More than one hundred entrepreneurs, government officials, and development partners filled the GAICO Construction Building on New Market Street Friday evening for the inaugural Entrepreneurs Connect: March Mixer, hosted by the Guyana Youth Entrepreneurship Chamber (GYEC) — an event that organizers say signals the start of a structured, long-term push to anchor young Guyanese professionals within the country’s rapidly expanding economy.
The gathering drew a cross-section of Guyana’s public and private leadership, including Minister Keoma Griffith, MP; Chief Investment Officer, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, MP; and James Bond, MP. From the private sector, attendees included Ms. Josephine Tapp, President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Govindra Raghubansi, Executive Director of the GMSA; Ms. Samantha Reid, President of the Berbice Chamber; Mr. Richard Leo, Executive Director of AmCham Guyana; and Ms. Lorena Salazar, IDB Country Representative in Guyana. Representatives from Brand Youth Global and the Center for Local Business Development were also present.
The evening was chaired by GYEC Senior Vice-President Ms. Juliana Lopes and centred on a single, pointed theme: mobilizing youth for national economic development.
Ms. Josephine Tapp and Mr. Selwyn Collins, Founder and CEO of Brand Youth Global, both addressed attendees as speakers, commending the Chamber’s initiative and pledging institutional support for its upcoming programmes.
GYEC Junior Vice-President, Mr. Khishan Singh, articulated the Chamber’s core mandate plainly: “Our goal is to give young entrepreneurs the opportunity, mould them and give them every bit of access we can to ensure Guyana stays on track.”
Dr. Ramsaroop, who delivered the featured address, said, “If I was 18, 19, 20 or 21 today, I would not leave this country,” pointing to expanding opportunities across sectors and a growing demand for local talent. “What we are seeing in Guyana today, and what is projected over the next decade, is unlike anything you will find elsewhere. If you’re sitting here thinking about leaving, I can tell you: We need you. We need the labour, the expertise, and the energy of our young people.”
He also underscored the importance of networks and mentorship in building businesses that last, cautioning that individual ambition alone is insufficient without structured collaboration and shared knowledge.
In his closing remarks, GYEC Executive Director, Mr. Dennon Lewiss, struck a forward-looking tone. “Tonight marks the beginning of partnerships that will create opportunities, businesses that will shape industries, and leaders who will define generations,” he said.
The Chamber credits the event’s momentum to the leadership of its President, Dr. Rosh Khan, whose vision drove the founding of the organization and the assembly of its core membership. Under his direction, GYEC is positioning itself as a credible convening platform bridging youth entrepreneurship, private sector interests, and national development priorities.
The March Mixer was made possible by the support of sponsors which include GAICO Construction, DDL, Star Party Rental, Beacon, ACE Consulting Group, Global Investment Group, Sweet Spot, Skyline Real Estate, Coonjah Corp, and Phoenix Production.
Last Friday’s event was the first in an upcoming series of planned engagements. The Chamber is actively seeking new members, youth entrepreneurs, professionals, and corporate partners to participate in future initiatives. Those interested may contact GYEC at guyanayouthchamber@gmail.com.
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