Latest update October 18th, 2024 12:05 AM
Jan 16, 2014 News
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) have come out in support of the USAID Leadership and Democracy Program (LEAD) that was rejected by Government but has urged that the two sides resume discussions.
GCCI, in a public missive yesterday, says it supports Government in its call for the project to be halted by the Americans until talks can be concluded.
“The Chamber believes this is a reasonable request that the US Embassy should consider.”
The body said that it is urging the Guyana Government and US embassy officials to resume the discussion concerning the project with the objective of identifying what is the mutually feasible, pragmatic common ground so that the project can be implemented effectively.
The public stance came after meetings with representatives from both sides, and according to the public missive, the Chamber said it learned that all parties were ready to officially engage on the issue.
However, the Government has one precondition that must be satisfied before the dialogue can proceed, and that is the US government should halt the current implementation of the project until the points of concern are resolved.
Additionally, GCCI said it fully supports and endorses the objectives of the LEAD project.
“The Chamber believes that its implementation will strengthen political institutions and enhance citizens’ understanding of how individuals can engage in the larger civic and political discourse in their communities and throughout the country.”
The body, which is headed by Clinton Urling, said that the project aims to bolster the operations of the National Assembly by giving parliamentarians the essential tools for delivering effective representation and policy formulation that represents the most ideal, mutually productive interests of Guyana, as a whole.
According to Urling’s statement, “this is a most timely and welcomed project, considering the current parliamentary makeup and circumstances…In summary, the Chamber sees the LEAD project as instrumental in meeting the need to foster an environment where compromise and cooperation in the country’s interests comprise the cornerstone of good policy making.”
It said furthermore, that the GCCI recognizes the importance of strong political and governance institutions in ensuring a stable political environment that leads to social and economic prosperity.
It was Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon who had publicized the fact that the US Embassy was proceeding with the LEAD project, despite Cabinet’s rejection.
He had called on the US State Department to explain its position in the face of the Guyana Government’s rejection to which the US had replied, urging talks.
Dr Luncheon however said that there will be no talks about the implementation of the project while it is being implemented.
He told media operatives that it was disrespectful of the Americans to proceed with the project despite the no objection by Cabinet.
Dr Luncheon told media operatives that “The US Government has in essence said to the Government of Guyana, we have no respect for what you said and what you direct and what conclusion you came to… we are going ahead with what we want.”
He had said too, “I for one feel that this is not an insurmountable matter to be resolved but they are principled ways to address this issue. We ain’t negotiating under duress, we are not going to discuss a project and its implementation while it is being implemented.”
Dr. Luncheon is of the opinion that while much has been said and written about the merits of the project, at this point in time, that is of lesser significance.
“What is most significant,” according to Dr. Luncheon, is the fact that the Guyana Government, which is a sovereign authority, had declared its position on the project but despite its rejection, a foreign power has decided to ignore this and go ahead with its implementation.
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