Black History Month: Sharma Raheem Solomon

Mr. Sharma Raheem Solomon is one of the youngest Regional Chairmen to serve under the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R).

Before becoming Regional Chairman, he was a social activist, creating change within his community. As a social activist, he wrote many letters detailing the social ills in Region 10. He also advocated and worked with youth and has spoken out about domestic violence and gender-based violence.

Solomon hails from Region 10 and served as Regional Chairman within that region. He was widely known for his mobilisation efforts which solved many issues affecting the residents of Region 10. He classified himself as a servant to humanity.

Solomon stands by his mantra ‘service to the people’ which came out of his 18 years as a practicing Muslim, and he believes that leading Region Ten was one of his ways of serving the residents.

Solomon came to national prominence in 2012 when he led the people of Linden/Region 10 against the Donald Ramotar-led government imposition of increased electricity rate, a decision which was approved in the National Assembly with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) using their majority.

For 33 days (July-August 2012) the people protested, drawing local and international attention not only to the government’s disregard for their right to be involved in decision-making that would impact their well-being, but also the dire socio-economic state of the residents and communities who have repeatedly accused the PPP/C government of discriminating against them because of their political views.

The Regional Democratic Council had the support of prominent leaders in the communities and national level and ordinary folks at home and in the diaspora.

One of Solomon’s profound statements during the protest was, ‘it is not that the people of Linden do not want to pay an increase in electricity, but they cannot afford to, given their economic circumstances.’

He is the first and only regional chairman who mobilised an entire region, and garnered national support, to challenge a parliamentary decision.

Solomon is on a mission to advocate and improve the lives of the people and reverse the economic downturn of Linden, via his consultancy firm.

Market Square Inc (MSI) is Solomon’s brainchild and is a non-partisan consulting firm that offers various services, viz advocacy, grassroots mobilisation, public imaging, branding & marketing.

He also works with political organisations at a local and national level, supporting the works of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and conducting data analysis and research for organisations.

Further, his business provides a digital market space by accommodating businesses, promoting their products, services and customer relations by placing them into one space.

Solomon registered his business in 2021 to advance the services he offers, so as to give consideration to the new emerging sectors in Guyana as well as politics.

He noted that while his company is new, he has over 20 years of experience in grassroots mobilisation along with his partner, former Member of Parliament, Ms. Vanessa Kissoon, it can be a game changer for communities, especially those who need an avenue to be heard or promoted.

Solomon said, “Market Square Inc, was founded by individuals who worked in the area of government and governance, at various levels. It is a small strategic consultancy group to advise businesses on how to improve their images through the grassroots of communities.”

Market Square Inc’s purpose is to promote an ideal service that is built on ethics and the pursuit of just society in advocacy and lobbying via the experience and reputation of its members, our fellows and the companies that they choose to work with.

Solomon’s brainchild aims to promote the idea of entrepreneurship, self-help, networking amongst various businesses and communities in Region 10, even though his business is not limited to Region 10.

“I would classify myself as a servant to humanity; it matters not which position I find myself in, I am always in service. As a Muslim it is the way I see life; you are in service…,” he asserted.

Sharma is a University of Guyana graduate. He has a Diploma in Geology and a Bachelor of Social Science in International Relations.

He is married and the father of two daughters.