Local entrepreneur Abigale John has marked a significant milestone in her business after receiving the official ‘Made In Guyana’ certification for her products, Propa Local Wines and Propa Local Teas.
The certification ceremony was held on Friday at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards Head Office, Georgetown.
Surrounded by supporters and samples of her products, John, in delivering her Founder’s reflection, said her creativity and drive were not birthed overnight but are the fruit of a rich family legacy.
“I come from a line of proud farmers who worked the soil, educators who moulded minds and business owners who paved the way. It is upon that very foundation that Propa Local Wines and Propa Local Teas was birthed. Propa Local Teas is more than a product, it’s a story of taking traditional knowledge passed down through generations and shaping it into a certified brand,” she said.
Executive Director of GNBS, Trevor Bassoo, in his remarks delivered regards and congratulations on behalf of Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues.
“This business was first certified in August last year after satisfying the requirements of the ‘Made In Guyana’ programme, and today we’re again proud that this certification will be extended because your business continues to demonstrate commitment to quality and conformance to the requirements,” he noted.
Bassoo said he has seen tremendous business growth by John over the last year, noting that he is optimistic about more products coming on stream. He highlighted that the certification continues to provide tremendous value to businesses, including visibility, market access, and pride.
Executive Director of the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA), Govindra Raghubansi, in his remarks said the GMSA continues to emphasise the importance of standards, systems, and brand-building as they play a key role in successful businesses.
“The efforts that you’ve made to recertify your wine and garner certification for your teas in such a short period must be commended. That just shows Abigail’s commitment to developing her brand and her entrepreneurial spirit. The ‘Made In Guyana’ stamp is not just a label, it’s a mark of national pride and it shows the market that innovative and quality products can be found right here in Guyana,” he said.
Raghubansi added that such certification helps businesses to stand out and compete on the international market.
President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Rajkumar, congratulated John, noting that her entrepreneurial journey is inspiring.
“I am proud to say that this is local and it come from Buxton. We must be proud to say that it come from Buxton. You tell a story– as a young entrepreneur, you told us th
e story of where this all started, how you elevated yourself. So you’re inspiring others to follow suit. When people travel they want to taste what we produce,” he noted.
Rajkumar added that THAG is pushing to have such local products in the lobbies of hotels so that tourists can experience the culinary side of Guyana, as he encouraged John to “keep the local flavour.”
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