Main opposition APNU and the leadership of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Wednesday resumed meeting as the two sides shared concerns over the upcoming budget.
At the meeting, the PSC completed its presentation on matters of concern that it would like included in the 2013 budget, APNU said in a press release.
The PSC is said to be seeking the support of APNU for its budget submissions. The next meeting between government and the opposition on the budget submissions will be held today.
APNU said the matters which were highlighted include: infrastructural projects such as the Georgetown harbour, a deep water harbour, an alternative road to the international airport, the congested roads in Georgetown, the road to Brazil, interior airstrips, a new Demerara Harbour Bridge, the upgrading and ongoing maintenance of interior roads, particularly to mining and forestry areas, environmental concerns such as the need to modernise and increase the capacity for solid waste disposal, the generation capacity and strengthening of the power distribution grid, and the high energy costs of Guyana Power and Light and their adverse effects.
APNU said the meeting also discussed the need for incentives for the increased installation and utilisation of alternative energy systems, export marketing and tourism development support, the environment for the attraction of foreign direct investment, diversification of the economy, taxation reform and the modernisation and reform of the education system, particularly improving the capacity of the University of Guyana to train needed professional disciplines.
“It was clear from the discussions that there is a community of interest between the private sector and the majority opposition parties. The constitutional and legislative role of the National Assembly for the development of Guyana was acknowledged. Therefore it was agreed that there should be more structured periodic meetings to deal with important matters of national concern,” said the release.
APNU representatives, led by Leader of the Opposition David Granger, included shadow minister for finance and development Carl Greenidge, shadow minister for agriculture, environment and natural resources Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, shadow minister for local government and regional development Ronald Bulkan along with policy adviser E. Lance Carberry.
The PSC’s representatives, led by PSC Chairman Ron Webster, included Executive Director Elizabeth Alleyne and PSC directors Clinton Urling and Ramesh Dookhoo.
