–with help of Kaieteur News/Stabroek News

THE sustained and calculated attacks perpetrated on foreign investors, particularly the Chinese, by the combined Opposition — A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) — and the two media houses, Stabroek News and Kaieteur News, is cause for grave concern by the People’s Progressive Party, which has, in a statement, issued calls for an immediate halt to such unwarranted attacks.An attack on one ethnic group is an attack on all Guyanese, the PPP statement has said, adding that these attacks run counter to the hospitable character of Guyana, and can only damage and disgrace our motto of one people, one nation, one destiny.

At its weekly news conference held at Freedom House on Robb Street, the PPP has said that these attacks are in blatant contradiction to the call for investments. There must be no discrimination against Chinese investors. The Opposition and the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News have persistently accused the PPP/C Administration of not doing enough to encourage foreign investors, which, according to them, is badly needed to create jobs and bolster the economy, the PPP has said.

The PPP recalled that, during the last election campaign, the Opposition spared no effort to convince Guyanese that foreign investors would be welcomed were they to be elected to office, and that the PPP/C Government has not done enough to make Guyana an investment hub.

“True to their nature and attempts at hoodwinking the nation, the Opposition (have) not only endeavoured to discourage and chase away foreign investors, they have whipped up media frenzy (as a) conduit for such attacks. The Kaieteur News willingly agreed to be the hand maiden of the political opposition campaign,” the ruling party said.

TARGETED ATTACKS
The ruling party has stated it is confident that the targeted attacks are directed at the Chinese people, in spite of their industrious predisposition, which is evident throughout the world.
The statement said: “This industrious nature of the Chinese people has redounded beneficially to the economies of many nations, and has impacted positively on the lives of many. Our Party wishes to remind the Opposition and the Kaieteur News that we live in a multi-ethnic society, with our peoples cohabiting in harmony, sharing and celebrating each other’s culture and traditions. This is evident through all of our national festivals, everyday way of life, and events that serve to bring our people together.”

The PPP has dubbed the Chinese an integral part of Guyana’s identity, sharing common bonds of indentureship with other ethnic groups. The party acknowledged that since setting foot on these shores, Chinese contributions to Guyana, like the contributions of all other ethnic groups, have been immeasurable and invaluable.

“As we are all aware, the Chinese who have made this land their home are Guyanese first and foremost. Those Chinese, who have demonstrated confidence and the will to contribute to the development of Guyana, must be encouraged and must not be victims of hostile political and media propaganda bordering on xenophobia,” the ruling party said.

ATTEMPTS MADE BY OPPOSITION
The PPP is urging all Guyanese to remain cognizant of the numerous attempts by the Opposition, pre- and post- the “mo-fyah, slow fire” era, to destabilize Guyana, stymie business enthusiasm, and bring harm to the economy.

“It must be recalled that every single protest they mounted in the City targeted the business community directly. Many businesses were burnt, and innocent Guyanese beaten and robbed, whenever such protests took place. The intention was to bring Guyana to its knees, so that companies and individuals contemplating opportunities for investments in Guyana would seek alternative destinations,” the party stressed.

Additionally, the PPP seeks to remind that the Opposition, aided by sections of the media, has made no meaningful contribution in working with the Government to implement projects funded by local and foreign investment.

The statement explained, “Guyanese must never forget the extent the Opposition and their media cohorts went to discourage the foreign investors – the Amaila Hydro Project, specialty hospital, the modernized Cheddi Jagan International Airport, it’s anti-investment actions, coupled with the unconscionable cuts to the country’s annual budgets, are designed to harm the economy and deprive Guyanese of a more modern nation and a brighter future.

“The PPP is convinced that these anti-business and anti-development actions by the Opposition are nothing but attempts to return this now prosperous nation to a state of bankruptcy, a hallmark of their weak administration.”

In regard to the Bai Shan Lin issue and the Opposition and Kaieteur News’ constant attacks, the PPP explained that according to the pronouncements of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the company (Bai Shan Lin) has not exceeded its harvest level, and their operations confirm to guidelines based on international best practices and conservative extraction.

The PPP reiterated its call on the Kaieteur News and the Opposition parties to desist from their unfounded, unwarranted, and profit-circulation-oriented attacks on Bai Shan Lin, and to work towards encouraging foreign investors to invest in our country, so that Guyana and all its people would benefit from the related economic prosperity.

“In this now (globally) competitive environment, our country can afford nothing less than all hands on deck in an effort to create and secure a brighter future for all. Our Party remains committed to this cause, and urge Guyanese to reject all attempts to disparage any ethnic group and to deter much needed foreign investments for our country,” the statement said.