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A STORM IN A TEACUP

Oct 16, 2008 Editorial

Freedom of expression and freedom of association are two rights enshrined in our constitution and given expressed protection by the highest law of the land.
The right of agencies and persons to form themselves into representative grouping and the concomitant right to express their own positions as long as these do not violate the rights of others, fall under the general rubric of freedom of association and freedom of expression.
If therefore there is a grouping within the tourism and hospitality sector that wishes to form an independent association, this is a right which must be respected. Theoretically, the more groupings, the better it will be for the sector.
However, given Guyana’s fragile and embryonic tourist sector, it would be much better if the formation of such groupings does not cause a rift within the sector, which today faces daunting challenges.
It would be much better if instead of dividing the limited resources available at this time that there is one central attempt to boost the local tourism product.
Guyana’s tourism product is not as competitive as many think and therefore we need to be working together to try to improve its competitiveness.
These mini-fights that are developing are totally unnecessary and can only adversely affect the image of our tourist industry which is still struggling to take-off.
It is significant that at the centre of the storm in the teacup, which has arisen over the intended formation of the new grouping, is the decision of the Guyana Tourism Authority to launch its own magazine to promote tourism in Guyana.
The convergence of these two developments – the intimation of a new grouping and the proposal for a rival magazine – can undermine the work of those who are trying very hard to have a coordinated approach to the development of tourism in Guyana.
Why the Guyana Tourism Authority has seen it fit to want to publish a new magazine requires much more justification than the need for a new association.
At the core of the problem which is now developing may be the need to have a new magazine published when clearly this will split critical advertising resources and resource material on the tourism sector which, after all, is not infinite given Guyana’s limited tourism product.
The Guyana Tourism Authority needs therefore to explain the need for a new publication at this time. In so doing, it may be helpful if that body indicates just who it plans to approach to undertake the printing since this may be helpful in explaining the problems developing at the moment.
We believe that there are matured and seasoned persons within the tourism industry. We believe that Government should, as much as possible, try to offer assistance in unifying the sector and achieving coordinated responses to the many challenges faced.
We have a great many serious issues to be addressed in this country than having to add yet another to the long list. The imbroglio that has developed is totally unnecessary and unhelpful at this time.
However, it is not likely to blow over as other problems sometimes do. The ultimate solution has to be found in dialogue involving the various stakeholders, most of whom are seriously interested in the country’s development and willing to work to ensure that differences are respected and do not become a source of division and disunity.

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