Dear Editor,
I have observed with interest our President making certain statements about Le Meridien Pegasus.
I have condemned the casino gambling plans through the Guyana Islamic Forum. To me personally, it seems the whole procedure of consultations was designed to pull wool over our eyes as there is nothing we as religious people or as Guyanese can do, the dye has been cast (infrastructure already laid, decision taken). But to give only new hotels the opportunity seems unfair and, I advise, it could appear suspicious.
Obviously, sidelining other international hotels seems very unjust. If the government permits casino gambling for some international hotels for foreign guests, it should be open to all such hotels, once the criteria are met.
The Pegasus is a foreign entity yes, but we are a free market economy, we allow foreign investments, and they excel because they are market driven and success-oriented, and their shareholders want their returns. Look at the many suspect Guyanese involved in all kinds of illicit trade, being treated as heroes, and the sudden huge investments. No one would or should undertake major investments unless they had the resources, be it cash or credit. We must be careful here. People are watching and talking.
I am no spin doctor for Le Meridien Pegasus, but I like to be a free thinking and liberated Guyanese and hence, I like to state what I see as objectionable or biased or what is right and good. A true democracy demands this. Where were the new boys when only Pegasus existed to showcase Guyana, and only they had the facility and capacity to host international conferences, and house international delegates and heads of state, and such VIPs?
Yours faithfully,
Roshan Khan
