MS Ferguson-Again; locked out, shut down
Since the May 26, 1966 declaration of “independence” successive governments, determined to woo foreign investors, seemingly liked the popular usage “Guyana is open for business.”
And, as with other less-than-successful developmental gambits, that expression, invitation, declaration has, obviously, never lived up to its promise to both foreigners and locals. Just a few months ago a returning Guyanese couple who recently opened a restaurant in Georgetown recounted the frustrations of delay, red-tape and humbugs that came close to influencing them to abandon their dream.
One week ago it was America’s activist ambassador to Georgetown who sought to remind all of the local investment bottlenecks as she outlined just how investment potential here could be unlocked. After dilatory decades.
I submit that just a bit of basic context is necessary. Early organized societies fashioned laws, rules, and regulations to ensure that supreme rulers would be safely guaranteed their perpetual authority over their subjects—whether, slaves, servants or citizens. Later decrees, edicts, and constitutions were created to ensure some degree of lawful order and organized control. Sometimes ostensibly in society’s developmental interests. The rule of law sustained conditions for our greater good, it is always contended.
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Business, Investment: Legally, Quickly
To purchase land and to construct an appropriate building to establish a bakery, a restaurant, a school, an agro-factory or a medical clinic, the investor, his lawyers and advisers will face multiple challenges here. Not all are found to be necessary.
About a month ago media reports featured an American expert, Arthur Deakin, warning that “A culture of bribes, patronage and nepotism is the greatest danger to both Guyana and Suriname” regarding imminent oil-wealth equitable distribution.
At first I was a bit offended by thus “foreigner’s” observations. But Frankly Speaking the truth tends to hurt.
Ms Lyuch, Georgetown’s US Ambassador, reminded of our investment – bottlenecks: lengthy timelines for permits, uncertain approval processes, and concerns about procurement procedures even when submission guidelines are followed scrupulously. And that’s just a limited sampling of potentials woes.
Go-Invest – now styled “G-Invest”- the Guyana office for foreign and local investment- has once again promised to fulfil its “mission”: to cut bureaucratic red tape encourage ease of business. Noble objectives but realities here still include slothfulness to obtain permits for construction, for registrations, for health certificates, etcetera, etcetera.
As I conclude, for now, I challenge young journalists to investigate the procedures employed by G-Invest. And find out how many ministers, and agencies have to be approached to establish a restaurant somewhere. (why? And how long?)
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First people month- Heritage, reality
For strange reasons, I’ve always avoided comment regarding September’s “Amerindian Heritage Month” in Guyana. And that’s not withstanding the fact that around 1972/1973, I had to do substantial research to write a colouring supplementary reader titled “they came from Asia”. To be followed much later by friendly debates and conversations with the late knowledgeable Dr Desrey Fox – an anthropologist taken from us much too soon.
I’m no fan of the description “Amerindian”. It is used here as a result of a geographical and linguistic mistake. I prefer first people (though a fellow from ACDA disputes even that!) Our first people are descended from the group Mongoloid, who along with Africoid and Caucasoid, all originated in Africa. Then it was from Mongolia to “Guyana”.
As I note all the statement and pledges regarding “Amerindian” presence, contributions and existence this month, I merely present our youth with these quiz questions:
Where did our First People come from?
How did they get here?
How many tribes or nations exist here now? Where?
And if there is need to “preserve” First People culture, history, language and contributions, how could their modern-day lifestyles be accommodated?
Have a month of reflection.
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My Ferguson – and the shutdowns, the lockouts
Last week I indicated my admiration – conditional – for the feisty female “coalition” politician – MP Anette Ferguson. Well she was at it again this past Tuesday in the print media.
And it was the type of political “opposition” I favour. Pointed, intrusive questions she asked regarding contracts just awarded for works at the never-ending CJIA airport project. (Seemingly with inside knowledge from colleague Patterson.) Way to go! Hail Annette! Now answers please, Bishop Minister.
By the way, how did the Linden PNC- friendly dudes get the Private Sector stores to shut down on Monday? Government agencies too? And the government is following most of the world in being (necessary?) heavy-handed with its lockouts. Question: will loss-of pay follow lock-outs? Ready-made for “politics”. Not so?
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Invitation to ponder…
● 1) Twenty years after September 11, 2001, five arrest terrorists are now on trial for the thousands of New York Twin – Tower murders. How they must love American justice. Lawyers provided! Is that possible in Afghanistan? Shudi Aradia? Iran?
● 2) And the so-called local “Ponzi schemers” must also appreciate Guyanese justice. Scores of charges over months as those allegedly conned must wait.
● 3) What really happened with the everlasting airport project during the coalition’s five years?
● 3b) Political academic David Hinds—from Buxton and Tempe, Arizona, USA—just wrote that he “is active on the opposition side” and that “half the population does not believe the (PPP) government is legitimate.” Wow! Poll conducted? Ho-Ho-Ho
● 4) “Yesterday’s Rebels, Today’s Statesemen”. Look how the world might regard the terrorist Taliban “government” now. Beheadings, rapes, executions, disdain for education women notwithstanding!
● 5) Hearty congratulations – amidst strife – to our bodybuilders and young Robotics team who all just won international titles.
Til next week!
(allanafenty @yahoo.com)
