The Private Sector Commission (PSC) met on Tuesday with Baroness Anelay, Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom and raised a series of concerns about the economy here.
In a release, the PSC said it took the opportunity to discuss a number of issues of concern and of national interest. The discussions ranged from the potential impact of Britain’s exit from the European Union on the Region, to the assistance that Britain and the other ABC countries have rendered to Guyana in successful bids to ensure that general elections were free and fair, and free from fear. The dialogue also included what the PSC said was the decline in the local economy, partly due to a fall in commodity prices but aggravated by excessive taxation and a lack of confidence on the part of investors.
The release from the PSC said that the subject of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) Bill and its implications was also raised. The private sector has been strongly opposed to the SARA bill.
The private sector also voiced concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the fate of sugar, and the need to have British help to maintain good governance in the country.
According to the PSC press release, the UK Minister of State ex-pressed her Government’s total commitment to Guyana’s position when the topic of the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy was mentioned, even displaying a map of the Guyana she supports. The PSC took the opportunity to express its appreciation of the UK’s assistance with the Security Sector Reform programme.
The discovery of oil and gas, and the potential impact of cheap energy on the manufacturing sector was also highlighted, according to the PSC release, as was Guyana’s commitment to renewable energy and the creation of a green economy.
The PSC Chairman expressed the hope that President David Granger’s recent visit to Great Britain would lead to new British investment in Guyana.
The minister was accompanied to the meeting by British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and other officials.
