GMSA apologises to President for disruption of address

President David Granger speaks to the media following his attendance at the GMSA business luncheon.  (Ministry of the Presidency photo)
President David Granger speaks to the media following his attendance at the GMSA business luncheon. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) today apologised to President David Granger for the disruption of his presentation to a business luncheon at the Pegasus Hotel yesterday by PPP activists.

A statement issued by the GMSA follows:

Political Fallout at GMSA’s Luncheon – September 19, 2019 –Pegasus Hotel

In respect of the abovementioned topic, and with direct reference to your involvement as our guest speaker at the said event , our Executive Board wishes to express its sincerest apology to you for the distressing public display of bad manners exhibited, with the obvious intention of disrupting our Luncheon.

Our Association prides itself as a responsible member of the Private Sector with a mandate to interact with the Government of the day, irrespective of Party allegiance, in enhancing a necessary partnership towards the process of social and economic development. We fully accept the concept of public protest within a democratic context, but cannot condone protestors using the confines of private property to voice their concerns in such a boisterous and unruly manner.

The Political Opposition was informed that they would be invited to air their views at our next Luncheon which is due shortly hence we view their behaviour yesterday as an outright affront to our belief in fairness, impartiality and openness to all opinions in our society.

Excellency, we wish to thank you for remaining steadfast in your intention to speak to the Business Community on relevant Policies and Strategies of your Government, actual and proposed, and to assure you that your speech was well received by our audience.

With highest regards.

President

GMSA