The PNCR has lamented the exclusion of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) from participation in recent meetings between the private sector and the President.
At a recent emergency meeting the PSC Chairman, Peter de Groot had said the PSC was being deliberately bypassed and government was attempting to sideline the umbrella body.
He made these remarks after President Bharrat Jagdeo held two meetings with the Guyana Manufact-urers' Association and all of the Chambers of Commerce across the country. The PSC was not invited to those meetings.
Discussions of plans for a second business summit and the naming of a preparatory committee to do the groundwork for the summit were discussed at these meetings, adding to the PSC's perceived alienation, as it was the PSC which led the way for the first summit in 1999.
Speaking at the PNCR weekly press conference yesterday, Member of Parliament, Jerome Khan told reporters there was other evidence that the government had attempted to sideline or ignore businesses and businesspersons whom it regarded as having independent or outspoken views with which the President was uncomfortable.
Khan said such behaviour was disturbing for two reasons; one being that the future development and economic breakthrough for Guyana's economy depends on the commitment and dedication of the private sector leaders regardless of their political or other views and two, it appeared that the government had now brought its discriminatory and sectarian behaviour to the business sector.
The PNCR believes that such action does not augur well for the development of the country and it demonstrates the government's lack of understanding of how to create consensus and build a nation.