MINISTER Persaud’s response to the Venezuela paddy shipment seems a bit too cavalier since it is a US18.8M deal in which he was supposed to be actively involved. The government must be sure that all aspects of such deals are well planned and can be delivered as promised. The government must become the watchdog and facilitator for similar deals. Did anyone know that the LOGOS 2 would have caused a delay in the Pacific Clipper’s expected arrival and loading, thereby jeopardising a valuable contract? Government cannot simply be salesman, since local capability may lack the necessary organization to ensure that contractual obligations are fully met. Government must learn from these missteps and do better because Guyana’s image abroad is at stake.
N. AUGUSTUS