The development of customs brokerage in Guyana has evolved alongside the country’s trade and regulatory systems, but few individuals are as closely associated with its early professional foundations as Ronald Ramcharran. As the first licensed customs broker in Guyana, his entry into the field came at a time when the profession was only beginning to take formal shape.
According to his son, he did not come from privilege, but from determination.
“My father was not born into wealth, but he never let circumstances define what was possible. Once he set his mind on something, it became reality.”
That outlook defined his approach when Guyana introduced its first Customs Brokerage Licensing Examination. He was among the first group of Guyanese to sit the exam, a process that would ultimately determine who could formally operate within the sector.
“Over a hundred people sat that first examination. Only two passed. My father was one of them.”
Passing the examination marked the beginning of a career that unfolded during a period when customs brokerage was still largely manual, shaped by rules inherited from British colonial administration. Over time, the profession became more structured, with licensing requirements, examinations, and oversight mechanisms designed to ensure compliance with customs laws and trade regulations.
Ramcharran’s work coincided with the formalization of the sector and the creation of the Guyana Revenue Authority, which brought customs and inland revenue functions under a single institution. As the regulatory environment evolved, he developed a reputation for navigating complex customs matters.
“Decades later, his name still carries weight at the GRA, and throughout the entire customs brokerage profession in Guyana.”
The operational side of customs brokerage continued to change with the introduction of technology. Processes that once relied entirely on paper submissions transitioned to electronic systems with the implementation of ASYCUDA World, allowing brokers and importers to interact with customs entries digitally and monitor their progress in real time. More recently, the move toward a Single Window system has aimed to reduce duplication by allowing traders to submit standardized information through one platform instead of multiple agencies.
These changes have altered the role of the customs broker, shifting it from manual documentation to managing data accuracy, regulatory compliance, and coordination across government agencies. For Ramcharran, adapting to these changes has been part of the profession’s natural progression.
When asked what companies should look for in a customs brokerage service, his focus remains practical and client-driven.
“Speed and accuracy matter, but they're the baseline. What separates us is a legacy built over decades and the trust that comes with it. There aren't many brokers in this country who can say that.”
He added that the approach is based on adaptability rather than standardization:
“No two shipments are the same. A last-minute emergency needs a different approach than a routine clearance and we treat it that way. That flexibility is what gets clients through the difficult situations.”
The goal, he said, is consistent:
“The measure of success is simple: did the client get the best possible outcome? That's the standard we hold ourselves to, every time.”
Today, as Guyana’s trade environment continues to expand and customs systems rely more heavily on risk profiling and electronic processing, the experience gained from the sector’s earliest days remains relevant. Ramcharran’s work now continues through Excel Guyana, where customs brokerage services are delivered within a regulatory framework shaped by decades of institutional change.
Your Customs Brokerage Partner
Excel Guyana Inc is a professional services firm offering a range of solutions, including a customs brokerage division led by Ronald Ramcharran Jr., under the advisory guidance of his father, Ronald Ramcharran Sr. — one of Guyana's first licensed customs brokers. Built on a foundation of expertise, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to client value, the firm brings decades of professional experience to every engagement. As Guyana's trade sector continues to grow and modernize, Excel Guyana Inc remains dedicated to delivering accurate, efficient, and tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client.