Several companies, including the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC) were honoured when the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) held its Annual Awards Presentation and Dinner at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown on March 7.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and addressed by former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Basdeo Panday. Also in attendance were representatives of the country’s top manufacturing companies, other senior government officials and diplomats.
Presenting the year-in-review report, GMSA President Clinton Williams said that while Guyana’s economy is constantly growing, there are a lot of problems hindering the smooth flow of development in Guyana.
He noted that the GMSA have nevertheless played a major role in the development of the private sector.
Meanwhile, the presentation ceremony saw nine entities being honoured by the GMSA with plaques for their contributions to the private sector.
The companies honoured are the NEW GPC INC in “recognition of unprecedented investment in sports and culture at the regional and international levels”; Gafsons Industries Limited for “continuous investments in extending the range of building materials and maintaining high standards in manufacturing for more than 60 years”; and TCL Guyana Inc in recognition of its contribution to infrastructural development in Guyana.
Positive impact on tourism
Air Services Limited was recognised for its “drive to develop the aviation sector which has impacted positively on tourism, forestry and mining”; Brass Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry for its “innovativeness with production of metallic products, and sustaining markets within the ambit of the CSME”; Caribbean Containers Inc for the company’s “contributions to sustained waste recycling for a greener environment”; and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph for its relentless pursuit of improved technologies that positively influence the conduct of business.
The Dutch Bottle Café was given the Empretec Award for “exemplifying the spirit of entrepreneurship through persistence and commitment, resulting in continued business balance” while the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry was recognised for facilitating partnerships with the business sector to spur growth in manufacturing, services, engineering and construction.
In addition, Gafsons Industries Limited, John Fernandes Limited, Toolsie Persaud Limited, Brass Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry, Banks DIH Limited, Edward B Beharry Group of Companies and the Demerara Oxygen Company, all received special longevity awards for their stability and growth over the past decades.
This year’s Executive President’s Award was given to Pritipaul Singh Investments Incorporated for penetrating the international market with its sea foods products.
Local business icon Doreen De Caires was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her long and dedicated service, and for promoting the development of the private sector.
