GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 31, 2021
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6thEdition EDITION FEBRUARY 28th, 2021 7th | March 31, 2021
‘Straight Outta 592’ gives micro, small businesses social media exposure
SEE PAGE
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…as Guyana prepares for ‘tsunami of opportunities’ Creator of ‘Straight Outta 592,’ Janel Bovell-Drakes
“STRAIGHT Outta 592” is an 11-month-old social media platform, founded by Janel BovellDrakes, which focuses entirely on increasing awareness of products and services offered by micro and small business enterprises in Guyana. Bovell-Drakes uses her platform to support local businesses by making a purchase then posting a review on Straight Outta 592. This strategy has helped to promote many businesses as well as acquire new customers, both locally and in the diaspora. For now, Straight Outta 592 services are free. The blogger said: “For years, I have supported local micro and
small businesses and I have seen their talents, dedication and time spent on building their businesses to cater to customers.” Small businesses are usually managed by one person and that person has several responsibilities such as dealing with customers, performing cashier duties, stocking the shelves, posting on social media pages and so much more. In most instances, these business owners are so busy that they have little time to update their social media pages and this is where Straight Outta 592 steps in. “It was always a dream to create a brand and I wanted to be the first platform that focuses only on micro
a n d small b u s i nesses in Guyana, I wanted to push for an ‘is we own’ concept,” Bovell Drakes said. Her greatest influence is the small business owners. She has seen many invest their time and money to create brands that are a true SEE representation of what they havePAGE to offer. These businesses 3A have evolved over the years with packaging, customer service and also expanded their services and products SEE in varfor Guyanese PAGE
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ious arnesses. eas. Apart She from the business has sucowners, her other cessfully influences would be managed to estabher close friends and her current lish fun and interactive ways for boss. these businesses to be recognised “The reason I would say this on social media. is because over the past year, they “Recently, I introduced the have all contributed to my growth virtual interviews on my Instagram in their own little ways and each page which allows me to introduce has encouraged me to explore my the business owner or a representacommunication and creative skills,” tive who will then inform the viewthe blogger related. ers about their products and services It is common knowledge that and provide some advice to those success doesn’t come without chal- desirous of starting their own small lenges and one of her biggest hur- business,” the blogger said, adding dles when she started her creative that the business owners also have venture was extending her reach to the opportunity to display some of a wider audience. their products. She believes that when she creA small business owner once ated the Instagram page, the reach told the blogger that ‘they’ can steal was larger than that on Facebook. your recipe, but the sauce won’t Today, she has learned to filter her taste the same. This has since rescontent and post during peak hours onated with her and has helped her to gain the most traction. growhis in address both her personal and President Irfaan Ali, to during work to the 131st AGM of the life. Georgetown INCREASING Creating a business is a big step Chamber of Commerce and Industry AWARENESS many. It might be to assist with (GCCI), onfor Tuesday T h e C O V I D - 1 9 financial growth or just for passion pandemic did not affect but one thing that is always importthe Straight Outta 592 ant is to remember to be original, platform, but it has neg- stand true to your brand and also atively impacted many be honest about your products and micro and small busi- services. nesses. This, in fact, has Bovell-Drakes noticed that on encouraged her to invest several occasions, persons display more time into increasing pictures of other people’s work; awareness of these businesses. this is deceitful and misleading to Bovell-Drakes believes her customers. At no time should any greatest professional accomplish- business owner be comfortable ment thus far is being able to devel- stealing pictures of other people’s op and implement a new platform work. TURN TO PAGE 22 that allows persons locally, regionally and internationally to see products and services offered by local micro and small busi-
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 31, 2021
