DESPITE the immense difficulties they face, Guyanese businessmen are showing they are a force to be reckoned with in the Caribbean and even further afield.

The hurdles in their way have at times been almost insurmountable - an erratic electricity supply, difficulties in obtaining essential materials, low market prices, the impact of political troubles on their operations and a string of others.

It has not been easy.

As a case in point, Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Mr. Clement Rohee last week got a close-up look of problems in the timber sector when he and a team of diplomats visited sawmilling operations in the Essequibo region.

In the face of difficulties, many companies said they have already closed their doors and those still in operation are on the verge of doing the same thing. Most are working with skeleton staff.

"We know that the industry is going through some tough times but they have to be optimistic...," Mr. Rohee said after visiting the operations.

"I believe that Government should not only be interested with the successful industries but also be associated with the industries that are depressed", he told a gathering of timber producers.

There have been some success stories among businesses in spite of the difficult circumstances but it has been an uphill struggle.

It is therefore extremely heartening and a source of immense pride when local firms not only clear these hurdles but also achieve heights that put them among the best in the Caribbean and make them notable in the wider world.

We therefore warmly join in saluting Guyanese businessman, Mr. Ronald Bulkan who last weekend was adjudged the Ernst & Young Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year 2000.

Mr. Bulkan, founder and co-Managing Director of Precision Woodworking Limited, topped a field of 14 other Caribbean nominees at the awards ceremony and banquet at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre on Saturday.

It was a double victory for the Guyanese who also took home the award for the Manufacturing & Food Processing category.

According to the Caribbean Media Corporation, Mr. Bulkan's success now puts him in the running with 20 other winners from around the world, for the World Entrepreneur of the Year Programme scheduled for Monte Carlo in 2002.

This is no mean achievement for Precision Woodworking Limited as it would have meant meeting set benchmarks, including putting out products of consistently high standards.

A testimony to the firm's success is that 90 per cent of its line of furniture is exported to some of the most exclusive retailers in the United Kingdom, including John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Harrod's.

Mr. Bulkan and others at Precision Woodworking Limited have done their country proud and can take a bow for their sterling achievement.

They deservedly stand tall on the regional pedestal and we wish them success in pushing on to greater heights.

They have shown the determination and willingness to succeed that is required in difficult circumstances and stand out as sterling examples in the business sector.