Work places must be free of discrimination, says business executive

Entrepreneurs who attended the National Small Business Week Symposium, organised by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre last Saturday, received valuable insights into the importance of inclusive work environments.
Guyanese businessman Omkaar Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Amaya Milk Company—who returned to Guyana to aid in revitalising the local dairy industry—stressed that workplaces free of discrimination enhance productivity by fully realising the value of human capital.
He insisted that, “to truly harness the potential of our human capital we must have workplaces where everyone, whether staff, supplier or customer, feels welcomed.” He added, “A workplace where everyone feels safe, respected and valued is a place where your team can be their best and you will have tangible results. Customers and suppliers will notice the difference and choose to support you because they know they will also be valued.”
Sharma noted that while Guyana is on a tremendous growth trajectory, skilled and unskilled Guyanese continue to leave the country for first-world nations despite the growing opportunities locally.
“I have to ask, what are we doing to keep our talented people? Are we ensuring that our work places are free of discrimination… from harassment, bullying? Are we doing enough to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, religion or sex, are feeling welcomed? Unless we are able to fully treat everyone with respect and dignity, how can we expect to create a workplace that is inviting for not only our staff, but also customers and suppliers?”
He observed that while there is strong condemnation of discrimination based on race, religion, and other differences, the same is not extended to sexuality. Sharma lamented the casual way discrimination against society’s gay community is overlooked, noting that laws criminalising homosexuality still exist.
“Why does our criminal and judicial system care about what goes on in the bedroom of consenting adults?” Sharma questioned. He said no one would support laws specifying which God one prays to or criminalising individuals because of skin colour or ethnicity.
Sharma urged business owners to lead by example in fostering inclusivity.
The businessman advocated for the removal of anti-gay laws and encouraged the business community to do the same. He emphasised that inclusivity is not charity or a special favour, but the foundation of businesses, the economy, and a more united country.