Policymakers must engage in constructive dialogue

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) urges our political policymakers to engage in constructive dialogue in order to arrive at agreement on the important issues facing our economy and social development. We do not subscribe to the notion that premature general elections are the solution to our current political impasse.

General elections are costly, time-consuming exercises which should preferably be conducted at the time when they are constitutionally due. The parliamentary parties must, therefore, make every effort to find ways to discuss, negotiate and, reach some level of consensus on the issues critical to the nation’s growth and development.

The citizens of Guyana deserve no less an effort. This process of negotiation and agreement occurs in many comparative jurisdictions and it is, therefore, up to our political leaders to demonstrate resolve and maturity that lead to win-win outcomes.

Moreover, the elections discussions should instead be directed and concentrated at the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE), which were constitutionally due 17 years ago. In this regard, we echo the sentiments of the Private Sector Commission that the absence of LGE has made (and continues to make) it difficult for our businesses to operate. We also note that all discussions about constitutional reform seem to have fallen off the map.

The Chamber looks forward to a new level of political cooperation that ensures a prosperous and sustainable economic and social infrastructure.

Arnon Adams,

GCCI

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