CHIEF Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GOINVEST), Mr. Geoffrey Da Silva, is urging private and public sector organisations to strengthen the promotion of values among youths to arrest the local crime situation.

He made the appeal at the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) 118TH Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently held at the Brandsville Hotel on Pike Street, Section ‘M’ Campbellville, Georgetown.

The occasion was attended by Minister of Foreign Trade and International Corporation, Dr Henry Jeffrey, along with members of the diplomatic corps and several prominent private sector representatives.

Mr. Da Silva observed that while crime has dampened business in recent months, it is not the only factor affecting the investment climate and noted that the creation of more jobs is also crucial in addressing the problem.

The CEO stressed that youths today need more vibrant leadership and identified the lack of guidance as the primary cause why they resort to anti-social activities.

He emphasised that installation of values such as honesty, integrity and loyalty are important because surprisingly, the majority of crime activities in Guyana happen within organisations.

DaSilva noted that even though Guyana’s investment potential is not well highlighted in the local media, for the first time in the history of the country a range of economic activities are simultaneously taking place in the almost all the sectors.

Some of these activities, the CEO noted are the construction of the Berbice and Takutu Bridges which will open up new transportation routes for vast economic trading opportunities with its neighbours.

Mr. Da Silva pointed out that the building of roadways linking Guyana and Suriname, the highway from New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek as well as the completion of phase two of the Ogle Airport Runway are among the other ventures geared to further strengthen the local investment climate.

GCCI President, Carl Morgan, in his report said while the economy grew by about six per cent, inflation continues to rise and is expected to top the 12 per cent level.

This has had an adverse effect on business as well as spending power of the consumer was greatly reduced. This has been greatly aggravated by VAT…despite the best intentions of government, VAT has had an adverse effect on consumers spending and as a result on business, Mr. Morgan contended.

The GCCI President said regionally and internationally, many challenges will be faced when the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) is implemented but at the same time, opportunities will be opened to Guyana’s advantage.

He expressed optimism that the imminent Brazil/Guyana bridge and road link will be the gateway for vast economic opportunities.

“Markets will open up in Northern Brazil to those who wish to avail themselves of the opportunities presented. I urge all businesses to grasp these opportunities as they emerge,” Mr. Morgan implored.

However, he indicated that he will not be at the helm of GCCI because he will not seek to be re-elected as President.