The Private Sector Commission (PSC) yesterday, met with the Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, Honourable Baroness Anelay, who was on a brief official visit to Guyana.
The PSC in a press release issued earlier today stated that the commission took the opportunity of discussing a number of issues of concern and of national interest.
According to the PSC, discussions ranged from the potential impact of Brexit on the Region to the help that Britain, and the other ABC countries, have rendered at election time in Guyana in successful bids to ensure that the elections were free and fair and free from fear.
Also included was a discussion of the decline in the local economy which has been caused partly by a fall in commodity prices but exacerbated by excessive taxation and a lack of confidence on the part of investors. The State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) Bill and its implications was also raised.
The PSC also mentioned the uncertainty surrounding the fate of sugar and the need to have British help to maintain good governance in the country. The issue of the Guyana/Venezuela border dispute was also raised and the Baroness expressed her Government’s total commitment to Guyana’s position, even displaying a map of the Guyana that she supports. The Security Sector Reform programme was mentioned with the Private Sector Commission expressing its appreciation of the assistance of the United Kingdom.
The PSC noted that the excitement of the discovery of oil and gas and the potential impact of cheap energy on the manufacturing sector was highlighted as was Guyana’s commitment to renewable energy and the creation of a green economy.
Baroness Anelay was accompanied to the meeting by British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and other officials.
