Dear Editor,
I looked at the interview of VP Jagdeo by VICE News with keen interest. The allegation, damning as it is, along with its possible inherent implications, must and has undoubtedly caused grave concerns to our citizens. Back in 2016, my company engaged with Mr. Anthony Mallows, an eminently qualified and experienced professional in the field of Architecture & City Planning, to develop a sustainable and viable concept for a planned transformational development my company was undertaking. Back then Mr. Mallows was the Executive Director and led the development team of Masdar City in Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates (UAE). For those unaware, Masdar City is wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government’s Mubadla Investment Company. Together with Anthony and other experts on our team, we developed a concept for our own private property, but did not stop there. It was obvious to us that Stabroek was the city’s hub, most prominent and historical place, and within which the seat of People’s Power, Parliament, was situated. In our considered opinion, it possessed the prerequisites, meaning physical, geographical, commercial, pedestrian, and other relative characteristics, that distinguishes it from any other part of the Capital City. In fact, we have no doubt that the area has the potential to become to Guyana that what Times Square is to New York City.
It was evident that there existed a critical need for redevelopment of the area to address its ever expanding woes. This need was recognised by Government and the Municipality also, hence the studies initiated at significant costs, to provide solutions. Utilising our team’s expertise, vast global experience, and proven track record, and incorporating and amalgamating the most practicable and comprehensive recommendations from the studies with ours, we meticulously designed and prepared a redevelopment master plan for this important district of the Capital City, at my company’s sole expense. The evolved Masterplan distinctly identifies the worrisome issues and offered realistic and practical solutions that can be tailored to solve the Stabroek conundrum.
To share the vision and advance the cause, we wrote then President Granger on two occasions. We wrote to and met several of his most senior Ministers, we even brought the Consultancy team to Guyana for additional meetings to hear Government’s views, and to address and incorporate any changes it desired. After refining and finalising the concept, with their input, we made numerous requests for the opportunity to do a presentation of the Masterplan to Cabinet unsuccessfully. Additionally, we shared the vision with the UK High Commission, the European Investment Bank, International Finance Corporation, (private sector arm of the World Bank), the Mayor & Councillors of Georgetown, and made full presentations to the United States Embassy in George-town and the IDB Invest (member of the Inter-American Development Bank Group), AMCHAM, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce.
As is imaginable, a huge amount of resources comprising of intellectual, financial and time was expended in the years leading to the completion of the Masterplan. The final numbers would be shocking were we to ascribe a dollar value to all the efforts and endeavours we made to advance this most worthwhile plan. We were extremely frustrated but remained undaunted. On August 08, 2020 I wrote Vice President Jagdeo for the first time and provided details of our vision and plan and requested a meeting which he granted. On August 31, 2020, we met at his office. After presenting our vision and plan which he listened to carefully, he then asked several scrutinizing and searching questions – ranging from economics, finance, and capacity among others, as can be expected from a two-time former President. He advised that a full proposal has be submitted to the appropriate agency for consideration as the first step.
He made several crystal clear comments that his government wants development to happen and will facilitate it, it will always support Guyanese Businesses. He advised that the proposal must be sound and feasible, financial, and otherwise, that there will be a level playing field for all to compete, and he will assist to fast-track investments that his Government considers worthy. Then came the caveats: employment and training of Guyanese is paramount, Guyanese must benefit from the development that happens. Editor, in these hard economic times it is important that decision on investments be made timely as every country is competing for investors and investments. From my meeting and interaction with the Vice President, I can see his drive and determination to fast-track development. It was obvious he wanted to assist and move viable projects forward.
Sincerely,
Oncar Ramroop
Chief Executive Officer
Ramroop’s Investments Inc.
