– Chamber of Commerce writes President Granger
THE Region Five Chamber of Commerce, expressing concern that the stalemate between APNU+AFC councillors and Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal is putting the region into ‘a slumber’, says its members are greatly disappointed that the Region 5 Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has had no statutory meeting in seven months.The Chamber’s members are concerned about the state of projects in the region, because of the stalemate in which councillors of the governing coalition are demanding an apology from the Regional Chairman for not attending an event at which President David Granger was handing over school buses in the region.
Just last week, APNU+AFC councillors chanted, with one even dancing to national songs, as the chairman attempted to preside over a statutory meeting. These councillors are demanding a public apology from the chairman, who has insisted that he had not been invited to the buses’ handing over event.
The Chamber says it has written President Granger to determine if he was demanding an apology from the Regional Chairman.
Trade unionist Lincoln Lewis has said that by his non-attendance at the President’s event of handing over buses to the Region, the Regional Chairman has committed no infraction in the discharge of his official duties.
“The RDC should therefore not be hindered from executing its constitutional duty based on a non-issue. Good sense must prevail on the part of all,” Lewis has stated in a letter to the press, published on Page 6 of this newspaper.
“To be demanding an apology for not attending a function that is not on the official business agenda and programme of the region is ludicrous,” Lewis contends.
Imran Sacoor was last Sunday returned as president of the West Berbice Chamber of Commerce when the Chamber held its Annual General Meeting and Election. Others elected to serve the body are: Shabeer Baksh, Vice President; Krishna Seelall, Secretary; Anrit Beijnandan, Treasurer; Eworth Sangster, Secretary/Treasurer; and Pradeep Bachan, who has been re-elected Public Relations Officer.
Saccoor highlighted a number of successful events held in the past year, including the launch of the Paradise Beach, between Belladrum and Paradise, as a new tourist destination; and the first Region 5 Expo and Trade Fair.
In addition, the Chamber has supported the work of youths promoting sports.
The Chamber is currently amending its constitution to have its name changed to Region 5 Chamber of Industry and Commerce, in order to include Mahaica and Mahaicony businesses.
In the month of October 2016, the Region 5 Chamber will be launching its Business Magazine, promoting a range of businesses, manufacturing, services and farming.
