The responsibility of reducing the turmoil currently besetting the country so as to
attract investments and promote unity is largely that of the government.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the John Fernandes Group of
Companies, Chris Fernandes expressed this view at Sunday's official opening of
the third Bounty Meat Centre and Supermarket at Regent Street and Orange
Walk.
"Government must find ways to work with the stakeholders to alleviate the
present turmoil, to attract investment, create jobs, and work together for
[Guyana's] advancement so that all Guyanese may benefit," Fernandes asserted.
He contended that since the PPP/Civic had been duly elected to govern
Guyana, the onus was on it to play an authoritative role with regard to solving
the country's present problems.
Fernandes disclosed that plans for the $45 million investment had been
completed during the time when President Bharrat Jagdeo and PNC/R leader
Desmond Hoyte had agreed to participate in dialogue. Fernandes noted that
"sadly" the dialogue process has since deteriorated and a large section of the
population was living in fear and anxiety.
He opined that there had been limited gains during the PNC's 28 years in power
and further, the reign of the PPP/C government for nearly a decade had not seen
much more improvement. Fernandes posited that neither party could ensure the
nation's progress without the help and support of the other.