Private sector must take lead in Linden’s development – chamber president

By Reuben  Stoby

President of the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development (LCICD), Marvin Burns, believes that the private sector, with the assistance of the LCICD, must take a lead role in the development of Linden. 

According to Burns, much is left to be desired in commerce in Linden. However, the LCICD now has the responsibility to highlight the business opportunities available or lacking, and disseminate such information to its members.

“What the new executive has done in the four months or so that it is in place is (to) recognise the issues affecting commerce in Linden, and it is being aggressive in addressing these issues”, Burns said. 

The chamber president also noted that, in order for the private sector to effectively play a role in the development of the mining town, more businesses must see the need to join the chamber. 

“The chamber has made itself more relevant. We have been able to establish closer contacts with the Georgetown Chamber and the Private Sector Commission, and other relevant sectors. This year, we were able to sign a trade pact with the Region Nine Chamber and were also able to forge close cooperation ties with the chamber in Roraima, Brazil,” Burns stated. 

The LCICD and the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) met at Kurupukari, in November, to discuss ways of improving working relations, and were also able to make a declaration for commercial cooperation and development. 

The declaration came about as a result of the two entities recognising the need to meet to explore mutual commercial concerns and opportunities. The declaration was also seem as critical, since it has been recognised that there is need for both chambers of commerce to collaborate in an effort to foster growth and development  in their respective regions, and that there could be more strength in advocating and lobbying for common causes through shared efforts of the two entities. Among the areas discussed were tourism, agriculture, commerce, environment, logistics and services, and infrastructural development. 

Among the major issues dominating the meeting were the state of the Guyana-Brazil Corridor, the need for the road to be improved, and the need to build the various bridges to a greater-ton capacity to improve trade. Burns said he was pleased to hear that government is hoping to upgrade the Linden-Lethem Corridor next year, as he believes the poor state of the road is currently affecting trade. In further emphasising the close cooperation between the LCICD and the Rupununi Chamber, Burns disclosed that the two chambers recently had a discussion with SOL Guyana with a view to having bulk fuel stations established at Linden and Lethem. 

“Part of the plan is to have an economic zone established in Linden, and we are seriously working on putting together a draft,” Burns revealed. 

Another highlight of the LCICD was the occasion when a business delegation from Brazil visited in March to explore opportunities for trade and trans-shipment of goods. The delegation’s trip was initiated by Sebrae Boa Vista, a business firm that extends across Brazil and represents small business interests in that country. Sebrae, the LCICD had said, was of the view that the Brazil-Guyana Corridor could be an important link for trade, since it presents an entry point for supplies and an exit for goods destined for the Caribbean or other parts of the world. 

Approximately 40 business persons (clients of Sebrae), led by Sebrae Boa Vista president, Almir Sa, spent some six hours in Linden where they were given a tour of the Omai Wharf, the recently constructed GNIC Container Trans-shipment Terminal at Christianburg, Linden, and the ESSO Bulk Fuel Terminal.  The wharf facilities and the container terminal were of particular interest to the delegation; because, if a trade link is established, goods would be transported to Linden by road, and then shipped from the Omai Wharf to the Caribbean or other countries. Although the Guyana National Industrial Company Inc has not yet constructed its wharf, this newspaper was reliably informed, permission has been granted for GNIC to use the Omai Wharf in the interim. Business representatives associated with the LCICD, among other interested persons and groups, were also given an opportunity to present to the visitors what business opportunities might be of interest to them. 

Burns also believes that Linden needs to have more warehouse facilities and wholesale bonds that would address the economic realities and competitiveness of the business community.