Private sector invites main parties for talks on ‘hostile’ political climate

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has invited three of Guyana’s political parties to have discussions with its executives on the “dangerously deleterious and harmful impact of the increasingly hostile and confrontational political climate between our parliamentary parties”.

In letters dated May 11, the PSC invited the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) “in their individual capacities to meet and discuss this unfortunate development.”

According to the PSC this caustic political climate which is manifested in the headlines of local and international media is “dangerously deleterious to the international image, wellbeing and good order of our country and exceedingly harmful to our business, economic and investment future should it continue unabated.”

Stabroek News was able to contact two of the three political parties mentioned and they both noted that they have not received any such correspondence.

General Secretary of the AFC, Marlon Williams noted that he was not in receipt of such a letter.

“I would have responded immediately as I share their concern. I believe that some elements of our country have misrepresented issues especially in relation to the emerging oil sector which has turned away investors both local and international. I am appalled at the turnout at seminars where there are often more Trinidadians than Guyanese and this is reflecting in the award of contracts so yes I share their concern about the impact of the political climate on the Guyanese economy and would be willing to engage them,” he stated.

Bharrat Jagdeo, who is General Secretary of the PPP/C also noted that he has not received any such correspondence.

“It might’ve been received by my office but I have not seen it and I can’t comment until I have read it,” he told Stabroek News.

Attempts to reach the SG of the PNCR Amna Ally, proved futile. The PNCR is not a parliament party, it is a member of the APNU+AFC coalition which is comprised of the APNU and AFC groups.