GEORGETOWN, 25th August, 2023 – The British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) has appointed former banking executive Remonna Graham as its first Business Development Executive, with
responsibility for growing the chamber’s membership and supporting existing members in developing
business and networking opportunities.

Graham, a Guyanese national, joins BritCham with more than 10 years of corporate and client-facing
experience in Guyana’s banking industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and is
pursuing an MBA. The full-time role of Business Development Executive will be based at BritCham’s
headquarters in the New Pegasus building in Georgetown.

“Remonna is a talented and dedicated business development expert with long-standing experience on the ground and strong relationships with decision-makers across Georgetown,” said BritCham Chair Faizal
Khan. “We are confident she will help us continue to drive the impressive growth in our membership that
we have already seen this year, while offering valuable support and guidance to BritCham members as
they build networks and navigate the business terrain - in particular, Guyana’s banking and legal systems.”

Launched in February, BritCham Guyana is an independent trade and commerce body that acts as a hub
and partner for British and Guyanese companies interested in working together or investing in each
market, as well as fostering a strong ecosystem for information sharing and networking, improving the
ease of doing business, and collaborating with UK and Guyanese authorities to support the business
community.

“I am honored to be the first Business Development Executive to join the BritCham Guyana team. I am
looking forward to continuously delivering exceptional support and service to the BritCham members and
the larger community, as together we advance and strengthen trade relations between Guyana and the
UK.,” Graham said.

Businesses and individuals interested in joining BritCham should contact the secretariat. An application
form can be downloaded from britchamgy.com.

ENDS

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For media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Faizal Khan
Chairman
British Chamber of Commerce Guyana
+592 708 9989 | admin@britchamgy.com

30 March 2023

LONDON, (Travel Weekly, 30 Mar 2023) - Guyana has become the latest destination to join British Airways’ network, with an inaugural flight touching down in the destination’s capital, Georgetown, on Monday (March 27).

Flight BA2159 departed Gatwick at 11.35am, landing at Cheddi Jagan International Airport at 7.50pm local time.

This was the first of a twice-weekly service, operating via St Lucia on Mondays and Thursdays.

The new addition to BA’s network follows the start of flights to Aruba on Sunday (March 26), which operate twice weekly via Antigua on Thursdays and Sundays.

BA said it operates more routes to the Caribbean and Mexico than any other UK airline, with Aruba and Guyana bringing the total number of destinations served in the region to 17.

Both routes will operate on a Boeing 777-200 aircraft, with three cabins for customers to choose from: Club (business), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy).

Sunday also saw BA’s first direct flight to Port of Spain, Trinidad, which will operate three times per week from Gatwick. The flight was formerly via St Lucia.

Return fares are from £520 for Oranjestad, Aruba; £499 for Georgetown, Guyana; and £520 for Port of Spain, Trinidad.

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29 March 2023

GEORGETOWN, (Stabroek News, 29 Mar 2023) – The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) was last evening officially launched here with both United Kingdom Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Americas and Caribbean, David Rutley, and Prime Minister Mark Phillips pledging their respective governments’ commitment to fostering the economic growth and partnership of the two nations.

It is hoped that with the establishment of the private sector body that trade and business would exponentially grow from the more than £1 billion that was last year’s figure.

“It means a lot to you but it means a lot to me and it means a lot to the UK government as well. This is a really strong relationship… it builds on the momentum being seen here. So we have got a partnership agreement which is phenomenal and we will build on that to make it even more meaningful,” Rutley said in brief remarks at the launch, held last evening at the residence of UK High Commissioner Jane Miller, in Georgetown.

Rutley’s visit here also coincides with British Airways’ inaugural flight here on Monday.

The Under-Secretary disclosed that he met with President Irfaan Ali yesterday and was optimistic that the relationship between the two nations will only get better.

“It was really clear that he has really high ambitions, like we do, on how we can take this relationship forward,” the British government representative said.

He explained that the BCC was in the works for a while as his government saw the need for business opportunities to be tapped into by locals and British nationals.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Mark Phillips underscored that the establishment of BritCham was evidence of his government’s commitment to fostering stronger and closer economic ties between the two nations. “These economic bonds build on the strong ties and history and shared interest between Britain and Guyana,” he said.

In July of 2021, the outgoing acting British High Commissioner to Guyana, Ross Denny, had announced that a British Chamber of Commerce would be established here.

On his time in Guyana he said “I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to spend some time in this beautiful and fascinating country, and at an important time in its history. I’ve been made to feel very welcome wherever I went and I was fortunate to be able to visit several places in the hinterland where the UK is funding important projects, and of course to meet a wide range of people. I was a little surprised on my arrival to find that there was no British chamber of commerce, and set the creation of one as a high priority for my time. I’m delighted that this is now a reality.

