Deputy Director of the GTA, Liloutie ‘Amanda’ Mangra, is a ‘Special Person’

Dec 07, 2025 News, Special Person

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…Celebrating two decades of uninterrupted, excellent service to the tourism sector

(Kaieteur News) – When she landed her first job as an administrative officer of a garment factory, no one could have told Deputy Director of the Guyana Tourism  Authority (GTA), Ms. Liloutie  ‘Amanda’ Mangra, she would assume a role that would allow her to function as a true pillar of the tourism sector. But here she is today with 20 years in uninterrupted service to the industry.

In fact, the functions, of this week’s Special Person, are so essential to authority that she is being considered as the “glue” within her professional ranking.  So much so that when she marked 20 years in September, the GTA celebrated her accomplishments in a social media post.

In the post, the GTA noted that Ms. Mangra oversees the Finance Department, ensuring accountability, transparency, and efficiency across all operations.

Beyond her financial duties, the GTA said she has also been appointed as the Commissioner General representing Guyana at Expo Japan 2025, a prestigious role that reflects both her expertise and the confidence placed in her at the national level.

According to the tourism authority, over the past 20 years, Ms. Mangra has carried out every responsibility with confidence, grace, and excellence, consistently going beyond the call of duty.

“She has often been described as the social butterfly and glue of the GTA, bringing warmth, energy, and unity to her colleagues. Whether leading the Finance Department, assisting with major projects, or contributing to events outside of her official role, Amanda has always stepped forward to ensure success,” the authority stated.

Today, The Waterfalls joins the GTA in highlighting and celebrating the efforts of the GTA official, who worked her way through the ranks of administration and finance to serve her portfolio with distinction.

CULTURED

This publication caught up with Ms. Mangra as she was fresh off coordinating activities for Tourism Awareness Month, observed annually in November.  She told The Waterfalls that she was happy to share her simple yet profound journey in her chosen vocation.

Although she was born Liloutie Mangra, to Jaimangal (Winston) and Surmattie (Lynette) Mangra, she is affectionately known to most as ‘Amanda’—a name that has followed her throughout her personal and professional life.

Mangra told this magazine that she grew up almost entirely in La Bonne Intention (LBI) East Coast Demerara (ECD), surrounded by strong family values and a community-oriented environment.

“My parents were both hardworking individuals who believed deeply in raising their children with integrity, discipline, and humility. I am the younger of two children; my older brother, Seeraj Mangra, was also part of my life,” she revealed.

From a very young age, Mangra said her parents instilled in us the importance of hard work, respect, honesty, spirituality, and family unity.

“My mother and father were committed individuals who worked hard and long hours in our family business and made many sacrifices to ensure we had a stable foundation.”

She said that the experience gave me my earliest lessons in responsibility, earning an income, managing tasks, and taking pride in whatever, she puts her hands to.

“My dad was strict but loving, and he believed strongly in preparing us for independence. After I completed school, he guided me into the world of work, which formed the beginning of my professional journey.”

“We were taught to honour our elders, dedicate time to the Almighty, value education, and appreciate the little things in life. Some of my fondest memories I had growing up as a child with my parents and my brother,” the GTA Deputy Director said.

She told this publication that her father, a remarkably skilled cook, taught her how to prepare many traditional dishes—from curry to cook-up rice—experiences which formed some of her fondest childhood memories.

Mangra recalled that “Family gatherings were treasured moments; we always came together for important dates, celebrated milestones, and supported each other unconditionally. Old Year’s night was one we used to look forward to, where we would throw up a big pot of cook-up rice and have the neighbours over to celebrate.”

“Weekends, no matter what meals were cooked, my parents were always in the back of my vehicle, and we were at every new restaurant or mall sharing those priceless moments. Daily, before I was married, I looked forward to reaching home on time to eat dinner with my parents and share those times with them. Growing up, my parents were my everything,” she reflected.

PROFESSIONAL PROGRESS

Ms. Mangra said her solid traditional background continues to guide her approach to life. As such, she said she continues to value attributes such as service, commitment, humility, and discipline—principles that have shaped both her career and relationships.

While her professional journey began at a garment factory where she was employed for a short period just after she completed high school as an Administrative Officer, she quickly moved on to climb the corporate ladder in finance.  She revealed, “I later moved to the Audit Office of Guyana, where I spent 7.5 years, gaining a strong foundation in financial systems, accountability, and public-sector procedures.”

However, the tourism official noted that her brief stint in administration taught her the importance of structure, communication, and office management.

Her most significant professional journey is at the GTA.

On September 1st, 2005, she was employed by the GTA as an Accountant. Her dedication, professionalism, and financial expertise quickly distinguished her.

Beyond finance, Mangra immersed herself in many other areas of the Agency. She planned and executed events, supported teams during national and international activities, and even stepped into different roles when necessary.

