The British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) successfully hosted its Business Forum and Networking Event on Thursday, November 6th, 2025, at Chelsea Football Club,
Stamford Bridge, London, bringing together government officials, private-sector leaders, and investors from the United Kingdom, Guyana, and the Caribbean diaspora.
The landmark event drew a record turnout of more than 250 attendees, reaffirming BritCham Guyana’s growing role in promoting trade, investment, and collaboration between the two nations.
Honourable Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Tourism, Industry & Commerce Highlights Guyana’s Vision for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth
Delivering the Distinguished Address, Honourable Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, underscored Guyana’s strong economic trajectory and the government’s focus on sustainable and diversified growth.
“Guyana’s transformation is the product of careful planning, responsible governance, and a commitment to equitable progress,” Minister Rodrigues said. “We continue to create the right environment for investment, innovation, and partnerships that drive prosperity for all Guyanese.”
She emphasised the government’s commitment to developing tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology, ensuring that the benefits of growth reach every community.
Mr. Faizal Khan, Founding Chairman of BritCham Guyana : Deepening Guyana–UK Collaboration
Mr. Faizal Khan, Founding Chairman of BritCham Guyana, officially opened the event,
welcoming participants and reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships between the United Kingdom and Guyana.
“BritCham Guyana serves as a bridge between two dynamic markets,” Khan said. “Our mission is to connect people, ideas, and investment opportunities to support Guyana’s continued growth and strengthen UK–Guyana collaboration.”
In his closing remarks, Khan thanked partners, sponsors, and attendees for their continued support in advancing trade and investment ties, adding:
“This event marks a milestone in the evolution of Guyana – UK trade relations, proof that partnership, integrity, and opportunity can drive prosperity for both nations.”
Mr. Andrew Lodge, Head of Legal at ExxonMobil Guyana: Partnering for Long-Term Development
Delivering remarks as Title Sponsor, Mr. Andrew Lodge, Head of Legal at ExxonMobil Guyana, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Guyana’s long-term success.
“ExxonMobil is proud to be part of Guyana’s ongoing transformation,” Lodge noted. “Our
partnerships go beyond energy, we’re investing in capacity-building, education, and sustainable development that will benefit future generations.”
Mr. Lodge also joined the Oil & Gas Panel Discussion, which explored strategies for energy- sector expansion and opportunities for cross-sector investment.
Dr. Peter Ramsaroop : “Guyana is Open for Business”
Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), shared insights into Guyana’s thriving investment climate and expanding opportunities for British and global investors.
“Guyana is open for business,” Dr. Ramsaroop declared. “We are modernising our industries, building out critical infrastructure, and diversifying into new sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, and technology. Now is the time for investors to engage.”
He highlighted projects such as the Gas-to-Energy initiative, which will lower costs and create a foundation for new industries to engage.
High-Level Discussions on Energy, Infrastructure, and Digital Transformation
Two dynamic panel sessions showcased opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Oil & Gas Panel Discussion Participants:
- Andrew Lodge, Head of Legal, ExxonMobil Guyana
- Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Investment Officer, GO-Invest
*Sir Trevor Phillips OBE ARC FIC, Presenter, Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips (Sky News) and Columnist for The Times
- Captain Gerry Gouveia , Chairman, Private Sector Commission
Moderated by Ace Consulting, the panel explored sustainable energy development, the role of the private sector, and the global significance of Guyana’s emerging oil and gas industry.
Infrastructure & Digital Transformation Session
Moderated by Mr. Anand Harrilall, Board Director, BritCham Guyana, with insights from:
- Alan Howard, Manager, City & Guilds International
- Phil Atkinson, Managing Director, Mowlem International Ltd
- Richard Stanton, CEO, One Communications
- Imran Badruddin, Senior Manager, Investment & Business Development, Demerara Bank Limited
- Robert Lee, CEO, REAS Group
- Richard Isava, Managing Director, Guyana Americas Merchant Bank
The session addressed Guyana’s rapid infrastructure growth, the importance of digital transformation, and financing solutions for sustainable development.
Attendees also viewed a video presentation on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion, showcasing Guyana’s modernisation progress being delivered by Mowlem International.
H.E. Dr. Rajendra Singh : Strengthening Guyana–UK Relations
His Excellency Dr. Rajendra Singh, High Commissioner of Guyana to the United Kingdom, delivered remarks highlighting the strategic importance of the Guyana – UK partnership.
“Our partnership is rooted in shared history and strengthened by shared purpose,” H.E. Singh said. “BritCham Guyana continues to play a pivotal role in deepening the economic, social, and cultural bonds between our nations.”
Maxi Priest Joins BritCham Guyana for Jamaica Hurricane Relief Effort
The evening concluded with a Business Networking Mixer and Charity Auction featuring international artist Maxi Priest, who partnered with BritCham Guyana to raise funds for hurricane-relief efforts in Jamaica.
The auction raised a total of £21,035, with all proceeds supporting organisations coordinating recovery and rebuilding on the ground in Jamaica.
“Music and unity have the power to heal and rebuild. I’m honoured to lend my voice to help those affected in Jamaica,” said Maxi Priest.
Faizal Khan added, “This initiative embodies the spirit of regional unity. BritCham Guyana is proud to stand with our Caribbean family in times of need.”
A Platform for Partnership and Progress
The BritCham Guyana Business Forum & Networking Event reinforced Guyana’s position as one of the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean and underscored the country’s readiness for sustainable, international investment.
As Dr. Ramsaroop concluded, “The time to engage is now.”
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