“The Chamber will be launched officially when Jane Miller arrives and has been accredited. It will be a bilateral chamber, as much for the benefit of Guyanese businesses interested in developing trading links with the UK as it is for British businesses looking to trade with and invest in Guyana. My hope is that the presence of an active bilateral chamber will lead to even greater commercial activity between our two countries, for the benefit of both our peoples. The bilateral relationship is in great shape, with many shared interests and values. I wish my replacement every success in taking this forward.”

And last month, during the Guyana Energy Conference and Expo 2023, the High Commission here announced that the Chamber had been created, to promote and facilitate commercial business opportunities and mutually beneficial relationships between the UK and its largest trading partner in the Caribbean.

A release from BritCham said that alongside the promotion and facilitation of bilateral trade and commerce, the Chamber will foster an open networking environment where companies can engage and discuss issues impacting their businesses and UK-Guyana trade.

The release said that the new organisation will be chaired by Guysons Group CEO and UK/Guyanese citizen Faizal Khan, supported by a board of leading business executives with close ties to both countries. It has its offices at Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Georgetown and full details of the board will be announced in due course. Khan said that BritCham Guyana aims to become the trusted partner and platform for fostering business between the UK and Guyana.

The CEO had explained that BritCham Guyana will offer its members increased access to and knowledge of each market, investment opportunities, expert and technical skills, advisory services, a wide range of industry, policy and regulatory insights across sectors, and competitive pricing.

“We would like to congratulate BritCham Guyana and we look forward to working with the team,” said Anne-Marie Martin, Director of Membership UK & International at the British Chambers of Commerce.

The release noted that Guyana is the UK’s largest trade partner in the Caribbean. In 2021, the country accounted for 21.6% of all the UK’s trade with the Caribbean and, to date, there has been a 45.9% increase in trade among the two nations for 2022.

GEORGETOWN, 16 February 2023 - The British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) has
been established to promote and facilitate commercial business opportunities and mutually beneficial
relationships between the UK and its largest trading partner in the Caribbean.

The formal creation of BritCham Guyana was announced on Thursday, 16 February 2023 as a feature of
the Guyana Energy Conference and Expo 2023 at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, Guyana. British and
Guyanese companies are encouraged to contact BritCham Guyana to sign up as members to enjoy the
full benefits of its support in exploring and accessing each market.

Alongside the promotion and facilitation of bilateral trade and commerce, BritCham Guyana will foster
an open networking environment where companies can engage and discuss issues impacting their
businesses and UK-Guyana trade, including events such as member meetings, business breakfasts and
seminars.

The independent, non-profit chamber will serve as a leading promoter and enabler of trade and
investment between the UK and Guyana, one of the world’s fastest growing economies. BritCham
Guyana will also work closely with the British High Commission in Georgetown and UK government
departments to support their advocacy work in Guyana.

The new organisation will be chaired by Guysons Group CEO and UK/Guyanese citizen Faizal Khan,
supported by a board of leading business executives with close ties to both countries, with an office at
Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Georgetown. Full details of the board will be announced in due
course. Khan, said BritCham Guyana aims to become the trusted partner and platform for fostering
business between the UK and Guyana, driving foreign direct investment into the Guyanese market,
expanding horizons for Guyanese firms, and improving the ease of doing business for its members in
both markets.

“Guyana and the UK have enjoyed a cordial, strong relationship for more than five decades, and the
business community between the two nations is growing quickly as Guyana’s economy booms,” Khan
said. “There are already significant opportunities for companies in both markets, which we only expect
to increase in the years to come. We encourage enterprises based in the UK to join BritCham Guyana so
that we can help them understand, navigate and tap into Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy. We also
call on Guyanese businesses to sign up to explore opportunities in the large, diverse UK market and
partnerships with UK companies and investors.”

Khan highlighted that the BritCham Guyana will offer its members increased access to and knowledge of
each market, investment opportunities, expert and technical skills, advisory services, a wide range of
industry, policy and regulatory insights across sectors, and competitive pricing.

“We would like to congratulate BritCham Guyana and we look forward to working with the team,” said
Anne-Marie Martin, Director of Membership UK & International at the British Chambers of Commerce.
“BritCham Guyana offers an opportunity to bring together a rich and diverse network of UK investors,
exports, and services with strong governance, world-class standards and experience that complement
the ambitions of Guyana’s business community through long term and sustainable partnerships,” said
Jane Miller, British High Commissioner to Guyana.

Guyana is the UK’s largest trade partner in the Caribbean. In 2021, the country accounted for 21.6% of
all the UK’s trade with the Caribbean and, to date, there has been a 45.9% increase in trade among the
two nations for 2022. The move to establish the new business chamber comes on the heels of the
announcement of visa free travel to the UK, a direct British Airways flight from end of March, and the
signing of a partnership arrangement by Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation, Hon. Hugh Todd and His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the
Caribbean, Jonathan Knott, CMG in November 2022.

