THE “divisive” and “ludicrous” attempts to punish innocent Guyanese-owned businesses for simply engaging President Dr. Irfaan Ali have been condemned by local private sector heads.

The calls for boycotts originated from Rickford Burke of the Caribbean-Guyana Institute for Democracy (C-GID), and activist Mark Benschop, both of whom are known critics of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
Recently, Benschop, in a Facebook Live, said: “This boycott can also stretch all the way to Guyana; I know there are businesses that are feeling the squeeze in Brooklyn.”

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Kester Hutson, in an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle, labelled the call for a boycott “disruptive”, and maintained that it does not add value to the economy.
“First of all, I think it’s very crazy to boycott your local companies, or Guyanese companies which have [been] legitimately operating for years,” he said.

Further, Hutson said that these businesses, which would have taken the time to become developed and integrate themselves into society, are adding value to the local economy.
“We already have a challenge with workforce, and to be able to take them out of the economy, you’re really affecting your own self.

So, I think it’s very ludicrous to be part of that, and to promote that. It doesn’t go well for [the] development of Guyana, and the private sector will certainly not be part of that nonsense,” he said.
Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. Halim Khan, echoed similar sentiments.

In an invited comment to this publication, he said that it is disheartening to see the divisiveness and animosity being propagated within the Guyanese community, especially when it comes to calls to boycott businesses based on perceived political preferences.
“The call for unity and constructive engagement, as emphasised by stakeholders, is not only crucial but essential for the progress and prosperity of Guyana and its diaspora.

“President Ali’s visit to New York should have been a moment for all Guyanese to come together, regardless of political differences, to show support for their elected leader, and to engage in constructive dialogue about the future of the nation,” Khan said.
Further, he related that the warmth and hospitality extended to President Ali during his visit should indeed be seen as a gesture of unity and patriotism, rather than a political endorsement.

He went on to stress the importance of separating personal opinions from respect for the Office of the President.
“Regardless of one’s political preferences, President Ali deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, as the duly elected leader of Guyana. Resorting to boycotts and divisive actions only serves to deepen rifts within the community, and hinder progress towards a more unified and prosperous future,” Khan firmly remarked.

Adding to this, he commended the President’s response to the Opposition operatives’ rhetoric and said: “President Ali’s response to the divisive rhetoric, calling for scrutiny of organisations like CGID and emphasising the government’s commitment to national unity and prosperity, is commendable.

It’s imperative that Guyanese, both at home and abroad, reject attempts to sow discord, and instead focus on working together towards common goals for the betterment of their country.”
Khan further said that dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect are the pillars upon which a strong and thriving community is built.
He called for unity, and stated: “Let us heed President Ali’s call to embrace these values and strive towards a society where unity and collective action prevail over division and discord.”