Afro-Guyanese entrepreneurs encouraged to collaborate and diversify ventures
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Scores of members of the African community were this afternoon urged to collaborate and diversify their business ventures.
During a business conference organised by the International Decade for People of African Decent Assembly Guyana (IDPADA-G), African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) Executive, Eric Phillips reminded participants that their ancestors were entrepreneurs and it was due to their ingenuity that the nation has seen many economic developments noting “economic power is nothing new to us.”
He stated that it was their ancestors who pooled their money and brought the first African village, Victoria and developed it.
Phillips pointed out that the Afro-Guyanese “have been deprived of it [economic power] for lots reasons and during this decade, we need to come together and create economic wealth. Not just economic wealth, generational wealth.”
He encouraged participants to assess the budding oil economy and create diverse visions. The ACDA Executive stressed that the business ventures should not be dependent on the oil industry.
Phillips also advised them to steer clear of the naysayers after reminding them that entrepreneurship is in their blood.
IDPADA-G Chairman, Vincent Alexander also urged the participants to work together to “pursue the ideals of the decade.” He said that today’s event places focus on “knowledge sharing” for budding entrepreneurs.
“We recognised that one of the areas in which African Guyanese have been disadvantaged is in the area of business and we have got to repair that.” He expressed his hope that “today’s activity is a small step in this direction.”
After the brief presentations, participants were given the opportunity to interact with key organisations who play critical roles in pursuing business ventures. These organizations were the Guyana Revenue Authority, Go-Invest Guyana, Credit Info, Small Business Bureau and some others.
Anara Khan
Images: Kennyann Bacchus