The Chamber will provide further information in due course regarding membership opportunities,
governance, and upcoming launch events. Companies or individuals interested in joining the chamber
should visit britchamgy.com to download an application form and submit the completed form via email
to admin@britchamgy.com.

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For media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Faizal Khan
Chairperson
BritCham Guyana
+592 708 9989 | admin@britchamgy.com

- up to six months for business, leisure travellers

19 October 2022

GEORGETOWN, (Stabroek News/Marcelle Thomas, 19 Oct 2022) - The United Kingdom yesterday said that from November 9th, holders of Guyanese passports will be allowed visa-free entry for up to six months for business and leisure.

“Today is a historic day for the UK/Guyana relations and I am delighted to inform you that as of the 9th November [2022], those with a valid Guyanese passport can visit the UK visa-free,” British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller announced at a joint press conference with President Irfaan Ali at her Bel Air Gardens residence.

Persons seeking long stays or to study and work would require the requisite visas and have to go through the current processes for those. Prospective leisure and business visitors were reminded by Deputy UK High Commissioner, Omasan Judy Kpogho that “like anywhere else, you will still need to clear the immigration.”

The UK envoy noted that the waiver for this country should be seen as a sign of confidence her country has in Guyana. “This visa lift” is a real sign of the confidence that the UK has in the growth of our relationship. Together with the direct flights that will be happening at the end of March with British Airways, we believe that this change is going to be transformative to our already strong relationship”, she said.

The visa waiver will take effect shortly before a visit here by prospective UK investors. “We hope that with this visa lift, we will welcome many Guyanese to the UK to explore further business opportunities,” the High Commissioner also said.

As he appealed to Guyanese to not abuse the system, President Ali echoed the view of confidence in this country, as he credited the High Commissioner for her input in making the decision a reality.

“Today, I am very pleased that Guyanese can travel with greater ease to the UK. However, I want to say to all Guyanese that with these waivers come an important responsibility to all of us. We have a responsibility to safeguard these decisions. they come with hard work and they take a long time and we’ll be working very closely with the UK in strengthening our systems to ensure there is proper monitoring and to ensure that there is no abuse of the system,” Ali said.

He also added that he was “…sure every Guyanese would want me to express our gratitude to the UK government.”

British Airways is to begin flying to Georgetown from March next year so visa-free access for Guyanese is seen as helping to boost traffic between the two countries.

“Today will open up immense opportunity not only for infrastructure…but also looking at Guyana as an important hub in servicing the region itself,” he posited.

“It is not only about strengthening the relationship and building out the opportunities for Guyana and UK but is good for people-to-people contact…and as we build our tourism market”, Ali stated.

Every opportunity

For the British High Commissioner, making her leaders aware of the concerns of Guyanese was something she endeavoured to do since coming here 15 months ago and it was why she used every opportunity to do this.

She said that whenever she went across the country, the concerns of access to visas for business and leisure travel were raised.

President Ali said that when he visited the UK last year and had met with then Prime Minister Boris Johnson he raised the issue. He did the same when he met with the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles, in April of this year.

The culmination of the hard work by his government and the British High Commission, Ali noted was not in vain and he said that systems are in place to monitor travel and deter abuse.

And with this country’s citizenship and investment here, according to Ali, now in demand, authorities here will also ramp up screening and monitoring of those coming to this country.

To Guyanese, Ali appealed, “When it comes to the people of Guyana, you have to determine what future you want. All of us. If you mess this up you mess up everything else that comes after this,” he stressed while also noting that “we don’t have any intention of messing this up.”

And as this country makes a case to the European Union for easier access for visas to Schengen countries, the President believes that the UK’s decision also strengthens that case.

Newly appointed EU Ambassador, René van Nes has said that he is already engaging member states to have, in the first instance, a temporary arrangement, even as they explore ways for a more permanent solution later.

Guyanese currently have to travel to a processing centre in Paramaribo, Suriname to apply for the EU-wide travel visa and the applications are then forwarded to the Netherlands embassy there.

Had it not been for Brexit, Ali said that London could have possibly led the case for Georgetown.

“We are working very hard with the EU. The first thing is to remove the hurdle of going to Suriname and having to spend one night. The cost alone for that [is expensive]. That is the first hurdle and I am confident we will get over that hurdle. The second is getting some [country] to work with us. If the UK was still in the EU, for example, then that could have been our sponsoring country to get past the EU visa issue. We have to work now on a bilateral partner, a strong bilateral partner in the EU, to push this agenda, and I can assure you that work would have started,” he said.

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