THERE is an ongoing discussion, oftentimes open warfare, in the press concerning Chinese labour and expertise in the building of the Marriott Hotel in Guyana. The discussion has taken a turn for the worst as the charlatans and haters of the PPP/C government have gone on the offensive to peddle their lies and innuendoes as to the motive behind the Chinese sole dependence on their labour force and none of our local people.
These clowns, through the media that afford them the opportunity, are casting blame on the government and, in particular, former President Jagdeo for selling out our sovereignty to the

Chinese.
This is furthest from the truth. The Chinese have always maintained that policy of utilising their technology and labour force wherever they conduct business whether it be in Africa, Asia, The Caribbean or even in the United States. This is standard practice.

Ever since the Chinese attained superpower status they have carried out that form of policy framework. Wherever they go they stake out that turf of only hiring their workers on major building projects, especially when they are the major financiers in those projects.
Probably that is why they are so successful. So why should Guyana be different? When the hotel is completed it would be staffed and operated by Guyanese; so what’s the problem? The problem is with the opposition, who has nothing constructive to do with their time but to babble nonsense.
Let me pose this question which will sober them up:could the haters enlighten us where in the world Chinese construction is being conducted and local labour is utilised? Where can we find this place? The point is there is none. So trying to fool the people that there is some ulterior motive behind the Marriott construction is utter rubbish.
What I think they should be worried about and that is my problem also, that is, to make out a case as to the benefits to be accrued from Chinese help altogether. That I am more inclined to entertain. China has been amassing great wealth in their business strategies worldwide and I will take Africa as a case study. When you look at the way these people have taken over Africa it’s simply phenomenal. They are all over Africa with their cheap technology which is very successful there. And the Chinese brag about their developmental work there. But I take the line of argument where there was no investment in Africa, then, when there is investment, any investment, it becomes significant.
If Africans were starving yesterday, when the Chinese came today with bread that was taken out of the garbage then, they have bread today which makes the Chinese “God sent.”