By Shawn Seabrookes
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| (L-R) Mr. Clive Bacchus, President of CIC Mr. Franklin Brand |
President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CIC), Mr. Franklin Brand, has described recent discussions between his organization and the Labour Party Government as amicable but noted that there are still differences of opinion when it comes to certain issues with regards to the ongoing electoral reform process.
Brand made the disclosure during a press conference at Fisherman’s Wharf, on Wednesday last, August 1st.
The CIC President indicated that two of the major issue that the CIC and Government are at odds on are the recommendation for fingerprinting on a proposed voter ID card and the Commonwealth Secretariat’s involvement in the electoral reform process.
The Chamber supports the recommendation for fingerprinting and believes that the Commonwealth should have a more active role in the process.
Brand noted that fingerprinting would be an ideal procedure, especially in the wake of heightened widespread international concern with regards to identity theft and also added that the involvement of the Commonwealth Secretariat would ensure an electoral reform process that is above reproof.
The Labour Government has been accused, however, of downplaying the recommendation for fingerprinting and limiting the involvement of the Commonwealth in the process. ~~Adz:Right~~
While pointing out issues where the Government and the CIC shared differences of opinion, Brand also called for more dialogue between his organization and the Labour Government.
Brand lamented the fact that critical decisions were made by Government without proper dialogue with the CIC.
“The CIC takes seriously its status as an independent body and we wish to have an open communication highway with the Federal Government,” Brand intimated.
He warned that there is no place for an adversarial relationship between the CIC and Government and called for concerted efforts to mend the gap.
Mr. Brand also took the opportunity to implore other non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) to speak out on national issues.
Their (NGO’s) silence is what is what creates the misconception that the CIC is working along with the People’s Action Movement, he intimated.
The CIC President also touched on issues relating to the local Government’s move toward a price control system and noted that it was imperative that the CIC be included in consultations regarding such matters.
