Georgetown: Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Lance Hinds is calling on parliamentarians to adhere to the cries of the electorate, saying that it is time political leaders work to address the core issues affecting Guyana.
November 28, 2014 will mark three years since the Government was voted into power with the Opposition gaining a one-seat majority in National Assembly. It is no secret that since then, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) have been engaged in a battle for power.
Currently, snap election is possible as the AFC threatens to move a “no-confidence motion” against the Donald Ramotar Government. But the GCCI President opined that another election could result in a similar configuration in the National Assembly, arguing that there is “no evidence on the ground” that a majority Government would return to power anytime soon.
Referencing to the 2011 Elections, the GCCI President maintained that the people of Guyana are advocating for improved governance through meaning consultations.
“It is the voters who in their wisdom contributed to that configuration… the political leaders must find a way to respect the decision of the voters,” he further opined. Reinforcing the position of the chamber, Hinds said political policymakers must engage in constructive dialogue on issues affecting the economy and social development.
According to the GCCI, general elections are costly and time-consuming. “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 leads to win-win outcomes,” the GCCI had said in an earlier statement.
The body said discussions on elections should instead be focussed on the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE).
“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,” the business representative body said.
But while GCCI is up in arms against snap election, the AFC days ago indicated that it has completed a draft no-confidence motion, which it intends to move against the PPP Government. The AFC is contending that the ruling party has serious issues with accountability. According to the alliance, the PPP through its Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has illegally spent $4.5 billion which was used to finance a string of controversial projects that did not garner the support of the Opposition during the consideration of the 2014 National Budget.
The Government and the Opposition during the past three years have expressed fundamental differences on the national budgets, the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, the Local Government Elections, the construction of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project and the Marriot International Projects, in addition to other controversial projects and initiatives that have sparked nationwide debates.
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