THE Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Limited said the decision to use the Marriott Hotel for its April 22 Luncheon was devoid of any political influence as it was driven purely by the needs of member companies and to optimise financial returns.

The GMSA, in a release Monday, explained that the decision to utilise the spacious hotel was made based on value of discounts/rebates received, value of sponsorship from the business community, the size of the Marriott’s conference room, and the availability of the Marriott’s room for the entire duration of the business luncheon.
The GMSA is a proactive business support organisation, and one of its key objectives is to maintain political neutrality.
“It was this association that introduced in 2011 the concept of political discourses between presidential candidates and the business community.  In April and May of that year, we hosted three successful business luncheons with Messrs Khemraj Ramjattan (AFC); David Granger (APNU); and Donald Ramotar (PPP/C).
“We are repeating the series of political parlays this year for the same purpose, i.e., to provide a platform for the business community to engage the candidates of the main political parties on their blueprint for business development.  Coalition Leader David Granger took the opportunity we offered to engage with the business community on 17 March last,” the GMSA said.
The organisation said for many years, the Guyana Pegasus has been its venue of choice for conferences, training programmes, business luncheons and other activities.
However, the GMSA said that it is not the first time that the GMSA’s Board of Directors took a decision to hold an activity away from that venue.
“There were occasions when the Pegasus was unavailable on our chosen dates, or the seating accommodation was insufficient for the size of the audience or participants.  We have made use of a number of alternative venues in and outside of the city (including Regency Suites and the Princess Hotel).  It would be useful to point out that two of our last three major events were held at the Princess Hotel due to the unavailability of the Savannah Suite at the Pegasus.
“The GMSA sincerely hopes that this contretemps does not tarnish the good relationship we enjoy with the Guyana Pegasus since we intend to continue to utilise this venue on conditions that are mutually beneficial,” the release concluded.