Georgetown : As he delivered the feature address at the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) 23rd Annual General Meeting, President David Granger spoke of the importance of all stakeholders coming together to craft a new social contract for Guyanese.
The PSC was congratulated for their efforts in trying to bring about a resolution to the parliamentary affairs and their constant calls for Local Government Elections, even though their efforts were futile. He was referring to the calls made by the PSC to the previous administration on these issues.
Speaking of his plans for the next five years, the President said it is important for all sections of society to play a role.
To this end, the Private Sector was lauded for their commitment towards putting together an Economic Forum, which will see the coming together of the public service, trade unions, political parties, government and all elements in society working for a better society.
“In the past, the Private Sector Commission was involved in the development of the National Defence Strategy and the Economic Recovery Programme. I would like to feel that over the next five years the Commission could continue to work, this time, hopefully, with better results.”
However, going forward into the next five years the President said he envisions a country with strong institutions, a parliament with its own powers and no interference from the Executive, better infrastructure, a strong judiciary, and safer communities.
“I want to see strong, efficient and law enforcement and regulatory agencies, a strong police force, free from graft and corruption, I would like to see strong mining (sector), (and) officers, forestry officers, mining officers who are unbribable.”
Working towards a more educated work force, the President said it is therefore important to have a reformed and refinanced University of Guyana.
He also underscored the importance of information technology, and cheaper electricity for a strong manufacturing sector.
Mention was also made of the Administration’s plan for a greener economy and moving towards solar, wind and hydro electricity supply options.
Meanwhile Chairman of the PSC, Ramesh Persaud said 2014 was very challenging, but had its equal share of opportunities.
Persaud noted that in 2014 the economy grew at a slower rate of 3.9% than in 2013 when growth reached 5.2 %. He pointed out that the slower growth rate was occasioned by the lower prices of commodities, particularly gold.
Persaud said some of his wishes for the business sector, include the need for faster an, policy that promote an environment of fair play and equal opportunity, effective and efficient service from the public sector, and the need for safer communities.
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