The public/private sector partnership developmental model is increasingly gaining acceptance as the preferred path to development and so today across the globe there are many projects which are being undertaken jointly.

It has been recognised and noted by many economic experts that this developmental has many advantages especially in countries where human, financial and technical resources are limited.

During the UNDP summit in September 2006 in Turkey on corporate social responsibility, the Finance Minister of that country asserted: “By integrating their expertise, resources and know-how, public and private business cooperation increase efficiency and productivity. These partnerships also help lift the burden on the Treasury to a certain extent.”

In his opening address to the Summit, UNDP Turkey Resident Representative Mahmood Ayub stressed the role of the private sector in achieving the ‘Millenium Development Goals’ and in fulfilling the ‘Global Compact Principles’. Ayub said, “United Nations has long recognised the vital role of the private sector in contributing effectively to sustainable and equitable growth at the global and national levels. In the words of Secretary-General Kofi Annan: ‘In today’s world, the private sector is the dominant engine of growth – the principal creator of value and managerial resources. If the private sector does not deliver economic growth and economic opportunity – equitable and sustainable – around the world, then peace will remain fragile and social justice a distant dream’. We believe that the private sector has a critically important role to play, through its financial and technical support, in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. These goals, in their essence, commit to reducing poverty by half by 2015 while also addressing significant national and global shortcomings related to health, education, and environment. Importantly, the Millennium Development Goals also establish a framework for global partnerships and better harmonisation of the efforts of governments, international organisations and private sector, recognising the enormity of the challenge the goals present.”

“Public-private sector partnership is a necessity, not a passing trend!”

Against this backdrop it was heartening to hear from the Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Mr. Gerry Gouveia that there is good public/private coordination and partnership ongoing in Guyana.

Noting that such collaboration is unprecedented, he pointed out that the Private Sector is positioned in almost every sphere of operations.

Gouveia attested that the Private Sector is represented on boards and committees that are dealing with security, energy, infrastructure and education and its views are being taken into consideration.

He said this has been ongoing throughout the development of the country, which will continue successfully if the current collaborating is maintained.

“The communication and relationship between the government and the private sector needs to continue in a big way,” Gouveia remarked.

One of the more recent successful private/public sector ventures has been the Berbice River Bridge which was a long awaited project and very crucial communication link for the development of that County and the convenience of commuters travelling to and from that part of the country.

It would be hoped that this sound relationship between the two sectors will be further strengthened and deepened to help accelerate the unlocking of the tremendous potential of this country and advance its socio-economic development.