Development of women entrepreneurs a primary focus, says new GCCI president

The first female president elected to serve the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, has stated that one of her main focuses is the development of women entrepreneurs.

The GCCI elected Smith as its first woman president following its 135th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, making her the first woman to hold the position in 136 years.

In her first address to the media following her election, Smith outlined some of her key priorities during her tenure.

“This focus and commitment to building the capacity of our members continues with this new role. But as the first woman president of the GCCI, I want to utilise this privilege to contribute positively to the development of women entrepreneurs. Because of my background and the strong, confident women in my life—like my grandmother, who was a businesswoman in her own right—their influence shaped me. The assertiveness and confidence I have in approaching not just business but life is something I want to see instilled in all women entrepreneurs in this country,” she stated.

The new president also reaffirmed her objectives of advocating for and fostering opportunities for women entrepreneurs to ensure that their businesses are sustainable and profitable.

“It does not matter whether it is a micro-business—a one-woman operation—or a small firm. The GCCI wants to see our women-owned businesses and MSMEs [Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises] thrive and succeed,” she reiterated.

This election also followed the 135th elections for the Chamber’s 21-member Council for the year 2025/2026, held during the AGM on 19 March.

The Executive Management Committee (EMC) also includes Senior Vice President Gavin Ramsoondar, Junior Vice President Brian Edwards, Treasurer Melisa McRae-George, and Secretary Kristia Ramlagan-Prescott.

The Council also invited Councillors, Immediate Past President Kester Hutson, Past President Timothy Tucker, and Past Senior Vice President Richard Rambarran to serve on the Executive Management Committee as Ex-Officio Members.

Together with the members of the EMC, the Council comprises Dee George of Herdmanston Lodge; Delmar Walcott of Pinnacle Solutions; Devon Seeram of Payless Variety Store; Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran of Envisage Marketing and Technology Company; Eusi Evelyn of Green State Oil & Gas Services Inc.; Keon Howard of Electric (Guyana) Inc.; Komal Ramnauth of Kojac; Mary Nagasar of Hand-in-Hand Group of Companies; Navin Prashad of M.P. Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited; Orson Ferguson of Vista Holdings Inc.; Paul Archer of Loss Control and Risk Management Guyana; Boyce of Sonic Business Services; and Rosh Khan of Social Rank Media.

Smith with members of her team