Business bodies urge expeditious handling of no-confidence appeal

Mar 28, 2019 News

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) have joined calls for a speedy resolution of the ongoing political situation.

The new executives of the GCCI.

The Chamber, which had recent elections that saw National Hardware’s Nicholas Boyer named President, said yesterday that it continues to be an active and vigilant observer of the political situation in Guyana.
“The GCCI wishes to reiterate its initial position regarding the effect of political uncertainty on the level of economic activity.”
The business community has been complaining that since the December 21 no confidence vote which triggered a collapse of the Coalition Government, revenues have dropped significantly.
The no-confidence vote was nullified last Friday with the Court of Appeal, in a majority decision, overturning it.
There have been meetings between the various business bodies and the Coalition Government and the Opposition.
According to GCCI, it is of the fervent hope that the matter of contention in the political arena, which is now before the Caribbean Court of Justice, will be expeditiously resolved.
“This resolution will bring an end to the degree of political uncertainty and ensure that a favourable business environment prevails,” the business body said.
Meanwhile, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) yesterday too called on the CCJ to consider speeding up the appeals.
PSC said it is concerned about Guyana’s current business climate in the midst of the political uncertainty facing the country.
“The PSC had discussions with local and international businesses who have expressed reservations in investing as the uncertainty continues. There has been a reduction in Government and private sector contracts directly attributable to the uncertainty. The PSC is of the strong view that the expeditious resolution of this political situation will bring great relief to the business community.”
PSC said that it continues to be a strong advocate for enabling a business environment for national growth and development.
“The Commission calls on the Caribbean Court of Justice to provide a prompt resolution to this matter so that both local and international organizations and businesses would again see Guyana as a country with boundless opportunities.”
On December 21, the National Assembly voted on a no-confidence motion against the Government that was brought by Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo.
The vote was immediately appealed by the Coalition on the grounds that it was not properly carried and that the Government parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, was not eligible to sit in the National Assembly by virtue of the fact that he held dual citizenship with Canada.
Persaud has left Guyana under the protection of the Canadian government.
The High Court upheld the vote but it was overturned last Friday.
Guyana had been preparing for early elections.

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