Youth Entrepreneurship Chamber to drive local talent into growing economy

More than 100 entrepreneurs, government officials and development partners gathered at the GAICO Construction Building on New Market Street on Friday evening for the inaugural Entrepreneurs Connect: March Mixer, hosted by the Guyana Youth Entrepreneurship Chamber (GYEC).

Organisers say the event marks the beginning of a structured, long-term effort to position young Guyanese professionals at the centre of the country’s rapidly expanding economy.

The mixer brought together a broad cross-section of public and private sector leadership, including Minister Keoma Griffith, Chief Investment Officer Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, and MP James Bond. Private sector representatives included Women’s Chamber President Josephine Tapp, GMSA Executive Director Govindra Raghubansi, Berbice Chamber President Samantha Reid, AmCham Guyana Executive Director Richard Leo, and IDB Country Representative Lorena Salazar. Representatives from Brand Youth Global and the Centre for Local Business Development were also in attendance.

Chaired by GYEC Senior Vice-President Juliana Lopes, the event focused on a central theme: mobilising youth for national economic development.

Speakers Josephine Tapp and Selwyn Collins, Founder and CEO of Brand Youth Global, both praised the initiative and pledged support for the Chamber’s upcoming programmes.

GYEC Junior Vice-President Khishan Singh outlined the organisation’s mission, stating:

“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.”

Delivering the feature address, Dr. Ramsaroop encouraged young Guyanese to capitalise on emerging opportunities at home.

“If I was 18, 19, 20 or 21 today, I would not leave this country,” he said.
“What we are seeing in Guyana today, and what is projected over the next decade, is unlike anything you will find elsewhere… We need the labour, the expertise, and the energy of our young people.”

He also stressed the importance of mentorship and collaboration, noting that long-term business success depends on strong networks rather than individual ambition alone.

In closing remarks, GYEC Executive Director Dennon Lewiss said the initiative is aimed at building lasting partnerships and leadership.

“Tonight marks the beginning of partnerships that will create opportunities, businesses that will shape industries, and leaders who will define generations.”

The Chamber credited its early momentum to President Dr. Rosh Khan, whose vision guided the organisation’s formation and membership drive. GYEC is positioning itself as a platform to connect youth entrepreneurship with private sector interests and national development priorities.

The event was supported by sponsors including GAICO Construction, DDL, Star Party Rental, Beacon, ACE Consulting Group, Global Investment Group, Sweet Spot, Skyline Real Estate, Coonjah Corp and Phoenix Production.

Friday’s mixer is the first in a planned series of engagements. The Chamber is inviting youth entrepreneurs, professionals and corporate partners to join future initiatives. Interested persons can contact GYEC at guyanayouthchamber@gmail.com.