Adding that the group has taken a reactive position to the crime situation, he said, "now is the time for all concerned to unite in the fight against crime."

Reiterating his offer to meet the concerned businessmen, Nadir said there is every need to engage in dialogue that will find solutions that offer everyone a level playing field.

He advised that businesses join umbrella organisations so that collective issues can be addressed.

According to the minister, monthly meetings with the business community were organised but very often these were postponed by the business community.

The group calling itself the Concerned Citizens Group has been running full page advertisements in the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News newspapers blaming the Government and main Opposition party for not taking appropriate action in the present crime situation.

The group has called for a two-day shutdown of businesses.

Describing such a move as "going down the wrong road", Nadir emphasised that now is the time for consultations.

Noting that President Bharrat Jagdeo has promised to exert every effort in the fight against crime, the minister was adamant that the Government is serious about curbing the present crime situation.

Referring to reports that Guyana is under siege, he pointed out that everywhere one can see Guyanese going about their daily business.

"Guyana is not under siege. What we have is a criminal crisis," the minister said.

He acknowledged that there has been a drastic increase in crime, especially armed robberies, and the introduction of kidnapping.

According to the minister, the situation calls for investment in security measures and now is the time for the business community to engage the Government in dialogue to this end.

Nadir noted that the business community has a vested interest in private security and questioned businesses' response and investment in this regard.

He suggested the use of security cameras on a 24-hour basis and armed escort for cash and valuables.

In his call for consultation with the business community on the crime situation, the minister suggested that there may be need to develop a list of do's and don'ts to help businesses cope with the existing situation.

The Government has been steadily enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement agencies to deal with the current crime wave.

Following a menu of measures announced by the President to fight crime, an extended period of public consultation on the issue was held countrywide.

Out of these consultations came a number of recommendations which are being examined for possible implementation.

The Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force are coordinating actions in the anti-crime fight.

Criminal Task Forces have been established at all Police divisions on a 24-hour basis and a Police hotline has been implemented.