CARA and GNBS Discuss Working Together to Support Guyana’s Food Service Industry

The newly established Catering and Restaurant Association of Guyana (CARA) met with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the GNBS headquarters in Sophia, Georgetown, to explore opportunities for collaboration aimed at strengthening standards, improving industry practices, and supporting the development of Guyana’s catering and restaurant sectors.

CARA was represented by President Dr. Clinton Urling, Vice President Nirvana Mahase, Secretary Bibi Meligat, Treasurer Ramdeo Kumar and Executive Council Member Shane Samuels. Representing the GNBS were Executive Director Trevor Bassoo, Head of Business Development Al Fraser, and Head of the Standardisation Department Andrea Mendonca.

The meeting provided an opportunity for CARA to formally introduce the newly formed association, outline its objectives, and discuss areas of mutual interest with the GNBS.

A key part of the discussion focused on helping food service businesses learn more about the training programmes already offered by GNBS and how these could be useful in their daily operations. The organisations also discussed holding information sessions to explain existing standards in practical terms, so that businesses can better understand and apply them.

CARA and GNBS also discussed sharing information with businesses about relevant standards and involving CARA in conversations about any new standards that may be needed as the sector grows.

Both organisations acknowledged the importance of continued engagement and expressed their commitment to organising follow-up meetings, training sessions, and sensitisation activities tailored to the needs of the industry.

About CARA

The Catering and Restaurant Association of Guyana (CARA) is a newly established industry association dedicated to representing, supporting, and advancing the interests of businesses operating within Guyana’s catering, restaurant, and wider food service sectors.

The association seeks to provide a unified voice for the industry through advocacy, professional development, training, industry collaboration, and the promotion of high operational and service standards. CARA is committed to fostering a more competitive, professional, and sustainable food service industry while strengthening partnerships with government agencies, regulatory institutions, and other stakeholders.

Guided by its slogan, “Serving Guyana Together,” CARA aims to build a stronger, more inclusive, and better-supported food service sector that contributes meaningfully to Guyana’s economic development.