Page 26 - GMSA 2017 AR Print for flip1

GOVERNANCE & ADVOCACY

Mr. Clement Duncan Executive Board Member addressing members at
the interactive session with GOINVEST

He noted that GMSA continues to share a collaborative He reminded too that additionally, GFDD will benefit from the
relationship with GFDD and mechanisms are established through donor funds for an ISO certified Laboratory which will significant
which the GMSA maintain liaison with the GFDD. enhance the Department’s ability to conduct testing and
analyses.
In response, Executive Director Cole welcomed the opportunity
to engage the GMSA membership as he highlighted the In the interactive session following the presentation GMSA
constraints, challenges and opportunities facing the Guyana’s members were able to clarify several issues include processing
local manufacturing sector from the standpoint of the Food and time for requests sent to the Department as well as requirements
Drugs Department. for both import and export of select items.
It was generally agreed that the collaborative mechanism
He explained that to effectively function as the mandate requires between the GMSA and the GFDD should continue and Mr. Cole
the GFDD needs to have a strong regulatory framework and indicated the GFDD’s willingness to engage and meet with the
testing capabilities whereby the GFDD can ensure sub-standard GMSA as necessary.
items are not allowed in the local market and there is the need
to have anti-dumping legislation to support this. Among the GMSA members in attendance were Mr. Ramsey Ali
–Sterling Products Ltd, Mr. Zulficar Ali – New GPC, Mr. Francois
Cole pointed out that in addition to being a regulatory body, Gerin – Amazon, Mr. Clement Duncan – Swansea Industrial
the GFDD role is also to support protecting the consumers as Associated, Mr. Fitzroy- NAMILCO, Mr. Dabbicharran – Dabi’s
he emphasized the importance of facilitating the export of Variety, Mr. Raymond Ramsaroop – Edward Beharry Group, Mr.
products from Guyana and the GFDD’s mandate which seeks to Alfred Bhulai – Think Engine, Mr. Brian James – Guyana Stock
ensure that foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and water Brokers and Mr. Chris Persaud of Umani.
are distributed, marketed, produced, imported and/or exported
meets the highest standard of quality and safety. Meanwhile, the GMSA continued its governance and advocacy
campaign by engaging GO-Invest in discussions on a number
Cole posited that over the years, GFDD has made significant of important subject matters. The meeting, which was a follow
strides in decreasing substandard food products on the up to the first in a series of Ministerial Roundtable Discussions
local market as well as increasing public sensitization on the between the Government and GMSA, saw a wide cross-section of
Department’s work. GMSA members participating in an interactive session following
a presentation from GOINVEST CEO, Owen Verwey.

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