The Private Sector Commission says it is pleased that a deal has been concluded to end the unrest in Linden but it said it remained of the view that the crisis could have been avoided and it urged that all the parties to the agreement ensure that its terms and timelines are adhered to.
The statement follows:
The Private Sector Commission of Guyana (PSC), while pleased that an Agreement has finally been reached by the Government, the Parliamentary opposition and the Regional representatives of the people of Linden, holds the view that the crisis at Linden could have and should have been peacefully settled much earlier and the loss of lives completely avoided.
The PSC’s is in full support of the terms of the agreement which have taken onboard all of the original recommendations offered by the Commission, which is ready to offer its administrative and technical support for the implementation of those terms.
It is obvious, in the view of the Commission, that this very unfortunate and avoidable conflict has done considerable harm to the Linden community as well as the image of our country. Business enterprise and business investment, upon which employment in the community depends and upon which the foundation of future economic development must be built, has been seriously compromised.
The challenge now is that all the parties concerned, the government, the parliamentary opposition, the representatives of the people of Linden pledge themselves to restore confidence in the Linden community, and strive to rebuild general investor confidence in Guyana. It must also be borne in mind, that the conflict in Linden caused considerable harm to surrounding communities and enterprises in the hinterland, including the mining, forestry and tourist industries.
The challenge ahead is that all parties to the agreement ensure its sustainability and adhere faithfully to its terms and its timelines.
