New Govt must address Telecoms liberalization reform - PSC

New Govt must address Telecoms liberalization reform – PSC

Jun 07, 2015 News

… President Granger mandates Economic forum

By Jarryl Bryan
Executives from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) met with President David Granger and Finance Minister Winston Jordan during which pressing concerns such as telecoms liberalization, tax reform and

PSC Executives in the company of President David Granger and Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, (third and second from right respectively) yesterday.

others were highlighted.
The Commission was also given a mandate by President Granger to organize a National Economic Forum, one that would have special significance as Guyana stands on the threshold of becoming an oil-producing country.
The meeting, held at Office of the President on Thursday also served as a platform to point the administration to the many matters left in limbo by the previous administration. Some of these have a direct effect on the Private sector.
According to the Commission, during the meeting the need to reorganize the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), as well as liberalizing the telecommunications industry, which has been faced with many allegations of being monopolized by a few, was raised.
During the meeting, the PSC also highlighted the urgent need for legislation to combat money laundering, financing of terrorism and bribery.
The Commission also confirmed its support for the Public Procurement Commission and the Integrity Commission, all state commissions designed to hold public officials accountable and answerable for illicit assets.
The PSC also addressed certain projects, started by the previous administration but left in abeyance by their sudden fall from power.
According to a release from the Commission, the President was promised the body’s full support to complete the Amaila Falls Hydro project and the Marriott Hotel, as well as to hold the long awaited Local Government Elections.
The PSC, who would have collaborated with past administrations in programmes such as the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP), the National Development Strategy (NDS), the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), National Competitiveness Strategy and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), also pledged to continue that tradition of developmental support with Granger’s administration.
During the meeting, the body also suggested that Public-Private dialogue bodies established through the Competitiveness Strategy could be reconstituted to increase their effectiveness.
Proposals for the organization of an economic forum aimed at formulating plans and establishing priorities to grow the economy were also introduced.
According to the Commission and the President such a forum would be inclusive of stakeholders from civil society, labour and religion.
The National Economic forum has been an initiative between the Government and stakeholders held every year. Their plans for economical development have been outlined
The forum, normally takes place at the newly renamed Arthur Chung Convention centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.