Speaking at his organisation's second Annual Dinner and Inauguration Ceremony, held at Lake Mainstay Resort, Essequibo Coast, earlier this month, he said the Government would have to reduce the current crime situation to a manageable level.

"Guyana desperately needs a new era of political stability, a society free from crime and where the rule of law prevails," Arjoon asserted, saying the objective can be achieved by involving minority political parties.

He said those parties have a role to play in stopping, once and for all, the constant threats of political, social and industrial unrest.

Arjoon said he was confident the commitment to unity by other Chamber members will serve to build on what has been accomplished so far.

According to him, ECCI, despite many challenges, has been able to make representation on behalf of the local business community during the past year.

He said the constraints include limited financial resources, lack of a telephone line and additional modern office equipment.

Arjoon said one important initiative taken by the Chamber was to change its image for those who had perceived it as being a pressure group or anti-government.

He said that was accomplished by establishing working relationships with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Anna Regina Town Council and Office of the President (OP).

"I wish to remind members that we've got to continue to demonstrate to the Government (Central and Local) that we are an organisation: strong, focused, independent and willing to work along with Government (any Government) and other stakeholders for the development of Essequibo," Arjoon asserted.

He said there has been responsiveness from the RDC, the municipality and OP and he accredited that to the heads of those institutions.

Arjoon disclosed that, following a meeting with President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Government response was evident by the dredging of sand banks in Essequibo River and military presence on Essequibo Coast, among other things.

ECCI was afforded representation on five RDC Boards, two Chamber members got land to develop small business projects, including a juice factory and a multi-purpose business centre and his grouping was able to have presence on a Government Advisory Board, Arjoon reported.

Additionally, he said Anna Regina Town Council allocated a piece of land for ECCI to develop into a mini-park and the latter is working on the garbage disposal problem in the region.

But Arjoon maintained that the Government will have to continue being responsive to the need for Private Sector development to move the region and the country forward.

Among the special invitees at the function were Deputy British High Commissioner Steve Crossman, who was Guest Speaker, Regional Chairman Ali Baksh and Vice-Chairman Vishnu Samaroo, Anna Regina Mayor Sammy Rampersaud and Police 'G' Division Commander Leroy Brummel.