Amazon Caribbean Guyana Limited (AMCAR) has appointed Jean Francois Gerin as its new Chief Executive Officer.
In a press release the company said Gerin’s appointment became effective on September 14. “His appointment comes at a time when the company is planning to further expand and diversify: AMCAR is launching a major effort to promote Manicole plantation projects in neighbouring Amerindian communities in Region One,” it added.
The company is also striving to expand certified organic pineapple farming in Wauna, Kamwatta and Whitewater, also in Region One, within the scope of the Sustainable Livelihoods Project in addition to its partnership with the Mainstay/Whyaka community. “Both ventures will provide additional sustained livelihood opportunities while promoting a green Guyana.”
AMCAR started operations in Guyana in 1986, producing and exporting internationally certified organic heart of palm and pineapple that meet International Food Standard.
It exports its entire production, the release said.
According to the release, Gerin’s first job in Guyana was as a lecturer at the University of Guyana from 1989-1990.
He started employment at AMCAR in 1991 and from then until 2003 he held various posts including as general manager where he worked closely with founder Pierre Saint-Arroman.
Gerin fitted into the pioneering team that developed its hinterland factory on the Barima River; modernised the company’s operations to meet international certification and played an active part in its expansion to Berbice and Mainstay/Whyaka.
He is responsible for all aspects of the company’s business in Guyana.
He is also AMCAR’s representative on the board of the Guyana Manufacturing Association and on the Forest Products Association. In collaboration with other agencies, he participated in school projects in several NW Amerindian communities and in a pilot Manicole Palm nursery and plantation project.
In accepting the post Gerin, who is married into a Guyanese family, said he was happy to back in his adopted homeland.
He extended gratitude to all the persons who have, to date contributed to the company’s success and is confident that it will continue to be a model for others to follow as it has “a bright sustainable future fitting perfectly within the Low Carbon Develop-ment Strategy,” the release said.
Gerin replaces J Denys Bourque who is retiring.
