THE inaugural Guyana Diaspora Sustainability & Investment Conference 2023 (GDSIC2023), a project of Henley Caribbean Sustainable Ventures Ltd. was held recently.

Venue for the occasion was Kensington Town Hall in central London  and brought together a diverse group of professionals including, entrepreneurs, academics and Guyana Government policymakers to discuss and strategize on leveraging the diaspora’s potential for sustainable development and investment in Guyana.

The conference aimed to foster collaboration, share insights, and explore opportunities for harnessing the diaspora’s skills and resources to contribute to the economic and social growth of Guyana.

Under the theme: Securing Guyana’s Future Through Diaspora Engagement,the conference was supported by the Guyana government which appointed Dr Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Investment Officer with The Office of the President and Ms Rosalinda Rasul, Head on the Diaspora Affairs Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deliver keynote addresses.

Chairman David F. Roberts provided a welcome address, setting the tone for discussions around sustainable development and investment in Guyana but not before referencing the difficulties and innumerable challenges experienced in the planning of the event.

He outlined the vision for Guyana Diaspora Sustainability & Investment Conference, which is to be the forerunner in the effort to mobilise the Guyana diaspora to engage with the government of Guyana on development issues through collaborative partnerships.

He also highlighted the importance of the diaspora’s role in the nation’s progress and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and the diaspora community.

The mission is to be the quintessential source for cultural enrichment where we preserve and propagate our heritage

Roberts said: “The mission of GDSIC is to be the quintessential source for cultural enrichment where we preserve and propagate our heritage.

“To have an economic impact through trade and investment initiatives; diplomatic influence where we can assist in building bridges between Guyana and the UK thereby fostering diplomatic ties and understanding; and knowledge exchange where we will, through our partners, exchange knowledge and expertise thereby contributing to innovation, education and professional networks in Guyana.”

One major outcome of the conference was Dr Peter Ramsaroop being introduced to London Stock Exchange Group, Sustainable Finance & Investment Strategy director, Mr Ibukun Adebayo who is keen to work with the Government of Guyana to assist with improving the country’s international credit profile.

Planning of Guyana Diaspora Sustainability & Investment Conference 2024 (GDSIC2024) has begun. For more details: Email: [email protected] Website: www.guyanadiasporaconference.com or call: +44 (0) 204 577 3776.