Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, officially assumed leadership of the Ministry on Monday, signalling a focus on promoting the country as a premier destination and improving the ease of doing business.
Rodrigues was welcomed at her South Road office by newly- appointed Permanent Secretary, Roger Rogers; Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh; Executive Director of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, Trevor Bassoo; Director of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission, Rabindra Kandhi; Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau, Shazim Ibrahim; and other senior staff.
Speaking to the ministry’s leadership team, Rodrigues expressed her enthusiasm for the portfolio, saying the sector had long captured her imagination.
“I could not have imagined a more fitting portfolio, because over the past few years, I have often reflected on ideas I would like to see realised in this ministry,” she said.
Rodrigues outlined her vision to raise Guyana’s profile internationally, part of which includes cultivating ambassadors to champion “Destination Guyana.”
“We need to rebuild patriotism, instill it in the hearts of our young people and all Guyanese across all ten regions—so that they themselves become our ambassadors,” she said.
The minister also stressed her commitment to improving government efficiency and facilitating business growth in line with President Irfaan Ali’s vision, while welcoming Permanent Secretary Rogers to the ministry.
“I am very pleased to be here. I am looking forward to working very closely with all of you as we advance this important sector together,” Rodrigues added.
