The Committee for the Improvement of Buxton Inc (Cimbux) recently hosted its first Economic Development Conference at the Friendship Primary School aimed at fostering sustainable development in Buxton and nearby villages.
According to a press release, the seminar was held under the theme ‘Reviving Buxton/Friendship Village Economy and fostering sustainable development in Vigilance, Annandale and other villages. About 200 persons including from Beterverwagting, Vigilance and Melanie packed the school’s auditorium at the June 29 conference.
In his presentation, Aubrey Stephenson, a Buxtonian who is the president of Federal Management Systems and who has businesses both in Guyana and the USA discussed the challenges of starting, managing and running a business. He also distributed application forms to the audience. Keith Easton, current vice-president and past president of Cimbux both in the USA and in Guyana, who is one of the coordinators of the seminar, applauded the committee for staying the course to organise the seminar.
He presented a paper on the Village Economy, written by Br Eusi Kwayana who acknowledged the efforts of villagers in business and suggested various business opportunities. He encouraged villagers to utilise the backlands left by their ancestors which was “handed over in ignorance to the Regional Councils.”
The panel also included accountant and writer Curbette Victorine and agriculturist Owen McGarrell who discussed the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry along with the need for proper management. They urged participants to utilise the farming base that was historically established in the villages.
Attorney and accountant Christopher Ram emphasized the need for record-keeping which would inform internal management and loan applications and other funding for business.
