of Guyana’s economic future.
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Read MorePRESS RELEASE: GMSA Recognizes U.S. Tariff Reduction and Appreciates Government of Guyana’s Diplomatic Efforts
Georgetown, Guyana, August 1, 2025: The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) acknowledges the recent Executive Orders issued by the United States Government to reduce the scheduled reciprocal tariff rate on Guyanese exports from 38% to 15%.
The GMSA extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Guyana for its active engagement and representation throughout the negotiation process. The Association further acknowledges that discussions are ongoing and expresses its full support for continued diplomatic and trade efforts aimed at securing additional tariff reductions.
The GMSA remains committed to advocating for the interests of local manufacturers and service providers and will continue to work with national and international partners to unlock new trade opportunities for Guyanese businesses.
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Local innovation key part of UncappeD; expo goes to US in 2026
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The 2025 edition of the UncappeD Marketplace got underway on Saturday at the Guyana National Stadium, bringing together over 100 local entrepreneurs.
The event is hosted annually by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and aims to spotlight the wide array of products and services offered by Guyana’s small and medium agro-processors.
Head of the GMSA, Ramsay Ali told the News Room that talks are underway to take the exhibition to the United States in March 2026.
“We are looking at March of next year to have our first event in the US, the US Embassy is supporting it. There is going to be limit, visa requirements and all that but once you qualify we can accommodate as much as we can,” Ali revealed.
UncappeD was launched a decade ago and this year’s two-day event features both veteran and first-time exhibitors.
“We started this event about 10 years ago, and the model we created was the people who come here to exhibit their products they don’t pay for anything.
“If you look at some of the businesses from 10 years ago, you can see the improvements in packaging, quality and all that,” Ali said.
Lisa Gibson, a returning participant, showcased her range of locally made hair and skincare products, including handmade soaps, botanical body oils, and batana-based products.
“It is a great way for Guyanese to showcase their products. A lot of persons get to know you and the products you manufacture. Guyana has a lot of great products,” Gibson told the News Room.
Gibson added that while her products are already available in the Guyana Shop, Massy Supermarkets and in Berbice, she hopes to expand to Essequibo and other parts of the country.
Mark Singh of Maliyah’s Kitchen, a third-time exhibitor, proudly displayed authentic Guyanese snacks such as milk powder fudge, salsev or chicken foot, matai and black cake.
“It’s a privilege to be here, to showcase your products and meet other suppliers, some of whom you can buy from,” Singh said.
He told the News Room that he is in talks with Antigua and Barbados to export his salsev and matai.
Dawn Skepmire of Dawndelion Holistic Variety Store is an herbal doctor and is a veteran UncappeD exhibitor.
“It is a blessing. People now know my product works, they come, and life has been good,” she said.
Skepmire has been practicing herbal medicine in Guyana for the past eight years.
“I make all my products naturally from scratch, [such as] pain ointments, medicine for diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, and nourishing options like seamoss and sarsaparilla,” Skepmire revealed.
Denise of Denise’s Institute of Catering introduced a unique avocado dip this year along with her coconut delight, a creamy dessert made from coconut jelly.
After she retired from teaching, Denise began experimenting with various products, including Awara, Mango, and Watermelon wines. She also does jams and jellies with “whatever fruit is available.”
Asked where she gets her ideas, Denise said: “I does just sit down and imagine, like you lie down, get a dream, wake up and try it out.”
While she has participated in two UncappeD exhibitions, Natasha Blake made it this year with her own business, Natasha’s Own Unique Creations and Style.
“I mostly cater to ladies with skin conditions. I know it’s hard to get rid of darkness between the legs, underarms, and neck, so I thought – why not create a product that can actually help women?” she told the News Room.
Her products include locally made body scrubs, body butter, soaps, and hair products.
Returning for the third year is Steven Jones of Ever Evolving, with a display of uniquely named wines: Buss Crutch, Aunty and Uncle Desmond, and Catch a Fine Wine.
“They are all local products, and being a patriot, I embarked on producing local cuisine for Guyana,” Jones said.
His wines are made from local forest barks. Jones revealed that participation in UncappeD has helped expand his customer base and business profile.
Designer El Faatima Alexander, who operates out of La Penitence Market, showcased her fiber and fabric creations, including earrings, purses, outfits, and custom designs.
“If you have any design, I can bring your ideas to life,” Alexander said. Alexander has been in the fashion industry for nine years and believes platforms like UncappeD play a crucial role in giving creators like herself visibility.
Among the newest innovations at this year’s marketplace is Ashdell’s pepperpot gravy, an instant meal solution that allows customers to add their preferred meat simply.
“Customers have been asking for a variety of meat, so in response, we created the pepperpot gravy itself,” Ashdell Parris explained to the News Room.
Ashdell’s also specialises in other instant meals like porridge and soup.
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