Dear Editor,
I refer to Mr. Howard Bulkan’s letter “We are incensed at non-consultation and composition of GMSA’s press release” (SN August 4, 2025). Adverting to broad assurances about the “negotiations” that led to a five percentage points increase from 10% to 15% in the tariff imposed on Guyana’s exports into the USA, the entrepreneur and processed wood product exporter asks the simple but profound question about the reported negotiating process by Guyana: “At what levels? Between whom? “Over what conditions?”
The answer to these questions appears to lie in the limited scope of GMSA’s actual involvement in the process. While the association acknowledges that the wood sector – particularly companies like Bulkan’s – would be most affected by these tariffs, their engagement appears to have been confined to a meeting with VP Jagdeo rather than any direct participation in negotiations with US counterparts. As part of the GMSA – Government engagement, then head of the GMSA revealed in April of this year that “the government has asked [the GMSA] not to issue any public statements until a resolution is reached”. Without consultation or feedback, the GMSA agreed.
It appears that the Government of Guyana took a disjointed approach to the matter. As the Stabroek News of July 7 reported, President Ali engaged the CARICOM Heads; Guyana “was in advanced discussions with the US side”; and that “we are approaching this in partnership with the US.” Despite all the optimism expressed over each of these approaches, we ended up coming out worse than the 10% baseline which replaced Trump’s initial hypothetical (and flawed) 38%. None of these however, appears to have included the persons most directly affected, or seemingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where we have not one but two ministers.
And what did the GMSA do about this failure? It issued a statement complimenting the Government! Of course, no consultation. It is not too late, and a meeting of affected and concerned members should now be convened.
It appears that the leaders of the GMSA does not understand that it comprises a cross-section of Guyana society, and that its leaders have no authority to make what are no more than political statements in the name of the association. They are free to do so in their own names, thereby demonstrating their political preferences.
The Private Sector Commission has not been much better in this matter. As a corporate member, I persuaded the chair of the relevant PSC sub-committee to convene a meeting to address the tariff. One meeting was called. No follow-up, and no action of which I am aware. That is not an isolated issue. I have called unsuccessfully and repeatedly for a meeting of the corporate members, speaking with the group’s Convenor on more than one occasion. Results: None.
Only the leaders of these bodies can say whether they seek these offices to satisfy their ego or promote their personal, business or political interests. They will therefore measure their effectiveness differently. What is certain, however, is that they have failed their members, like Mr. Bulkan, who join these organisations for the greater good and for proper representation, not for political theatre masquerading as advocacy.
Sincerely,
Christopher Ram