An inclusive work environment void of discrimination adds value to productivity, entrepreneurs were told on Saturday, August 9. That message endorsing the Guyana Together campaign was delivered by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Amaya Milk Company, Omkaar Sharma at the National Small Business Week Symposium organised by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.
Sharma, a Guyanese entrepreneur who returned from Canada to operate his dairy company, called on businesses to “harness” the potential of all Guyanese workers. “We must have workplaces where everyone, whether staff, supplier or customer, feels welcomed,” Sharma declared. “A workplace where everyone feels safe, respected and valued is a place where your team can be their best and you will have tangible results,” he added.
The CEO called on business owners to treat both staff and customers with respect and dignity. “I know for many of us, it goes without saying that we would not tolerate discrimination based on race and religion, but are we doing the same for sexuality,” Sharma asked while calling for an end of discrimination against gay men. “Why are we turning a blind eye to the fact that our legal system facilitates the harassment of gay men? If you’re wondering how this affects us as business owners, it impacts us because we have to lead by example, and while we may try to set an example in our place of business, it is difficult for us to lead on this, when anti-gay discrimination is codified in our laws,” Sharma emphasized.
Sharma’s remarks specifically challenged Guyana’s colonial-era laws criminalising same-sex intimacy between consenting adult men in private. While similar laws have been repealed across CARICOM countries – including St. Lucia’s – Guyana remains in the minority within the region and the only country on the South American continent with this discriminatory law on the books. Polls show that 54% of Guyanese support overturning the laws criminalising same-sex intimacy.
Addressing entrepreneurs directly, Sharma made an appeal for their support in advocating for the repeal of anti-gay laws. “I am here today to advocate for these laws to be taken off the books, and to encourage you as employers and leaders to strive to create workplaces that are truly inclusive. Because the truth is, inclusivity is not charity. It is not a special favour we grant. It is the foundation of our businesses, our economy, and a more united country,” he stated.
Sharma’s call echoes similar appeals made by other business leaders, trade unionists, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana. The Guyana Together campaign has been endorsed by more than 100 local agencies, including businesses and civil society groups: https://guyanatogether.gy/endorsements
Guyana Together’s spokesperson, Nazima Ragubir, closed the session by inviting the business representatives present at the symposium to show their support by endorsing the campaign.
