Presidential candidates to meet business community

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has invited the presidential candidates from the three major political parties to share their vision for the country at special business luncheons to be held over the next month and a half.

“The GMSA, which currently represents the interests of small and large businesses in the manufacturing and services sectors in Guyana is pleased to have obtained the consent of the respective political parties to host their candidates in a series of discourses with the business community,” a release from the body said.

AFC candidate Khemraj Ramjattan will address the GMSA members at a luncheon that will be held on April 27 at the Pegasus Hotel, the PNCR’s candidate David Granger is expected to make his presentation on May 11, and the PPP’s candidate Donald Ramotar is set to make his presentation on May 25, at the same venue.

“The series will take the form of business luncheons that will be open not only to members of the GMSA but the to the entire business community and other stakeholders who are interested in the plans and programmes that each candidate has devised to promote private sector development in Guyana,” the release added.

Chairman of the GMSA Clinton Williams, when asked what prompted the initiative, told Stabroek News that the organisation has always been interested in the development of Guyana.

The Association, he said, normally has business luncheons and recently Brazilian and Chinese representatives had been invited to speak about available business opportunities in these countries.

According to Williams, at this time, it was felt that the Association should focus on Guyana and the future.

“We believe whoever is the President must have a vision we can buy into,” he said. He said that there are several issues of concern to the members of the business community, including crime and energy.

The candidates, Williams said, have been given the freedom to speak on any issue they want.

The attendees will be allowed to question the candidates following their presentations.

Admission will be by invitation only and interested parties are asked to contact the GMSA Secretariat at 156 Waterloo St, for further information.