-will take part in panel discussion

Following a meeting President Bharrat Jagdeo had last Thursday with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), it was agreed that the chamber would coordinate a panel discussion where the head of state would interact with members of the business community.

The interaction will centre on the challenges of the global financial crisis and its impact on Guyana and the interventions needed to make a difference, the Government Informa-tion Agency (GINA) reported.

The GCCI had called on President Jagdeo earlier for a meeting to discuss more private sector engagements, the global financial crisis and other issues pertaining to the local economy.  And last Thursday the head of state  met members of the GCCI, including its President Chandradat Chintamani, Vice President Clinton Urling and Councillor Komal Ramnauth at the Office of the President (OP).

Meanwhile, speaking with GINA after the meeting, Chintamani said the support of the private sector to the government was highlighted. He said also that President Jagdeo had made the proposal, which the GCCI will take on board, for an improvement of the city through the creation of an environment that is attractive to  people and business.

While speaking about the effects of the financial crisis on the local economy, Chintamani assured that the private sector has not shed employees.

“That’s a great sign of confidence that we still have in the economy,” Chintamani is quoted as saying.

He added that efforts are being made to respond accordingly, mainly through the creation of opportunities within the private sectors.

According to GINA, Jagdeo has also been giving assurances that the effects of the global economic crisis will be countered through labour-intensive means by generating new jobs and protecting Guyanese who are vulnerable to job losses.

He had noted recently that while western economies are losing millions of jobs every month, Guyana has been able to withstand the economic ‘ill winds’. However, he said government was working diligently to implement remedies to provide new employment opportunities.