…as Guyana prepares for ‘tsunami of opportunities’ THE Government of Guyana is currently working to develop a National Trade Policy which seeks to boost competitiveness of local businesses, while dismantling barriers that complicate the trade and investment processes in Guyana. This announcement was made by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, during his keynote address to the 131st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). Dr. Ali told the virtual meeting that all efforts are being made at the level of the government to alleviate the hassle of doing business in Guyana. Bottlenecks, red tape with its tedious, multi-layered official procedures and administrative gridlock, all carry additional costs for businesses and harm their competitiveness,” Dr. Ali acknowledged, as he pointed to the planned implementation of an Electronic Single Window for Trade, which is similarly aimed at reducing the time and costs of doing business in Guyana. “I have also discussed with the Mayor of Georgetown the development of a similar system for the processing of building permits and plans,” the President said. He also pointed to the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) project, which aims to improve the quality of local products and services, thereby stimulating demand, and positioning local entities to engage in regional and global trade. The Head-of-State cautioned that even with the many initiatives being implemented by the government, the growth of Guyana’s commercial community requires innovation and co-operation at all levels. “Economic transformation demands a new mindset. The private sector must begin to think bigger, bolder, braver and brainier. In other words, it must become more
ambitious, less risk-averse and more innovative,” Dr. Ali said, as he called on the business community to prepare for the “tsunami of opportunities” that lies ahead. The President also commended the business community for maintaining high levels of resilience, and being able to adapt and push past the many barriers that sought to stifle their growth, prior to the change of government in 1992. “Ingenious ways were found to source goods, including spares. Small-scale trading allowed for the survival of commerce, and when the situation changed for the better, the business community positioned itself to make the most of the improving economic climate. Adaptation to change has indeed been the forte of the local business class,” Dr. Ali said. He noted, however, that while the government will support the growth of the business community, it will not be taking up a babysitter-like role. “Government will work to set the framework for fair competition, but it will not deploy overtly protectionist measures to shield the private sector from competition,” Dr. Ali said, adding: “I know that 2020 was a difficult year, but I assure you that the worst of its economic effects are over. This is the time of recovery, rebounding, and a booming economy.” He also made specific references to the importance of small businesses, which he says are vital and indispensable in the process of economic development. “Small businesses represent the arms and legs, propelling our economy forward, sustaining employment and acting as vital cogs in the distribution, marketing and consumption of goods and services of large businesses,” President Ali reasoned. To this end, he said that the government’s commitment to the development of small businesses can be
seen in the passage of the Small Business (Amendment) Bill 2020, which expands the range of procurement opportunities for small businesses. “We have already granted small businesses a five per cent advantage in bidding for state contracts. Also, the maximum threshold for grants disbursed by the Small Business Bureau through the Small Business Development Fund has been increased by 100 per cent,” Dr. Ali said. He added, “We have committed to working with stakeholders to improve small businesses access to finance. In addition, our plans for small business development include the development of business incubators nationwide.” The President also underscored the importance of good relations among local businesses, even as they gear up to compete with each other. “Local content is action, not only by government to ensure more opportunities are given to local businesses, but by local businesses encouraging and supporting each other wherever opportunities are,” Dr. Ali said, noting: “That is the only way Guyana will win. That is the only way we can build through local content; when the private sector becomes a supportive mechanism for each other.” The President also called for better relations between private sector agencies and the media. “We cannot destroy each other with suspicion, where questions are necessary, the questions should be asked, and the answers should be provided,” Dr. Ali posited. He recognised too that a growing economy is likely to attract criminal activities which can be crippling to businesses. As a response, the President said that the administration will be pursuing a robust anti-crime strategy to better protect businesses, communities and citizens.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 31, 2021
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rs u e n e r trep n e g n you cess s c e u g r s u o ad t ctor a o r r t e n h o t —c they unts o c e are the backbone r e strayed of his company. as h
Founder and Managing Director of Future Builders General Construction, Esan Robinson
By Mesha Sealey “IF at first you don’t succeed, try again,” the popular proverb, though it originated in the 19th century, might as well have been coined by 41-year-old Esan Robinson, founder and Managing Director of the Future Builders General Construction Company, as he uses it in everyday life. Robinson, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, said the construction company he has, was not nearly as successful as it is now, in its early stages. The unregistered block factory he started out with had failed in its early stages, but this did not deter him from achieving the goal he
