The American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AmCham Guyana) has elected Mrs. Iman Khan-Cummings as its first female President, marking a historic moment for the young but rapidly expanding organisation. Speaking with the News Room in an invited comment on Monday, Cummings described the election as both a personal milestone and an opportunity to deepen the Chamber’s relevance to its growing membership and to the wider private sector.
“I’m very excited. I’ve been a part of the chamber… I’m actually one of the founders of the chamber, so I’ve been deeply involved for a number of years,” she shared.
Going forward, Cummings says some of her immediate goals include strengthening the bridge between Guyanese and American businesses, increasing collaboration with chambers across the Caribbean, and ensuring that the organisation delivers concrete value to its members.
“Some of my key goals are to really strengthen the bridge between Guyanese and American businesses by deepening our collaborations with the network that AmCham provides globally… just to kick off by doing more chamber-to-chamber engagements,” she outlined.
Cummings was keen to note that AmCham Guyana, while young, already boasts a sizeable membership base. Her focus, she said, is to ensure that members not only see but feel the value of their affiliation.
“We’re a young chamber, but we have quite a large membership. I just want to ensure that the members feel tangible value from being a member of AmCham,” she added.
Part of that thrust is direct support to small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Guyana’s evolving business landscape.
“We also want to engage SMEs in the local private sector, to really do our part to help them thrive and operate in this environment that we currently exist in.”
Cummings is the first woman to serve as AmCham President since the Chamber was formed. Asked what unique qualities she brings to the role, she emphasised empathy, collaboration, and her intention to build on the strong foundation of past leaders.
“Women, we have a different kind of empathy that we lead with. We’re natural nurturers… and we’re invested in different ways,” she explained. “The men have done a phenomenal job… and I’ve learned a lot from them. I think women are strong and so capable, and we just have our own way of doing things. I am excited to bring a female touch to the chamber.”
She later reflected on the deeper significance of the milestone:
“As a woman, it is especially meaningful to step into this role. I feel proud to be making these strides in the private sector, and deeply aware of how important representation is particularly for young women who are watching, dreaming, and deciding what is possible for themselves. Women in leadership are still breaking barriers every day, and if my election helps inspire even one young woman to push forward with confidence and ambition, then that in itself is an achievement I would be most proud of.”
Cummings affirmed that she will build on key initiatives launched during the tenure of past presidents, particularly collaboration with the US Embassy.
“A lot of collaborations with the US Embassy… we signed the MOU with the commercial services department at the US Embassy. These are all things that were laid out under the past chairman, and I plan to continue those collaborations deeply.”
She also highlighted AmCham’s ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives, including the annual Thanksgiving outreach, and the Christmas gift drive benefitting orphanages in Georgetown, Linden, and Berbice.
“I just want to carry those forward and really advance them and strengthen them… keep doing what we’re doing in a bigger way.”
The election took place during AmCham’s Annual General Meeting on December 5, where Executive Director Richard Leo presented a summary of the Chamber’s achievements over the past year. The organisation highlighted its first outbound trade mission to the Caribbean Business Conference and a Memorandum of Understanding with the US Foreign Commercial Service to improve trade support, market intelligence, and business matchmaking.
Outgoing President Devindra Kissoon was recognised for strengthening the Chamber’s financial footing and expanding membership.
US Ambassador Nicole Theriot praised his stewardship and welcomed Cummings’ leadership, noting confidence in continued growth in bilateral economic ties.
AmCham also announced its board for the 2025–2027 term, consisting of leading figures from the Guyanese and American business communities, spanning finance, hospitality, manufacturing, oil and gas, logistics, education, and consultancy.
As AmCham’s first female President, Cummings says she is honoured, energised, and eager to get to work.
“Representation matters, and I’m ready to continue advancing AmCham’s mission in an even bigger way,” she said.
The post Cummings, as AmCham’s first female President, pledges stronger US–Guyana business links, deeper SME engagement appeared first on News Room Guyana.
