GCCI, THAG join forces to push sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing sustainable development through tourism, environmental stewardship, and business collaboration.

The MoU, signed at Herdmanston Lodge by GCCI President Kathy S. Smith and THAG President Mitra Ramkumar, paves the way for joint initiatives focused on environmental beautification, capacity building within the tourism sector, and strengthening service standards nationwide.

The partnership builds on discussions initiated by former leaders of both organisations and reflects a shared vision of a clean, attractive, and business-friendly Guyana—one that supports economic growth while protecting its natural assets. The agreement seeks to address long-standing challenges such as weak customer service, poor waste management, and limited environmental accountability by promoting collaborative, multi-stakeholder solutions involving businesses, schools, and local communities.

Speaking at the signing, GCCI President Smith highlighted the development potential of combining tourism and commerce. “Tourism markets Guyana as an eco-destination and commerce showcases Guyana as a place to do business. Together, we can build a national identity—a place to invest, a place to thrive,” she said, while urging greater private sector investment in tourism alongside government-led infrastructure development.

THAG President Ramkumar echoed these sentiments, stressing the value of strategic alliances. “The passion we share is simple—we are working together for the business community and by extension, the entire country,” he remarked, adding that collaboration strengthens representation and ensures more effective transformation of the tourism sector.

Private Sector Commission (PSC) President Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr. welcomed the initiative as a model for private sector-driven national development. “It is partnerships like these that demonstrate the strength of our private sector, where business, tourism, and community development work hand-in-hand for the benefit of all our people,” he noted.

As part of the agreement, GCCI and THAG will hold monthly meetings to track progress and execute their work plan. In addition, GCCI has expanded its Green Economy Committee into the Green Economy and Tourism Committee, underscoring its commitment to this joint development agenda.

This partnership signals a stronger role for Guyana’s private sector in shaping sustainable tourism growth, improving the country’s investment climate, and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.