CSR in Guyana: New GPC and Demerara Distillers Limited Building Shared Value Through Health and Education
Building Shared Value Through Health and Wellbeing
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out a global vision for ending poverty, hunger, and inequality, while protecting the Earth’s natural resources by 2030. These goals are reflected in New GPC Inc.’s social investment strategy, which focuses on improving access to affordable medicine and promoting wellbeing through sport. Programmes designed to encourage healthy lifestyles align closely with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
While the concept of shared value CSR in Guyana is still evolving, New GPC’s approach reflects an emerging shift toward strategic partnerships and measurable social impact—similar to practices already adopted in more developed markets across the Caribbean.
New GPC Inc.: Promoting Health and Wellness in Guyana
Partnership with the Guyana Diabetic Association
A core pillar of New GPC’s CSR programme is its long-standing partnership with the Guyana Diabetic Association. Based on data from the Ministry of Health – Guyana, more than 50,000 people in Guyana are currently living with diabetes, a figure that continues to rise. (Note: accurate at the time of publishing)
Working alongside Registered Nurse Mrs. Glynis Alonzo-Beaton, President of the Association, New GPC conducts educational outreach programmes, health assessments—including free HbA1c testing—and distributes essential medication to vulnerable communities.
Medical Outreach to Hinterland Communities
New GPC’s medical outreach follows a structured monthly programme designed to reach both coastal and hinterland communities across Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight, Nine, and Ten. Educational tools rely on pictorial aids to overcome literacy barriers, while drug distribution networks ensure consistent access to affordable medication—even in remote locations.
Key highlights include:
- Generic medicines costing up to 500% less than imported alternatives
- Distribution of sugar-free cold and flu remedies for diabetics
- On-site services provided by a medical doctor and nutritionist
To expand reach, New GPC also hosts a weekly health education programme on Radio Guyana 89.5 FM.
Sports Sponsorship and Youth Engagement
New GPC’s investment in sport aligns with its objective of fostering a healthier Guyana. The company sponsors the Guyana Amazon Warriors and supports cricket, football, hockey, and rugby development nationwide.
Cricket in the Jungle Programme
In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Caribbean Premier League, New GPC launched Cricket in the Jungle, a five-year initiative targeting indigenous youth.
Programme Phases:
- Phase One: Youth aged 6–16 receive coaching, equipment, and mentorship
- Phase Two: Competitive cricket for top performers
- Phase Three: Identification of talent for regional and international pathways
Business Profile: New GPC Inc.
Founded on the legacy of Bookers Drug Store (1920s), New GPC Inc. is the Caribbean’s oldest and largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, producing over two hundred generic and over-the-counter products. Today, the company remains a major employer and economic contributor, with Government retaining a 10% shareholding.
👉 Internal link suggestion: Home – GPC [Learn more about New GPC’s manufacturing operations]
Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL): Investing in Education and Youth Development
Shared Value Through Education
Under the leadership of Chairman Mr. Komal Samaroo, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has embedded shared value into its sustainability framework. DDL’s CSR focus prioritises youth development through education and sport, recognising that national competitiveness begins with early investment in human capital.
DDL Foundation Scholarship Programme
Managed by the DDL Foundation, the flagship scholarship programme supports students with:
- Transportation, meals, and books
- Structured mentorship from DDL executives
- Five-year support from entry to secondary school completion
Currently, 26 students are paired with 26 company mentors, ensuring both academic oversight and personal development.
👉 External partner links:
- University of Guyana
- Guyana Amateur Boxing Association
Youth Development Through Sport
DDL supports multiple sporting bodies, including cricket, cycling, boxing, and hockey. High-profile regional partnerships—such as engagement with Caribbean cricket—strengthen brand visibility while reinforcing social impact.
Business Profile: Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL)
Located at Plantation Diamond, DDL is one of the Caribbean’s most historic rum producers, capable of producing over 26 million litres of pure alcohol annually. The company is a major supplier to international brand owners, including Diageo and Jim Beam Brands.
DDL also demonstrates environmental responsibility through:
- An integrated CO₂ recovery plant
- Waste-to-energy utilisation
- Preservation of heritage stills operating alongside modern technology
👉 Internal link suggestion: [Read more about DDL’s sustainability initiatives]
Why This Matters
Together, New GPC Inc. and Demerara Distillers Limited demonstrate how corporate social responsibility in Guyana can evolve beyond philanthropy into measurable shared value—improving health outcomes, expanding educational access, and strengthening communities for long-term national development.