"Guyana is open for business. . . ," so says Mr. Peter Ramsaroop, one of the founder-members of the Reform group which now has a relationship with the opposition People's National Congress party - PNCR.
Ramsaroop, known for his outspoken and pragmatic approach to Guyana's politics, was home for a few days on business.
In an interview with Stabroek News, Ramsaroop said it is "really time we put political differences aside and work towards attracting a mix of local and foreign capital investment with the emphasis on infrastructure and the productive sector..."
He is in favour of involving the resources of overseas-based Guyanese in the development process, noting the call by President Bharrat Jagdeo to adopt this approach.
Ramsaroop said what Guyana needs is a business-oriented administration adopting broad-based policies, and being smart and accountable. He believes that upon the road to Brazil becoming a reality, new economies could be developed with both Guyana and Brazil working together to improve the lot of both nations and their people.
The Reform member said politicians must work within the legislative framework to ensure that the right laws are passed and not for incidents to happen before action is taken.
He is disappointed with the length of time that passed before the Jagdeo government saw the need for the setting up of a commission of inquiry into the death squad allegations made against the Home Affairs Minister. The Guy-anese businessman-politician with interests in the United States recently launched CariAir, described as a development company focusing on major investment projects in the Caricom member states, including Guyana with specific interest in aviation and capital projects. CariAir is currently going through the long process of air-worthiness certification. During his short stay in Georgetown, Ramsaroop met with members of the Reform grouping and the head of Go-Invest. He and his wife intend to return home permanently by the end of 2005.