I AM disgusted at the most recent attempt by the AFC to use its Parliamentary seat to pursue its member’s self-interest. I refer to Tuesday night’s presentation by AFC Member of Parliament, Cathy Hughes, who boldly got up to address the issue of VAT.Ms. Hughes pointed out that several Caribbean tourism destinations have allowed their respective tourism and hospitality sectors to pay a lower VAT rate than other sectors. She then moved to give examples of such cases and proceeded to explain that the private sector lobbied government for a reduction in VAT, but were unsuccessful so she is using her seat as a Parliamentarian to recommend to government that the VAT be reduced for the tourism sector.

Rather than recommend changes to VAT for persons like myself, the average Guyanese, Ms. Hughes, like all the other AFC members, used her seat in the National Assembly to lobby for her own self-interest and that of her husband, Nigel Hughes!

Cathy and Nigel Hughes are the owners of the well-established, prime Georgetown Ariantze Hotel, restaurant, café and bar, a top-of- the-line, three story establishment. Her request for Government to consider a lower VAT rate for the tourism industry is done with the sole purpose of providing Mr. and Ms. Hughes with incentives for their personal business as it certainly will not benefit the average Guyanese out there.

I recall similar incidences involving the AFC leadership where self-interest is put above country and certainly above the interest of those who they claim to represent.

The ongoing controversy surrounding the AFC’s objection to the Specialty Hospital is a reflection of such self-interest. It is well known that Fedders Lloyd is a client of leader of the AFC, Kemraj Ramjattan.

Mr. Ramjattan fought tooth and nail to derail the project when the contract was rightfully awarded to Surendra and not his client. Today, he joins with the APNU and uses his position as leader of the AFC to oppose the project and to cut the budget of other developmental projects. Yet he calms government is not doing enough to create jobs and develop Guyana!

Similarly, Ramjattan is the legal representative to one of the AFC’s biggest donors: Robert Badal who is the owner of the once famous Pegasus Hotel. Ramjattan has been a stern opponent to the construction of the Marriott Hotel, which is located next door to the Pegasus, raising a series of concerns none of which has proven to hold any merit. It can only be assumed that he opposes this, like the Specialty Hospital, because it poses a threat to his self-interest.

So how can Mr. Ramjattan and Ms. Hughes claim to represent the interest of the people of Guyana when all they seem to do is propose policies and oppose projects that will only benefit them?
CONCERNED CITIZEN