Granger, Jagdeo hold talks

Last Updated on Monday, 31 August 2015, 23:35 by GxMedia

President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo earlier Monday evening, according to the Ministry of the Presidency.

They focussed on “several urgent matters which need to be addressed by all Guyanese.”

A statement by the Ministry later quoted Granger as saying that Guyanese can look forward to the current administration doing its part to ensure inclusive governance. This was the sentiment expressed by President David Granger following a meeting with Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, at the Ministry of the Presidency, earlier today.

President Granger said, in an invited comment, following the meeting that his administration is prepared to work with the Opposition for the benefit of the people of Guyana.  He added that there is the urgent problem of threats to Guyana’s territorial integrity that must be addressed.  President Granger said that the Opposition Leader has agreed to work with the administration to deal with the Venezuela territorial issue.

Also discussed at the meeting, as a matter of national interest, was the establishment of the five bi-partisan committees. These bodies are the Agriculture Committee, Budget Committee, Border Committee, National Unity Committee and a Security Committee.

“Once Mr. Jagdeo was elected Leader of the Opposition, I wrote him inviting him [inviting him] to talks, because as Leader of Opposition he has certain Constitutional obligations,” President Granger said. The Head of State added that, there is important work that has to be completed on the packed roster of the Eleventh Parliament, which includes the 2016 Budget and support for the agriculture sector, particularly the rice and sugar industry.

Given the magnitude of these and other matters, the President said, he is pleased that the meeting happened, as it is important to start the process of addressing matters of national interest. On August 17, last, former President Bharrat Jagdeo was sworn in as Opposition Leader.