The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has said businesses’ treatment by public authorities must never depend on whether they sponsor an event, following Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr’s criticism of the lack of corporate support for Mashramani.
In a statement issued on October 26, the commission defended businesses’ contributions throughout the year and said their commitment to Guyana could not fairly be judged by sponsorship of a single event.
“Businesses must remain free to direct voluntary support according to their resources, existing commitments and community priorities. Their treatment by public authorities should never depend on whether they sponsor a particular event,” the PSC stated.
Its response followed Ramson’s remarks at the October 21 launch of the Mashramani 2027 calendar. The Department of Public Information reported that the minister called for greater private-sector investment and warned that the government might take a firmer stance on future engagements if adequate support was not forthcoming. DPI’s report did not specify what that stance would entail.
The PSC said it shared the minister’s commitment to Guyana’s cultural heritage and welcomed constructive discussions on strengthening Mashramani and expanding participation. However, it maintained that those discussions must recognise the substantial support businesses provide beyond the festival.
“The private sector’s commitment to Guyana cannot fairly be measured by its sponsorship of any single event,” it said.
The commission pointed to private-sector support for the Panorama Steel Band Competition in both 2025 and 2026, saying businesses had worked alongside the ministry to sustain the cultural tradition and provide opportunities for young musicians and school bands.
It also cited contributions to education, sport, enterprise development, community welfare and emergency relief.
These included a fully equipped, 30-computer laboratory at the Government Technical Institute, support for distributing 150 school-ready backpacks to children in Kimbia, Moblissa and West Ruimveldt, and assistance for school football, cricket and inter-school competitions.
According to the PSC, businesses have supported National Small Business Week, financial management and marketing training, student internships and opportunities for small enterprises to showcase their products. Business support organisations had also worked with government and international partners to establish a Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre.
The commission further cited support for Pinktober cancer-awareness activities, children’s homes and vulnerable families, alongside a US$50,000 partnership with UNICEF for adolescent mental health.
Members had assisted the Civil Defence Commission-led response to the James Street fire and relief efforts following the MV Barima tragedy, it said. The PSC also pointed to its work with government and relief agencies to assist Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa.
Smaller businesses supporting neighbourhood activities and local teams formed part of that wider record, the commission added.
“A contribution does not become less valuable because it happens quietly or outside a government-led programme,” it said.
The PSC also renewed its call for stronger tax incentives for charitable donations and corporate social responsibility, including tax credits for contributions to approved public-benefit organisations. It said this proposal had formed part of its submissions last year for the 2026 National Budget.
Clearer incentives could build on existing donation provisions and encourage further support for education, culture, sport, community development and environmental initiatives, it argued.
The commission cited charitable-giving arrangements in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as incentives in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, as approaches Guyana could examine and adapt with clear rules and accountability.
It offered to work with the Culture Ministry, Finance Ministry and Guyana Revenue Authority to strengthen support for Mashramani and community investment.
Early planning, clearly defined sponsorship opportunities, transparent use of funds and fair access for small vendors could encourage greater participation, the PSC said.
“Mutual respect and transparent arrangements provide the strongest foundation for lasting partnerships,” it stated.
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