"Fight your battles at the ballot boxes and give the business community a break or face certain social and economic disaster," the body declared in a statement cautioning politicians who feel "the end justified the means (and) are prepared to wreck the business climate in Guyana for the sake of achieving power".

The statement released by GCCI President, Mr. Edward Boyer declared, "they (the politicians) will preside over ruins."

Protesters in an illegal procession last week Wednesday stormed the Office of the President complex where two were shot dead and this was followed by a flare-up of violence in the city, marked by arson, robberies and assaults on citizens.

The GCCI said that Guyana can never develop without a strong and vibrant business community, noting that each passing day, businessmen have to contend with bank loans, punitive taxation, a malfunctioning Customs and Trade Administration, high utility bills and last but not least, death at the hands of the bandits.

"Whatever the perceived or real injustices protesters were agitating against, resort to unconstitutional actions is a recipe for riot. Their brutish methods have resulted in deaths and destruction for members of their own ranks as well as innocent citizens.

"Profits and losses have no colour. Guyanese of all races and classes will be affected by the concomitant slowdown in our economy as the business sector reels from the effects of the current siege it is under. Our country's image, already tarnished internationally, will be further eroded. The poorer classes of citizens will be especially vulnerable to the aftermath of anarchy, and ironically, it is the low-income people who are being ruthlessly manipulated to destroy their own and their children's future," the GCCI said.

The release added that that there can be no significant socio-economic development where there is political strife and called on Guyanese political leaders to heed the call for constructive dialogue.

The GCCI also noted the assurance given by the United States Ambassador, Ronald Godard of his country's commitment to assist in upholding the democratic process in Guyana.

"Compared to some war torn areas in the Middle East, Guyana's problems are certainly not insurmountable. What we have to recognise is that the root cause of our troubles is political and therefore the solution has to be political. Internationally, civil society is playing a greater role in influencing how their politicians function. We in Guyana must do the same, " the release added.

The GCCI is calling on all decent minded citizens to denounce and resist efforts by pockets of criminals to impose mob rule, noting the complacency of Guyanese in confronting the atrocities being committed against innocent persons.