Schedule
Programme & Agenda
Strategic Investment. Bilateral Growth. Diaspora Leadership.
Friday, May 8, 2026 · Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, Ontario
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Coffee and light breakfast. Informal networking.
9:00 AM
9:30 AM
Opening Plenary Session
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Board Chair, Canada–Guyana Chamber of Commerce
President, ExxonMobil Guyana
Keynote Address
President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Strategic Industry Address
This session anchors the day around bilateral strategy, investment alignment, and economic diplomacy.
9:30 AM
10:30 AM
Panel 1
View from Government: Strategic Collaboration & Policy Alignment
Panellists
Honourable Lloyd Parrott, E.C.N.L.
Minister of Energy and Mines & Government House Leader, Newfoundland and Labrador
Honourable Charles S. Ramson
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Format: 5-minute opening remarks each · Moderated discussion · Audience Q&A
10:30 AM
11:00 AM
Networking & Coffee Break
Connect with ministers, panelists, and industry leaders before the next session.
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
Panel 2
On the Ground: Private Sector Growth
Moderator
Kris Sammy
Chief Executive Officer, Excel Guyana Inc.
Panellists
Honourable Minister Vanessa Benn
Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Chief Executive Officer, Omai Gold Mines Corp
Chairman, Private Sector Commission of Guyana
Format: 5-minute opening remarks each · Moderated discussion · Audience Q&A
12:00 PM
12:05 PM
Diplomatic Remarks
His Excellency Sébastien Sigouin
High Commissioner of Canada to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Ms. Cindy Sauers
Acting High Commissioner, Guyana High Commission
12:05 PM
1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Extended lunch to maximize investment conversations and high-level connections.
1:00 PM
4:00 PM
B2B Matchmaking & Investment Sessions
Pre-scheduled B2B meetings. Sector-based introductions. App-supported matchmaking (pending final confirmation).
Structured but flexible to allow organic deal flow conversations.
To request a B2B meeting, visit our Networking & Matchmaking page →
Thank you to all who joined the Business Forum
5:00 PM
7:00 PM
Reception & Cocktail Hour
Sponsor recognition · Media moments · VIP arrivals · Networking
7:00 PM
Dinner & Evening Program
Presenting Sponsor Address
Ryan Burrowes
President and CEO, Warehouse Transport Group
Dinner Service
Keynote Address
President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Delivered during dessert/espresso
Closing Remarks
Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Government of Canada