GEORGETOWN Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Lance Hinds has called on all political parties competing in the May 11 General and Regional Elections to demonstrate maturity and ensure the process is violence-free.Speaking at the GCCI’s 125th anniversary at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown, yesterday Hinds urged all stakeholders to work to enable peaceful elections.

And with 16 days to go before the elections, the private sector executive is calling on the political parties and their supporters to maintain a healthy political environment, pointing out that the latter, along with stability, are important for a successful economy and a vibrant investment climate.
He praised outgoing Prime Minister Samuel Hinds for exuding a high level of courtesy and decorum during his 20-plus years in office, and urged other politicians to emulate Hind’s pleasant demeanour.
Aside from the elections in May, another big event in the month is Independence Day – May 26.
Hinds had previously said: “Almost 50 years after Independence, we still have a highly combative, partisan political process, severely affected by race and class, seemingly unable to put the nation and its people first on a regular basis.”
Yesterday, he noted that the occasion this year is of significant importance as Guyana will be marking 50 years as a free nation.
What is also important, he said, is for political leaders at the upcoming elections to demonstrate that at age 50, Guyana has matured as a nation and has politicians who work together in the best interest of all the people.
Hinds, who is also Chief Executive Officer of Brain Street, a leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based firm on Albert Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, said whichever party wins the elections should work in the interest of the country and the electorate.

BEST WISHES
He also used the opportunity to wish the Prime Minister all the best in his future endeavours.
Prime Minister Hinds, who served as President for nine months following the death of President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan in 1997, also recognised the need for a peaceful elections process as well as a peaceful post-election.
He told private sector officials that on the campaign trail, many of the parties make promises, but pointed out that it is not what they say, but what they are likely to accomplish.

GROWING GDP
On that score, he said he is pleased to be part of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration, noting that during the time with the party since 1992, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown from about US$300 million to some US$3000 million today, with some inflation.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that Guyana today is about three to four times well off compared to the state it was in 1992.
The material improvement, he said, is clearly visible in both public and private infrastructures and the widespread increase of ownership of motor vehicles throughout the country.
Development, he said, is not a process that happens overnight, and the ruling party has been able to move Guyana step by step out of the poor state it was in 1992, to a country which enjoys a vibrant economy today.
The Prime Minister also contended that had the political Opposition adopted a more constructive approach, both in and out of Parliament, Guyana would have achieved much more.

‘GUYANA HAS COME BACK’
But, he said, given the situation of Guyana in 1992, compared to today, it would be easy to say that “Guyana has come back”.
The GCCI, the oldest private sector organisation in Guyana, represents the voice of the business community and strives to advocate policies, stimulate trade and investment, connect businesses, sustain economic growth and expand member opportunities with the aim of contributing to a stable and sustainable economic and social environment in Guyana where businesses can prosper.

By Tajeram Mohabir