Renewed focus on advancing Guyana-Suriname business ties

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) has elected a new Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 term, with a renewed focus on advancing private sector collaboration and shared prosperity within the Guyana-Suriname corridor.
The new board was elected during the Chamber’s Second Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on March 24, following a unanimous nomination and election process. The newly appointed directors represent a diverse cross-section of companies from both Guyana and Suriname.

The 2025 Board of Directors includes: Dr. Vishnu Doerga of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. (Guyana); Gaytri Rampersad-Jones of Ardant Solutions Guyana Limited (Guyana); Dr. Alista Bishop of AX Investments and Consultants (Guyana); Jimmy Manna of Elgawa NV (Suriname); Rogier Simson of Fernandes Group (Suriname); Samuel Glasgow of Glasgow Law Practice (Guyana); Pritipaul Singh Jr. of Guyana Port Inc. (Guyana); Mark Sookhai of M. Sookhai and Co. (Guyana); Derrick Klaverweide of Optiek Ninon (Suriname); Annabelle Carter-Sharma of Total Property Management Services (Guyana); and Navin Gangaram-Panday of RCFA Accountants and Tax Advisors Suriname (Suriname).
In a press release issued by the Chamber, the SGCC stated that the new board, in collaboration with the Secretariat, will work to further its mandate of promoting bilateral trade and regional integration. The AGM also reconfirmed the appointment of two Honorary Members: Her Excellency Liselle Blankendal, Ambassador of Suriname to Guyana, and His Excellency Virjanand Depoo, Ambassador of Guyana to Suriname.

“With strong participation from its dynamic membership, the AGM reaffirmed the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to promoting bilateral trade, collaboration, and deeper regional integration between Suriname and Guyana,” the SGCC noted.
At its first meeting held on April 7, the Board elected its officers in accordance with the SGCC Constitution. The elected officers are: Chairperson – Dr. Vishnu Doerga; Vice Chairperson – Derrick Klaverweide; Treasurer – Mark Sookhai; and Secretary – Samuel Glasgow.
The Chamber also welcomed its two newest board members, Annabelle Carter-Sharma and Navin Gangaram-Panday, while extending sincere gratitude to outgoing 2024 directors, Charlene Tjon-Sien-Kie and Anuskha Varsha Sonai, for their invaluable contributions.
Looking ahead, the SGCC said it is focused on delivering a productive year marked by impactful initiatives, trade missions, policy advocacy, and valuable networking opportunities for businesses across the region.