Geddes Grant commissions $53M warehouse in Berbice
Stabroek News
January 30, 2007
Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad prepares to cut the ribbon to commission Geddes Grant's new warehousing facility at Strand, NA in presence of (from right to left) CEO of Neal & Massy, Mayor of NA, Claude Henry, CEO of GG, Seu Sarran Prasad and marketin
With the commissioning of its new $53 million warehousing facility at Strand, New Amsterdam, Geddes Grant (GG) will no longer find it difficult to provide a wide range of products to its Berbice customers.
Chief Executive Officer of GG Seu Sarran Prasad told invitees at the ceremony that the facility provides 7,300 sq ft of additional space and has doubled the storage capacity that existed before.
He said the warehouse will also enable the company to satisfy customers' orders on a timely basis and ensure that whatever new products are introduced can be readily distributed in Berbice.
Further, Persad said, "Our group remains optimistic about the growth prospects for this region [Region Six] in particular as evidenced by this tangible investment in infrastructure."
He thanked customers in Berbice for their support and pledged to strengthen ties and continue to work in partnership with them to "develop and grow your businesses."
The CEO praised Raffik's Construction Company for meeting the deadline and for providing quality of work that surpassed GG's expectations.
He also remembered the architect of the facility, Max Perreira who was murdered just before the completion of the project. One minute's silence was observed in honour of Perreira as well as a salesman who passed away a few days ago.
Minister of Tourism, In-dustry and Commerce Manniram Pershad said he is pleased that GG has doubled its storage and has plans for the future.
He said with the building of the Berbice Bridge businesses would do well. He said that despite problems with the location a bridge will be built.
He urged private sector organizations to work hard with government to encourage investment. The minister expressed his disappointment that New Amsterdam Town Day was not held last year and said the event should be held yearly.
He told officials present from the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association that his ministry would assist them as it has been assisting the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) to hold the Berbice Expo. He said he attended a meeting with the CCCC recently to plan for the expo which would be held from July 20 to 23. According to him, his ministry provided money for the expo in the past but this year members are only looking for technical support. The minister said there are also plans to resuscitate the Number 63 Beach committee. Also present at the ceremony which was chaired by Marketing Direct-or of GG Navin Thakur, were Mayor of New Amsterdam, Claude Henry and CEO of Neal & Massy Deo Persaud.