The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) yesterday signed a three-year sponsorship contract valued $9M with the Tourism and Hospi-tality Association of Guyana (THAG).
As the official sponsor of THAG, GT&T will disburse $3M annually to the organisation over the next three years.
While it was not directly stipulated what the money is to be used for, GT&T’s Chief Executive Officer Radha Krishna Sharma said that the donation will aid in the overall operation of the organisation.
Sharma added that the signing of the agreement signifies the continuation of a relationship
that exists and has grown between the two organisations for over 10 years.
“This partnership recognises the pivotal role and contribution that THAG plays in the growth and development of this critical sub sector of services. THAG, as a non-profit private sector-led organisation …plays a significant role in sustainable tourism development and commitment to fostering professionalism and encouraging of quality service within the sector,” Sharma said.
He added that the tourism sub sector generates employment opportunities, creates networking potential with other service providers, and stimulates the development of physical infrastructure and financial services.
These elements, he further stated, benefit the economy as a whole.
The multi sectorial nature of tourism allows for economic diversification and the potential to create an integrated model that benefits the national economy in employment opportunities and poverty reduction in a localised environment, according to Sharma, who noted that tourism involves several industries and, draws on a variety of skills.
He added that the tourism sector’s contribution to economic growth and development in Guyana can also be seen within the framework of a foreign exchange generating sector.
Sharma further noted GT&T’s role as a national institution and linked it to its support for THAG.
“We are of the view that our role as a good corporate citizen is not only in the provision of such service but also to assist in a national way the emerging sectors within the context of a developing economy,” Sharma said.
Kit Nascimento, President of THAG, said that the organisation is very pleased with the agreement and looks forward for the continued partnership.
Nascimento added that THAG is always open to new partnerships but is not going to enter into any partnership that will conflict with the agreement signed with GT&T.
