Workplace safety, enhanced relationship needed to prepare businesses for economic development – U.S. Ambassador
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The promotion of physical and physiological safety in workplace and enhanced company-to-company relationship are key aspects to prepare businesses for the economic growth and transformation being experienced in Guyana.
And as the partnership between the United States (US) and Guyana continues to strengthen, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot has promised to work towards the promotion of inclusive growth.
The diplomat made the pledged as she was addressing the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) 28th annual awards and dinner held at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown on Tuesday night.
“Capacity building and training across the different sectors serves as an important part in preparing Guyanese companies for the economy of the future.
“The private sector has been deeply involved in this…but there is more work to be done. With organisations like GMSA, we can work together to promote physical and physiological safety in the workplace…The other part of the plan is to deepen company-to-company relationships,” Ambassador Theriot said.
Highlighting that the energy sector has been a catalyst for Guyana’s remarkable growth, the Ambassador said investment and fostering other sectors are equally important.
“Economic growth does not always result in economic diversification. It’s something that you have to make a certain effort to do…Economic diversification is achieved by enacting policies that enables private sector growth, welcome private investment and deepened commercial bridges,” she said.
Ambassador Theriot noted that the GMSA continues to advocate on behalf of businesses in Guyana.
“The GMSA plays an important role in Guyana’s continued development as well as the country’s economic diversification and during your corporate social responsibility initiatives and civic leadership, the GMSA has prioritised inclusive growth aimed at uplifting everyone as Guyana’s economy transform.”
Ambassador Theriot further noted that the U.S. Embassy has added a Department of Commerce to its structure. The department, she said focuses on helping U.S. companies to bring quality solutions to the local marketplace, especially with the “crucial” local content requirements.
Meanwhile, in his remarks, President of the GMSA, Ramsay Ali said partnerships and engagements have increased with regional and international companies.
He said local companies also continue to strive. But as the economy continues to grow and develop at a rapid pace, Ali said there are gaps that need to be filled to cater for future development.
“A lot is happening in the country and there are a lot of gaps…we have to gear up for what is going to take place in the country,” he said.
Reflecting on 2023, Ali said 30 of GMSA members were certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to carry the ‘Made in Guyana’ stamp on their products.
He said they have also facilitated and participated in a number of trade visits and business-to-business meetings with regional and international companies.
And in 2024, Ali said the most anticipated event is the ‘GMSA Impack Manufacturers’ Summit’ which is aimed at promoting Guyana as a manufacturing destination.
Meanwhile, at Tuesday’s event, a number of local companies were recognised for their contribution and service to the manufacturing sector.
Awards were given for GMSA Start-Up business, GMSA new technology in business, GMSA innovation and creativity award, significant contribution to the oil and gas sector and distinguished service to the manufacturing sector among other categories.
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As local businesses embrace technology, focus shifts to cyber security
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Local businesses are embracing technology as a way to make their services more efficient and competitive. With more businesses integrating technology into their operations though, cyber security is now a huge focus.
This was made clear at a technology conference organised on Thursday by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) in collaboration with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI).
At the conference, several business leaders underscored the need for more Guyanese firms to integrate technology into their day-to-day operations.
GCCI’s Treasurer Orson Ferguson told fellow business leaders and students at the conference that technology is needed more than ever before to help local businesses become more competitive amid the influx of international firms.
“Unless local businesses become more and more competitive, we are going to get eaten up by our global competitors,” Ferguson emphasised.
But even as companies leverage technology, he said they should be wary of protecting the data garnered and generated. As such, Ferguson said a focus on cyber security was crucial too.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips agreed.
According to him, the government is mainstreaming technology in the delivery of services but cyber security has not been forgotten.
“In Guyana, our focus on cyber security is evident in our attempts to enact transformative legislation.
“The Data Protection Act of 2023 and the Digital Identity Card Act of 2023 seek to protect personal data and privacy rights while empowering people,” the Prime Minister said.
He reminded the gathering that Guyana’s transforming landscape makes persons more vulnerable to data breaches. As such, stakeholders must all take the necessary steps to protect their data while leveraging the myriad of benefits technology provides.
The Prime Minister also told the gathering that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a crucial part of the government’s efforts to fortify security and combat various types of crimes including cybercrimes.
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The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association endorses the unity of the government and opposition in condemning Venezuela’s violations of international law
Georgetown, Guyana – 25 October 2023 – The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) is pleased to learn that Guyana’s government and opposition have joined forces to oppose Venezuela’s ongoing efforts to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and Mr. Aubrey C. Norton, MP, Leader of the Opposition, jointly denounced Venezuela’s planned December 3 referendum to make Guyana’s Essequibo County a state.
The GMSA recognizes that the unity of these two political parties is beneficial for the country and its citizens. Their joint statement reaffirms their commitment to safeguarding Guyana’s interests and ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for all Guyanese citizens. President Ali and Opposition Leader Norton have demonstrated their commitment to fighting Venezuela’s relentless attempts to undermine Guyana’s development.
The association also appreciates the international community’s support in condemning Venezuela’s actions and standing in solidarity with Guyana. This support further strengthens the country’s position and sends a clear message that any aggression towards Guyana will not be tolerated.
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