The Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development (LCICD) has already taken steps to introduce its services to a Brazilian contingent following a cultural programme held recently at the Lethem Rodeo Ground.
“This Cultural Integration Event is ideal for solidifying relations between Guyana and Brazil,” LCICD Vice Chairman Marvin Burns told Stabroek News. He said the event, hosted under the theme ‘Integration For Develop-ment’ has opened up tremendous opportunities for businesses in Linden. “It was quite an experience,” he said, adding that his delegation spent more than 14 hours on the trail to Lethem.
Burns also identified a number of products and services that both Lethem and Bon Fim could use to further their development. “Linden is an industry-based community, and we can offer a wide range of services in that regard. We also have a lot of doctors, lawyers and other skilled professionals who will be willing to assist should the need arise,” Burns said.
The chairman pointed out that currently Lethem is experimenting with rice and even though technical assistance will not come from Linden, the town can provide efficient designs for processing facilities. “We can provide engineering requirements for agriculture, agro-processing and other facilities. We can also provide technical assistance and machinery in the road building and maintenance and construction sectors,” he said.
Burns then called on the business community along the Linden/Lethem corridor to establish direct links to businesses in Brazil. “Towards this end, we in Linden have already held a meeting with a group of businessmen from Brazil, and it is already bearing fruits. So I will encourage others to follow suit,” he said.
According to Burns “the process will also enable us to reach new markets, improve our products, develop new products and to seek new ways in which the two peoples can co-operate and work together.” He said that the cultural event was a grand start and it can only get better for both nations.
He congratulated the organisers of the event which “was brilliantly executed” though there was limited planning time. “We are anxious to be back next year. I can assure you, the contingent from Linden will be much bigger next year. I also want to tell the people on coastal Guyana to brave the elements and come for the adventure.
They must not only come in the dry season, come and see how beautiful Rupununi is in the rainy season,” Burns added.
President of the Rupununi Chamber Of Commerce and Industry Alfred Ramsarran also heaped praise on the event for its integration benefits. Officials from both sides of the border including the ambassadors to both countries attended.
