Guyana Makes History With Director Pick
Carla James has been named director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and will assume her new responsibilities on May 1, 2020.
James’ appointment is historic as she becomes the first indigenous woman to hold the director’s position.
She succeeds the GTA’s current director, Brian T. Mullis, following the conclusion of his two-year contract on April 30, 2020.
The GTA’s new director is a proud Akawaio and native of Kamarang Village in the Upper Mazaruni Region (Region 7), and was unanimously identified as the superior and most suitable candidate at the end of a rigorous four-stage selection process conducted by the agency’s board of directors.
And her appointment marks a pivotal moment in the GTA’s 18-year history as she becomes the first indigenous woman to assume the role – a fact to be noted by social historians and celebrated by indigenous peoples and women of all ethnicities throughout Guyana.
Donald Sinclair, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Tourism Authority said of the appointment: “Ms. James is uniquely qualified to lead Destination Guyana as our new director of tourism. In her we have found a leader who is not only professionally well-versed in our destination and industry sector, but someone with tremendous national pride and heritage, both of which are essential components for strengthening our tourism strategy going forward.”
Sinclair continued: “Her ascension to the role of director will also be a tremendous source of inspiration to many young women who now have proof that women of all ethnicities can shatter glass ceilings and go where previously they feared to tread.”
Commenting on her appointment, James said: “I am filled with a great sense of pride and accomplishment. It has been an amazing journey of learning, apprenticeship, training and experiences; and I am extremely honoured to take on the role of the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority and serve the place I am so proud to call home.”
James, currently the deputy director for the Guyana Tourism Authority, continued: “Our work plays a significant role in helping to protect our precious natural landscapes and wildlife and it is a responsibility I do not take lightly. During a time when community is needed most, I look forward to supporting my own by continuing to push Destination Guyana forward alongside our valued industry partners.”
She will assume leadership of the GTA during what is easily the most severe and dynamic time for the global tourism industry – the COVID-19 crisis. Her task will be to lead her team through the implementation of an industry recovery strategy, building on what has been established over the last years and pivoting based on the travel industry’s new normal.
Go to www.guyanatourism.com for more.
