ONCE the political opposition and its affiliates are prepared to nit pick on the issue of the Marriot Hotel construction, such nebulous statements as Mr. Christopher Ram’s “Marriot is a complete sell out” will continue to adorn the headline pages of the Kaieteur News. It is well known that in contracts of the magnitude of the Marriot, concessions are made in the spirit of give and take. The major feature in this contract, it seems, is that Guyana sought a reduction in building costs from the Chinese builders, who in return assented, on condition that they be allowed to determine the hiring of construction staff. This was only fair, since it meant a profit reduction for the Chinese contractors. If there were tax concessions, also in favour of the Chinese, as alleged by Ram, then such is also part of the arrangements governing projects undertaken by foreign firms. Ram, who definitely is on the side of partisan interests, must be reminded of the larger picture of the many future, economic and other  benefits that will undoubtedly accrue to the nation in terms of attracting visitors to what would be Guyana’s first brand name hotel.
 It is all the more inexplicable that such negatives surrounding the building of a Marriot service in this nation has gained such frenzied currency, against the background of Guyana seeking to attract visitors from across the continents. To do so, there has to be a genuine five-star service of a consistent excellent standard. And how this is a selling out of the national interests, as Ram has contends, is difficult to comprehended against such a rationale.
And whoever says that the Pegasus must continue to be the only hotel of international repute in this country? This seems to be the clear sentiment, even demand, of the arguments from Mr. Robert Badal, owner of the Pegasus, and friends like Ram. Such, is not only a grave absurdity, but also an insult to the rules governing competition in a market driven society, as Guyana has become. It also lays bare the ugly depths of partiality to which Ram and company have descended, and the further contradictions of the lot that pretend to represent the interests of the workers.
Again, none of these yelling voices/representatives ever did protest against Badal’s union busting. It must be highlighted that such an action on the part of Badal, is designed primarily for his personal gain, while the building of the Marriot is for the future socio-economic benefit of the nation.