“No roles were too small or too big for me to carry out. My work at the GTA taught me that leadership means versatility, humility, and a willingness to serve wherever support is needed. I became not just a finance professional, but a true ambassador for Guyana’s tourism sector,” she said.

As a result, she quickly progressed through several roles—Accountant, Finance Manager, Senior Finance Manager, and eventually Deputy Director.

“The GTA was more than a workplace; it became a platform through which I represented my country with pride,” the tourism ambassador stated

She noted that though her work in tourism started unexpectedly, it quickly became a passion that shaped the direction of her life.

“Over the years, I came to love the sector deeply—its vibrancy, its purpose, and its role in showcasing and uplifting our nation. The tourism industry connects people, cultures, and communities, and being part of that narrative has been one of the greatest honours of my career.

What kept me committed for more than twenty years was my desire to contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s growth. Every task—whether financial oversight, event management, or representing the country locally and internationally—was an opportunity to reflect excellence and integrity.”

As she progressed to Deputy Director, her responsibilities expanded significantly.

Her duties include overseeing various administrative and operational functions, supporting policy formulation and implementation, ensuring accountability and efficiency within the agency, leading teams and building capacity, representing Guyana at national, regional, and international engagements and contributing to the strategic direction of the tourism sector.

The tourism ambassador said her ultimate objective has always been to strengthen the systems that support sustainable tourism, ensure the successful execution of projects, and build trust—both within the agency and stakeholders.

She said, “I believe leadership is measured not only by results but also by the confidence others place in your ability to deliver. Every task assigned to me was fulfilled with excellence and a deep sense of national pride.”

As an official of the GTA, Mangra said one of her most rewarding experiences is leading major cultural or tourism events that bring communities together and showcase the richness of the country.

She noted that coordinating activities, managing teams, engaging stakeholders, and seeing weeks of planning come to life is incredibly fulfilling.

“One of the most fulfilling projects I led was the Diwali Mahotsav, which was widely regarded as a national success.”

REPRESENTING GUYANA

Outside of this, the Deputy Director said that leading delegations or managing international showcases—such as World Expos – is also a significant highlight of her career. She said one of her most significant achievements was earning the Bronze Prize at Expo Japan 2025 for exhibition design under the category “Connecting Lives.”

“It was a moment of great pride, not only for me but also for Guyana.” In addition, her two decades of service and commitment to the Guyana Tourism Authority stand as a personal reward.

She said, “Promoting Guyana globally, interacting with international partners, and securing recognition for the country contribute directly to national development. Achievements like winning awards or receiving international praise make the experience even more meaningful. Being appointed Commissioner General for Expo Japan 2025, a prestigious role that allowed me to represent Guyana internationally and successfully execute one of the country’s most impactful showcases.”

A major joy of her leadership role, Mangra noted, is developing others—especially young professionals entering the sector.

She said coaching staff, creating opportunities for professional growth, transferring knowledge, and watching team members excel gives a deep sense of accomplishment.

“When your team succeeds, it reflects your leadership. Tourism leadership is not just about events or visitor numbers—it is about contributing to employment, community development, cultural preservation, and national branding. Knowing that your work helps build the economy, supports families, and showcases Guyana’s identity is a profound source of pride,” she said.

Mangra continued, “Whether it is a successful event, an international exhibition, a product improvement, or the growth of a young team member, one of the greatest experiences is seeing the tangible impact of your leadership. These moments reaffirm your purpose and passion for the sector.”

Among those who inspire her to continue serving are the President, Minister of Tourism, the Director of the GTA, and her husband.

“Their confidence in me keeps me committed to delivering my best,” she said.

SUPPORTIVE FAMILY 

On a personal level, Mangra describes herself as being blessed with a deeply supportive husband.

She noted, “Balancing my professional responsibilities with personal life is one of my greatest challenges, but my job often takes priority because of the level of commitment it requires.”

Mangra continued, “I am blessed with a deeply supportive husband, Chetnauth Persaud, whose encouragement and support give me the strength to keep going.”

Additionally, she said my family has always supported my decisions, even when my responsibilities meant spending less time at home.

A downside of that, she noted, however, is that although she once served actively in community roles—such as an executive member of her temple and Secretary of my community’s policing group—time constraints eventually forced her to step back.

“Over the years, I have been involved in several community and religious groups, offering my time and skills where possible. Although my professional obligations limit my involvement today, I remain committed to serving others whenever I can,’ she explained.

Nonetheless, the tourism ambassador counts her career, husband, family, and her ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of Guyana among her greatest accomplishments. “Being able to serve Guyana with pride, integrity, and dedication is something I treasure deeply,” she said.

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• GTA, Liloutie ‘Amanda’ Mangra, Special Person, tourism sector

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