The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has officially re-launched the Canadian Executive Service Organisation (CESO) programme in Guyana.
CESO is a non-profit programme which is aimed at building the business capacity of organizations and outfitting them with a better outlook.
A large number of professional volunteers provide services to businesses, communities and organizations. These services include advice that is geared to improve the quality of services and skills put out by organisations.
CESO had run two sets of programmes in Guyana from 1991 to 1996 and a second cycle from 1997 to 2004. And Guyana has once again been put on the programme cycle.
CESO country representative Joycelyn Williams said at the launch that many prominent firms and organisations have utilized CESO services and have achieved satisfactory results. She said that the programme will be positioned to assist in providing “skills, expertise and know-how to firms and the Guyanese business community.”
Special attention will be paid to those companies and sectors that show a high potential growth rate and need support to exercise that potential.
CESO has already started work with Sterling Products and CEO of the company Ramsey Alli said that it is already benefiting from the expertise of a CESO advisor with regards to the refining of palm oil which the company utilizes for 65% of its products.
Alli pointed out that the CESO programme will play a vital role in Guyana, especially when working along with the initiatives that are being put in place to combat the rising cost of living.
CIDA Head of Aid Mark Mostavac said at the launching that a “national competitive strategy” is evident in Guyana and this will provide a context for CESO to work in.
He pointed out that CESO brings experience from all over the world since Guyana is not the only country in which the programme operates. Mostavac said that he hopes that full collaboration among trade unions, the private and public business sectors and other organisations will be obtained to ensure that the CESO programme works to full capacity.
