– PNCR calls on government to develop road protocol
THE main opposition party, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is calling on the government to urgently involve all stakeholders in the development of a protocol for the use of hinterland roads in Guyana.

The party suggested that this protocol should be one that is acceptable to all stake holders.

“We believe that an approach, which is based on inclusiveness and, a protocol that is reflective of all the interests involved, is the only option for success,” the PNCR said during a news conference at its Congress Place, Sophia headquarters yesterday.

The party said it is “resolutely committed” to a development approach which explicitly recognises that the resources of the hinterland must be utilised, not only for the general development of Guyana, but that the socio-economic development of hinterland communities and must reflect the beneficial effects of growth and prosperity for all Guyanese.

The PNCR is also advocating that all enterprises operating in the hinterland “must be treated equally”.

According to the party, the government has procrastinated on the negotiation of a protocol for the use of hinterland roads.

It is claiming that this has resulted in the present controversy over the miners using the Barama constructed road in Region 1 (Barima/Waini).

“A team, appointed to undertake the negotiation of a Memorandum of Understanding on this issue, has failed to complete their task in a timely manner (and) the entire episode is a manifestation of poor governance, at two levels,” the PNCR stated.

“First, it is a government dominated team comprising Mr. Robeson Benn, Mr. James Singh and Mr. Andrew Bishop - it excludes many of the key stakeholders…and secondly, that the team has failed to complete its work, in more than two years, is partly responsible for the conflicts that are occurring in our hinterland.”

The PNCR also claimed that it has always placed the development of the hinterland high in importance for the development of Guyana.

In this regard, it expressed concern that the present government does not have transparent policies, and a clearly articulated plan, for the development of the hinterland.