The Regional Guest House of Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) at Lethem
Since 2005 and, more recently, with the opening of the Takutu River Bridge linking Guyana and Brazil, Lethem is becoming a growing hub of commerce with Brazil and the larger South America.
Where most of the employment was done by Government departments, the Private Sector is now dominant, trending to surpass other local townships in terms of commercial activity and privately driven development.
Three prominent personalities, President of Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry(RCCI), Mr. John Macedo; former President, Mr. Daniel Gajie and Regional Chairman, Mr. Clarindo Lucas, spoke, last week, about a great potential for transforming the quality of life of villagers and other residents in the environs.
Savannah Inn : a popular place for shopping at Lethem
Macedo talked about some tax issues which he feels are hurting business and need to be reviewed.
He said, a few years ago, the people of Lethem used to buy merchandise from Bon Fim in Brazil but, over the past six years, Brazilians are now buying from Lethem on a large scale and the income earned from the increase in business has helped businessmen to develop the local economy, also creating better jobs.
Macedo said Lethem receives between 500 and 1,000 visitors daily from Brazil and things are even cheaper there (in the VAT free zone) than in Georgetown.
Lethem is developing fast in terms of commerce, as more than 200 cars from Brazil visit Lethem on the week-ends. In fact the Takutu bridge has offred a new corridor of investment.The Lethem Industrial Estate located opposite the Immigration office is earmarked to house businesses and this will add to the development of the community.
ReplyDeleteSince the opening of the Takutu bridge Lethem has seen a greater boost in the development of their community and now that the road is in a better condition which gives them goods on a everyday basis to earn their living.
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