THE Alliance for Change’s (AFC’s) opposition to several local development projects is based on its desire to stymie the country’s development and protect its special interests.

Among the development projects that have been met with hostility from the AFC are the Marriott Hotel Project, the Hope Canal, expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, construction of a the specialty hospital, and the Amaila Falls Hydro Project.
The Guyana Chronicle has learnt that the AFC’s lobby to halt the Marriot Hotel Project is to protect the interest of a hotel owner and avid financial supporter of the AFC, Robert Badal. According to sources, Badal, proprietor of the Pegasus, has contributed significantly to the AFC’s 2011 elections campaign. In turn, the party has become a lobbyist for Badal, its major financial supporter. The source also noted that the AFC’s criticisms of the Marriott project mirror those expressed earlier by Badal.
In November 2011, the sod was turned for the US $52M hotel, which will lift hotel services in Guyana to world-class standards with its 197 rooms, large ballroom, conference centre, casino, nightclub, restaurant, and other modern amenities of a top-rate hotel. The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is investing US$21M. However, the investment has been met with vehement criticisms from the political opposition in Guyana, with AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan tabling a motion to halt further government expenditure on the Marriott Hotel Project. The combined parliamentary opposition used its one-seat majority to pass the motion on December 12, blocking the investment.
Among the major objections to the hotel being built here that the AFC and Badal have put forward is that it is not feasible, but neither the party nor the businessman have provided evidence to substantiate these claims. On the other hand, the private sector, as a collective body, has signalled its support for the project, noting that it holds tremendous ripple effects for Guyana. Back in August, the Private Sector issued a statement acknowledging the positive impact an international brand such as Marriot would have on the country, and outward linkages that could result.