Subsequent to the publication of an article in the letters column of the Friday July 23, 2010 edition of the Stabroek News having to do with the government’s involvement in Marriott’s coming to do business here, the government has elected to pen a response so as to clear up whatever misgivings there may be out there. The following is the full text of the missive.
IN RECENT WEEKS, following the Marriott’s announcement of a Marriott Hotel in Guyana, the Pegasus Hotel, along with other aligned interests, have launched a concerted attack on this Marriott project. Unlike one other prominent hotel operator who has spoken positively about the project, Mr. Badal now seems scared of competition that will be centrally located in Georgetown and will offer services, capacity and accommodations under the internationally recognizable name and with the high quality associated with the Marriott brand.
The Government in its various Press Releases has stated that the Marriott project is being developed as a public-private partnership and that it will be operated primarily by the private sector.  The Government had also previously announced that various interested investors are willing to partner with the Government on this project.  Amongst these, Zublin Grenada, was announced in June as one of the prospective investors and remains keenly interested.
Despite the opinion expressed by critics, Atlantic Hotel Inc., the owner of the Georgetown Marriott hotel and entertainment complex, will not benefit from “relaxed rules of operations” nor will it be granted any special concessions outside of the fiscal regime that is currently in the law and promoted by the Guyana Office for Investment.
Details of prior advertisements and project progress have been announced by Government from time to time.  Currently, advertisements for the pre-qualifications of contractors for the project are in the media both locally and overseas.
It is also well known that Mr. Badal’s track record in terms of corporate governance is questionable at best. People would remember how evasive and defensive Mr. Badal became when probing questions were raised about the related party transactions between Guyana Stockfeeds Inc. and Mr. Badal’s related companies.
If Guyana is going to continue to expand its tourism sector, it needs branded hotels and more airlines.  The Government has been making progress in these respects.  To those detractors from the progress, Government suggests they instead focus on improving their product rather than criticizing new competing investments that will improve the sector and lead to an expansion of its tourism and hospitality sector.