By: Sueann Wickham
Though it started out as a small group of dedicated individuals committed to helping communities within the city, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Guyana has expanded significantly, becoming a powerhouse that touches lives across the nation through its innovative initiatives. Regarded as the second largest JCI chapter in the West Indies, this body proudly celebrates six decades of impactful service.
Founded in 1964, the Guyanese chapter of Junior Chamber International, also known as the Jaycees, was established with a mission to create positive change and develop young leaders. JCI’s roots trace back to 1915 when Henry “Hy” Giessenbier, a young civic leader in St. Louis, Missouri, founded the first chapter of what would eventually become Junior Chamber International.
Giessenbier’s vision was to create an organization that empowered young people to address the challenges of their communities through leadership development and civic engagement. The concept quickly spread across the United States and then internationally, fostering a global network of young active citizens dedicated to creating positive change.
JCI’s journey to Guyana began in the early 1960s, at a time when the country was on the cusp of gaining independence from British colonial rule. Inspired by the global movement’s ethos, local leaders recognized the potential of establishing a JCI chapter to contribute to nation-building efforts. In 1964, JCI Guyana was officially chartered, becoming a vital platform for young Guyanese to engage in community service and leadership development. Over the years, the organization has played a significant role in shaping the country’s social and civic landscape, nurturing generations of leaders committed to making a difference.
JCI Guyana has not only achieved that mission but has also set an exemplary standard for community service and leadership development.
One may say the history of JCI Guyana is a testament to the power of youth and the impact they can have on their communities. The organization began with a few members who were passionate about making a difference in their local environment. From its humble beginnings, JCI Guyana quickly grew in both size and influence, attracting young professionals from diverse backgrounds who shared a common goal: to contribute to the betterment of Guyanese society.
Throughout its history, JCI Guyana has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at addressing various social issues. One of the hallmark programs of the organization is the I-Mentor workshop, which focuses on equipping young people aged 16 to 25 with essential skills in personal branding, interview readiness, CV writing, and financial literacy. This programme has been instrumental in empowering young Guyanese to take charge of their future and achieve their personal and professional goals.
JCI Guyana has also been a pioneer in fostering community spirit through events such as the Cancer Awareness Dinner, held every October. This event not only raises awareness about cancer but also provides a platform for survivors and organizations to receive much-needed support. Through such initiatives, JCI Guyana has consistently demonstrated its commitment to addressing critical health and social issues in the community.
One of the most impactful initiatives undertaken by JCI Guyana in recent years is Project Transform. Launched in 2022, this project saw the adoption of the Dredge Creek Primary School. Over the course of the project, JCI Guyana donated 180 school bags filled with essential supplies, benefiting more than 100 students. Additionally, the organization donated books to the school’s library and repainted parts of the school, creating a more conducive learning environment for the children.
Andrew Belle-Grant, the immediate past president of JCI Guyana, in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Standard expressed immense pride in the success of JCI Guyana to date, especially in Project Transform. “This project has not only provided much-needed resources to the students of Dredge Creek Primary School but has also demonstrated our commitment to supporting education and community development in rural areas,” he said. He added that the project exemplified JCI Guyana’s dedication to creating sustainable change and improving the lives of the underprivileged.
JCI Guyana’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The organization has received numerous awards and recognitions for its outstanding community work. At the most recent regional convention, JCI Guyana walked away with several prestigious awards, including Best JCI West RISE Project for Project Transform, Best Local Development Project for I-Mentor Linden, and Best Inter-Organizational Project for their collaboration with the Lions Club of Diamond on the Cancer Awareness Dinner. The organization was also named the 2024 JCI West Debating Champions.
These accolades Grant noted, reflect JCI Guyana’s excellence in project execution and its ability to make a meaningful impact on the community. The organization’s success at the Conference of the Americas in Paraguay, where I-Mentor was nominated for Best Local Development Project, further underscored its commitment to excellence and its status as a leader in youth development and community service.
A Future of Expansion and Inclusion
Looking ahead, JCI Guyana has ambitious plans to expand its reach and impact. Grant said the organization has been steadily increasing its presence beyond Georgetown, conducting more out-of-town projects each year. In 2021, JCI Guyana carried out four projects outside of Georgetown; this number grew to six in 2022, and eight in 2023. As of mid-2024, the organization has already completed six out-of-town projects, reflecting its commitment to serving communities across Guyana.
Grant highlighted the organization’s efforts to foster diversity and inclusion within its ranks. “We are actively working to ensure that our membership and leadership reflect the diversity of Guyana,” he noted. “Our board now includes members from different regions of the country, which helps us better understand and address the unique needs of various communities.”
Despite these achievements, JCI Guyana faces challenges, particularly in securing support from corporate Guyana for its projects in remote areas. “While we have some core sponsors, we still encounter difficulties in obtaining corporate support for our out-of-town initiatives,” Grant explained. Nevertheless, the organization remains committed to overcoming these obstacles and continuing its mission of creating positive change.
Milestone Celebrations and Future Directions
The 60th anniversary of JCI Guyana was celebrated in June with a series of events that underscored the organization’s commitment to service and community engagement. The anniversary week included a clothing and food drive, a donation to The Palms Geriatric Home, a blood drive, and an official visit by National President Merita Hyacinth. The festivities culminated in a Diamond Soiree, where Prime Minister Mark Phillips delivered the feature remarks and his wife, Mignon Bowen-Phillips, was awarded a senatorship for her outstanding contributions to JCI Guyana. As a past state president of the organization, her dedication and service have been instrumental in shaping the organization’s legacy according to Grant.
In terms of future directions, JCI Guyana is focused on expanding its reach even further and diversifying its programs to meet the evolving needs of the community. The organization plans to increase its educational initiatives, particularly in under-served regions, and to develop new partnerships with local and international stakeholders to enhance the impact of its projects.
JCI Guyana is also committed to strengthening its internal structure to better support its members and volunteers. This includes providing more training and development opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring that all members have a voice in the organization’s strategic planning and decision-making processes. By doing so, JCI Guyana aims to build a more inclusive and dynamic organization that can effectively respond to the challenges and opportunities of the future.
As JCI Guyana reflects on its 60-year journey, Grant noted that the organization is proud of the legacy it has built and the impact it has made on countless lives. From empowering young people to take on leadership roles to implementing projects that address critical community needs, JCI Guyana has consistently demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of giving back to the community.
He said the organization’s success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its members, past and present, who have devoted their time and energy to making a difference. As JCI Guyana looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of developing young leaders and creating positive change in the community. With a strong foundation built over six decades and a vision for continued growth and impact, he says JCI Guyana is poised to continue its legacy of service and leadership for many years to come.
As JCI Guyana celebrates its 60th anniversary, it invites the community to join in its efforts to create a brighter future. “Whether through volunteering, partnering with the organization, or supporting its projects, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Together, we can continue to build a better, more inclusive, and prosperous Guyana for all”, he said.
