Granger hopes to privatise GuySuCo, Guyoil, state media if elected

Presidential candidate of the People’s National Congress Reform, David Granger, said there would be less state intervention in the private sector under his presidency. He told participants at a business luncheon organised by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association at the Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday that his approach would be to create an atmosphere conducive to development.

“I want to create a well regulated environment, a safe environment in which they could operate and do the things they know best,” Granger said in response to a question posed by a participant, who said some businessmen often need a tap on the back. The politician insisted that his offer is the best tap on the back they could ask for.

“I would like to get out of state- owned media, state-owned petroleum distribution, state-owned sugar – I don’t think this is the concern of the state… I don’t think there is any place for state ownership of those things anymore, certainly not under David Granger,” he added.

Meanwhile, the retired army general reiterated his plans to reform the police force. He spoke about providing improved educational facilities/ resources from primary to university, and creating jobs. With the world focusing on cheaper energy, Granger threw out some of his ideas for cleaner, cheaper energy which he believes could have been undertaken a long time ago. These include wind, solar, biomass and wave energy.

There could be mini- hydro projects,” he added. Another problem for the business community is corrupt public service officers, and the retired brigadier said the solution to stamping out this is by paying these officers more and providing the entities with more resources.

Granger was also questioned on various issues affecting the country as a whole.

And as the interactive session continued, chairman of the proceedings and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo, took the opportunity to share with the presidential candidate several issues of interest to the private sector.

According to him, the business community wants political stability, consistent exchange rates, security and almost non-existent crime, clear and fair laws and regulations, public service efficiency, protection for investors, anti-monopoly practices in the private sector, favourable attitudes to Foreign Direct Investment, investment incentives, the opening of an export incentive zone, better access to local financing, better labour relations, more skilled and unskilled labour, cheaper telecommunication services, a reliable power supply, cheaper air transportation, improved water supply and improved road network, especially in the interior. “That is what we want, Mr Granger.

I hope that will be a guiding principle for you in your future talks with the public and to us,” Dookhoo added.