President Irfaan Ali has encouraged the country’s business community to continue investing and moving forward with their business plans as normal, even as the country is dealing with external threats from neighboring Venezuela.

Speaking at the Private Sector Commission’s Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony on Tuesday night, the President said despite the threats to the country’s territorial integrity, there is no better time to do business here.

“There is no better time for our economy that now. There is no better time for the private sector than now and you need drum out the noise and drum in positive thinking. Keep focus for the task ahead, building your company and contributing to the building of your country. Do not waiver from this stance, the rest we will take care of,” the President.

Speaking on the issue of the threats, the President said Guyana has committed itself to a path that leads to peace, one that uses diplomacy as the first line of defense, but also one that is unwavering in the protection of the country’s sovereignty.

“We do not seek conflict with anyone, but make no mistake, we will do everything it takes to defend what is ours. For the avoidance of any doubt, Essequibo is ours,” the President said.

The President also hailed the role the country’s bilateral partners that continue to ensure that there is peace between Guyana and Venezuela.

He said there are moves to strengthen various institutions in the country to deal with future threats to the country’s territorial integrity.  But while that is being done, he said the country has shown great resistance and the people have shown the unshakable ability to come together.

“It cannot be the pain of the moment that drives us together, but the pain of the moment teaches us that we have ability to come together, that we have the ability to love each other, that we have the ability to lift each other up, and that is a valuable lesson, “ the President noted.

President Irfaan Ali met and held talks last Thursday with the President of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro.

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