MINISTER of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon on Friday reaffirmed Government’s support for the Guyana Independence Carnival to get underway this month, and noted that the administration is willing to support any private initiative aimed at stimulating economic activity, once it does not interfere with public safety and order.

“This matter was dealt with at Cabinet on Tuesday, and Cabinet gave its approval for the elements of the State to provide necessary support to the organisers of this event… The police are to work with the organisers to ensure that the event is safe, that citizens who are not a part of the event are not unnecessarily disrupted, and that there is a clear understanding that the environment is important; that the cleanliness and orderliness must be maintained,” he told reporters at his weekly Post-Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The Minister also gave his blessings for the safe and successful execution of the event. “I believe that the Government has communicated with the organisation itself, and asked that they pay specific attention to these matters. So, I wish the organisers of this event all the best, and we trust that we’ll have a safe, and very healthy Carnival,” he said.
The State Minister made the foregoing remarks in response to questions regarding the privately organised series of events, which are set to coincide with the 52nd Anniversary of the country’s Independence.

With regard to the administration’s willingness to support any private initiative aimed at stimulating economic activity, Minister Harmon said:
“It’s an important time in the history of this country, and we want to say, as a Government, that we will support the private initiatives of citizens, once they do not affect the security and orderliness. We believe that the development of this country is two-fold: It has to do with private businesses as well as the government; we have to work together to ensure that the country is developed; developed in an orderly way.”

Minister Harmon noted that the government is concerned mainly with ensuring that investors and promoters operate within the regulations that are designed to preserve the physical environment, minimise disruptions, and ensure safety. (MoTP)