Dear Editor,
CAPTAIN Gerry Gouveia of the Roraima Airways, in a letter captioned ‘Show the evidence that E.F. Correia contributed significantly to aviation development in Guyana’, speaks volumes.Apart from lacking information — such as the current market share of the various operators out of Ogle Airport in the domestic passenger and cargo transport, as well as international market share, and how this market share could/would be adversely affected with the name change — the letter simply restates that the E.F. Correia name would give undue advantage to the Correia Group.

The statement has no scientific basis or empirical support, just the opinion and say-so of Gouviea.
For this reason, I would not further engage the aviation mogul on his branding claim, as it is difficult to engage anyone who relies on opinion, and not facts. But I do take umbrage at Gouveia’s disrespectful utterances against HE President David A. Granger.

Capt. Gouveia’s letter states that he “is not an easy believer in coincidence; the coincidence of the Correias being a major shareholder and the airport being renamed Correia baffles my mind”.

If it is not coincidence, then is he saying there was some conspiracy which involved the President himself?

He sarcastically comments on who was the initiator of renaming Ogle Airport, noting that he was told that it came from the President. So what is the point? The President is not a lap-dog of anyone, including Gouveia; and I am sure his decision is based on input and careful thought. Moreover, Gouveia’s conspiracy theory is reckless, and unless he is seized with hard, solid evidence to support his views, he should publicly apologise.

It is one thing to pout, throw tantrums and complain; it is another thing to accuse President Granger of conspiring with Gouveia’s competitors to reduce the market share of Gouveia and others. This is very serious stuff, and all right-thinking persons must object to such scandalous outpourings.

Gouveia’s personal attack on E.F. Correia’s worthiness can best be answered by the Government and the relatives of the late gentleman.

What is noted in Gouveia’s letter is a litany of charges levelled at the Correia Group for anti-competitive and other behaviours. Their attorneys would be best able to deal with such issues. I am concerned about the outrageous and disrespectful statements of Capt. Gouveia against President Granger, including claims of undemocratic behaviour. I have never seen or read anywhere — maybe I missed it — where Gouveia ever called or labelled Presidents Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Sam Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo or Donald Ramotar undemocratic.

Gouveia’s statements are political, not business; unless he is confusing the two, and cannot distinguish their differences.
Yours sincerely,
JEROME KHAN