had set for himself, from the time he was nine years old. “Growing up from when I was a small boy, my grandfather was a contractor, and I always tell myself that I wanted to build structures and so on. We started out originally as two persons, but the partnership didn’t really work out, so I decided that I can do it on my own,” he said. In continuing the story of his journey, the contractor related: “And that is how I got started, slow but sure. Raising money consisted of working part time, saving as much as I could. I started out as a block factory—it wasn’t registered, but then it closed. But I told myself I never wanted to be a failure in life, so I decided to fall flat and
come again.” The 41-year-old operates his business from its 134 Canterbury Walk, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara location, and has been running “Future Builders” for more than 20 years. “My grandfather was a contractor, and so I took it from him, because I tell myself, ‘that is what I want to do’. And I loved doing it, no doubt about it. And I always want to portray the best. We’re not just about showcasing our business. “When we go out to clients, we just want them to know that… Hear what happened, we started out as a small business, and now we’re growing, so we want people to come on board with their support. Even if you
need to build something small, no matter what, we can carry any kind of contract,” Robinson said. Though not possessing tremendous amounts of experience in the architectural arena, Robinson followed his passion and eventually enrolled in and completed architectural and engineering courses at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC). He would later form the partnership that would lead to his block construction business, which, the entrepreneur emphasised, he has not
from. This is in keeping with Future Builders’ mandate to have all building materials available to their clients as soon as possible. “A successful business is determined by all that you [the entrepreneur] put in. You need to tell yourself that you want to come out successfully, because if you’re sitting down, and you’re trying to depend on your workers, things are going to fall down,” he stressed. He attributed his success to his employees, and the effort that they continue to put into his business, adding that
“I don’t like people calling me the ‘boss’. I am their leader, and they are the most important things in my life. They motivate me every day. We are like a whole family, all in one. When you see us, you recognise us not only by the company name, but also by the professional relationship and the connection that we have,” the contractor said. Future Builders General Construction provides electrical services, plumbing, masonry, carpentry, architectural plans for houses, and building material, among a host of other services.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 31, 2021
—young entrepreneur dives into hair care business to help other ‘naturals’ It is for this very reason that 25-year-old, Colincia Rodrigues, has committed to remedying these pitfalls with the launch of her business, ‘Boss Curlz’. The natural hair products distribution service on Saturday, 27 March, 2021, kicked off their ‘Stop, Snack n’ Shop’ launch event at their Regent Street location, and saw an impressive turnout as customers lined up for their hair care essentials. “I’m a natural myself, so I know that it’s kind of challenging becoming a natural for the first time, or transitioning into that phase, because I have also dealt with it. So I went into the business wanting to help, and assist those that, you know, might not know what to do, or how to do it,” the charismatic young woman detailed, in explaining the inspiration for her business idea. “It’s not all about just about buying products. It’s also about the interaction, you know? As I say, the ‘Boss Curlz’ experience. So in addition to our slogan, ‘Here to make your hair, our problem’, that’s what the business is about.” Colincia Rodrigues, founder and owner of Boss Curlz The business, though it gained the most traction in March, By Mesha Sealey launched officially on January 31, and is operated from ANY woman or man with natural, or chemically unpro- home by the young entrepreneur. While it was challenging cessed hair, can attest to the fact that taking care of their to find hair products at first, Rodrigues outlined that her hair is a challenge in itself. From shrinkage and frizz, clever approach to combatting this issue was simply to let to breakage and loss of moisture, the right care for any the consumers of those products speak as to their efficacy, type of natural hair is difficult to find, and even more and by extension, their profitability. “My goal for this business is not just to buy random difficult to acquire.
products online. I do my research, and I found products with raving reviews, watched YouTube videos, and found hair textures that have better results with certain hair textures as compared to others. I get to learn about the products, and how they would be suitable for the person buying from me, so mainly I choose products that have really good reviews, not just anything that looks good,” the young woman expressed.
