The British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) is preparing to host its flagship Gala Dinner on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders and international investors in celebration of Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary and the longstanding relationship between Guyana and the United Kingdom.
The event, which will be held under the theme “We’re Bringing It Home!”, is scheduled to take place at the Four Points by Sheraton Georgetown, Houston Event Hall, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Deputy British High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr Liam McShane, explained that this year’s celebration will be held in Guyana, with a focus on strengthening business relationships, encouraging investment and creating greater opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
He noted that the Gala Dinner will also serve as the centrepiece of a week of business engagements surrounding an incoming United Kingdom trade mission, coordinated through the Caribbean Council.
Mr McShane said, “The Gala Dinner will be the combination of BritCham Guyana week, which is dedicated to the commercial and professional ties to the UK and Guyana.
We will also see a trade delegation that is made up of several companies…they are also coming on the back of the recent state visit by His Royal Highness, King Charles 111, and the celebration of 60 years of bilateral relations with Guyana and the UK.”
The Deputy British High Commissioner further expressed the view that King Charles III’s recent State Visit to Guyana sent a strong message about the longstanding bond between the two countries and their commitment to strengthening relations for mutual benefit.
Meanwhile, Chief Investment Officer of the Government of Guyana, Hon. Dr Peter Ramsaroop, reflected on his involvement with BritCham Guyana since its inception, noting that he has witnessed the Chamber’s growth and success over the years.
Dr Ramsaroop expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Chamber while encouraging members of Guyana’s private sector to adopt a different approach to international business opportunities.
He pointed out that over the past six years, Guyana has witnessed increased networking among companies, knowledge transfer and significant investment from international businesses. However, he believes the time has come for Guyanese companies to expand their operations into the United Kingdom.
The Chief Investment Officer said, “We are no longer growing up [as a country]; our position is steadfast [and] the change in conversation needs to take place.
I challenge the private sector in Guyana to become members of the chamber; it is not just about the trade numbers we speak about. [There are] 3.5 million pounds [that are available to you]; let’s figure out how to spend it.”
Dr Ramsaroop also stressed the importance of partnerships between Guyana’s private sector, the visiting UK trade delegation and the Government in advancing development across other sectors of the economy.
He noted that such collaboration would support the broader economic diversification agenda being pursued by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
Meanwhile, Founding Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Guyana, Mr Faizal Khan, highlighted the success of two major international events previously hosted by the Chamber.
He recalled that BritCham Guyana hosted events at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London in 2024 and Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club in West London, in 2025, both of which attracted participation from Guyanese businesses.
Against this background, Khan explained that it was fitting for the Chamber to bring this year’s Gala Dinner to Guyana, particularly as the country celebrates its Diamond Jubilee.
Khan said, “Rather than having the event this year in the UK (United Kingdom), we have decided to bring it home to Guyana because of the Diamond Jubilee (Guyana’s 60 years of independence).”
Khan also pointed to several developments that the Chamber considers significant achievements in strengthening Guyana–UK relations, including visa-free travel for Guyanese to the United Kingdom, direct flights between Guyana and London, and Guyana’s growing position as a major UK trading partner within CARICOM.
He further highlighted the availability of more than £3.5 million sterling in UK export finance, which he said presents opportunities for trade and investment involving Guyana’s public and private sectors.
According to him, “These are significant developments for the business sectors of both Guyana and the UK if they get together; if they follow up, and if they are serious about growing their businesses.”
According to information provided by BritCham Guyana, more than 30 delegates representing British businesses are expected to participate in the upcoming trade mission, which will include business meetings, stakeholder engagements and networking opportunities with representatives of Guyana’s public and private sectors.
The visiting delegation will represent several key industries, including energy, construction, infrastructure, transport and shipping, mining, healthcare, engineering, digitalisation, specialist procurement and professional services.
Among the companies expected to participate are JCB, Abergower, Reid Steel, ITT, Mowlem, Kestrel, NSG, Parker Plant, WG Russell/Russell Martin Limited, Goldhawk12 Holdings and Sangfroid Group.
The trade mission is expected to provide opportunities for British companies to engage directly with local stakeholders, explore potential partnerships and gain a better understanding of Guyana’s expanding business and investment landscape.
The Gala Dinner will provide a formal setting for government representatives, diplomats, investors and business leaders to strengthen professional relationships, exchange ideas and discuss opportunities for further economic cooperation.
This year’s celebration also comes at a significant point in Guyana’s history, as the country marks six decades of independence, providing an opportunity to reflect on its longstanding relationship with the United Kingdom while exploring new avenues for trade, investment and commercial partnerships.
The November 25 event is expected to be one of BritCham Guyana’s major business networking gatherings for 2026, bringing together local and international representatives as Guyana continues to attract investment interest across several sectors of its economy.
Friday’s press conference was hosted by Senior Business Development Executive, Ms Debbie Persaud.