The Biden administration on Monday unveiled a goal to expand the nation’s fledgling offshore wind energy industry in the coming decade by opening new areas to development, accelerating permits, and boosting public financing for projects. The plan is part of President Joe Biden’s broader effort to eliminate U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change, an agenda that Republicans argue could bring economic ruin but which Democrats say can create jobs while protecting the environment. The blueprint for offshore wind power generation comes after the Biden administration’s suspension of new oil and gas leasing auctions on federal lands and waters, widely seen as a first step to fulfilling the president’s campaign promise of a permanent ban on new federal drilling to counter global warming. The United States, with just two small offshore wind facilities, has lagged European nations in developing the renewable energy technology. The administration of Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump had vowed to launch offshore wind as a promising new domestic industry but failed to permit any projects. “We’re ready to rock and roll,” National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy said at a virtual press conference to announce the administration’s moves. The plan sets a target to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, which the administration said would be enough to power 10 million homes and cut 78 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. One of the first steps will be to open a new offshore wind
The administration said it will also aim to speed up project permits, including environmental reviews, and provide $3 billion in public financing for offshore wind projects through the Department of Energy. The plan was met with skepticism by a fishing industry group that noted the plan’s pledge of just $1 million for research into the effects of offshore wind on fisheries. Fishing groups worry that massive turbines in the ocean would interfere with fishing routes and impact commercial species. “Where’s our roadmap to not completely stomping out one of our main sources of food production and our main source of jobs in coastal communities?” Annie Hawkins, executive director of the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance, said in an interview. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, in her remarks at a press conference, vowed to “work through those tensions” between fisheries and wind development. The United States currently has just two small offshore wind farms, the 30-megawatt Block Island Wind Farm off Rhode Island and a two-turbine pilot project off the coast of Virginia. There are more than 20 GW of proposed projects in various stages of development. Europe, by contrast, has more than 20 GW of capacity and plans to expand that more than ten-fold by 2050. Many of the companies developing U.S. projects are European, including Norway’s Equinor, Denmark’s Orsted, and a joint venture between Avangrid, the U.S. arm of Spain’s Iberdrola, and Denmark’s Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. (Reuters)
energy development zone in the New York Bight, an area off the densely populated coast between Long Island, New York and New Jersey, with a lease auction there later this year.
The industry will employ 44,000 workers directly by 2030 and support 33,000 additional support jobs, the administration said, with a promise that they would be “good-paying union jobs.” Many of those jobs will be created at new factories that will produce the blades, towers and other components for massive offshore wind turbines and at shipyards where the specialized ships needed to install them will be constructed. The administration predicted the nation would see port upgrade investments related to offshore wind of more than $500 million.
DAILY DIFFICULTIES As a ‘natural’ herself, Colincia shared some of the daily difficulties she faced with her own hair that she wanted to help others tackle when she started out selling products. “One of the main challenges I found with my own hair texture is moisture retention, especially when it comes to the weather. You find that in cooler climates, your hair tends to retain moisture for longer. There are products to help with that. Additionally, my hair consists of a lot of hair types, so as much as you might think that everything might be the same type, it can transition into different textures. So at the back might feel different from the front, and it might be more difficulty to manage than the back, so you find that you have to put more attention into that,” she stated. Boss Curlz, though, is not just a business, however, as the ambitious 25-year-old suggested. The hair care product distributor is committed to seeing its expansion, in terms of a physical store in the future, and the continuous growth of, and connection with its customer base, dubbed the ‘natural base’ by the entrepreneur. “Boss Curlz is not just about natural hair products, or dealing with those issues, but it’s offering a new experience, where we understand that becoming a natural is very challenging, or those that want to transition are not really certain of what direction to go into. They can contact us, and we get back to them in a timely manner. No matter how late, we always try to get back to our natural base,” she said. Boss Curlz does pre-order for hair products, product suggestions for different hair types, hair care advice, delivery and pickup services. They can be reached at their 136 Regent Street, Bourda location, or on their Facebook page, facebook.com/boss.curlzz.