Different day, different name, same story

May 13, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
As if the Synergy disaster is not enough, here comes another man/group with a bag and expecting a carpet to be rolled out in welcome.
He will tell Guyanese that he has their interests foremost; that is what he told the good people of Grenada.
He will get the local political big shots and the errand boys from NICIL and GO-Invest to drool all over Guyanese about foreign investments and job creation and development.
But let no one be mistaken, this man is out for himself first, second, and last.
This has been the mantra of the locals; now they are putting their heads together to come up with a convincing story to sell to the public.
His name is Mr. Dick Van Dijk, and he is the Chief Executive Officer of Zublin Grenada. Remember that name well, for it will soon be part of Guyanese lore.
One of his associates is Mr. Winston White and together they visited Guyana and met with the Attorney General and Mr. Winston Brassington.
The Attorney General said that his meeting with Mr. White was in a private capacity. He also said that during that meeting Mr. Brassington was never there.
The indications are that these people and their companies have been creating some waves in Grenada, enticing the politicians with impressive sounding sums of money to be plunked down into the local economy.
But there is a catch. There always is. In fact, there are several catches that these sharply smart people have laced into their proposal.
There is some good faith money and actions that the Grenadians must deliver to get the foreigners on board.
Sounds like one of those street games involving three cards or guessing where something is under a particular coconut shell.
There has to be a lease for 99 years –shows that the man is dead serious. But that allows you to rob a country and its peoples long after you are dead.
And to the gullible locals are promised the latest in casino technology; they might even get to roll a dice or too on board a cruise ship if they behave themselves and keep quiet.
They should not expect anything in the way of trickle down hard tourist spending and currency, as the action will not reach their streets and taxis and shops.
However, they could expect the host of social ills, and cleaning up after the invaders depart.
Beaches being privatised, a concept which is dear and expensive to our hearts, restrictions placed on locals, widespread relocation of natives, corruption of politicians and bureaucrats, gambling, prostitution and the works.
This is just some of what Zublin has promised to share with the good people of Grenada. They should be happy for this is Carnival in May and Mass in the streets of St George’s.
Guyanese better pay attention for this is what is coming soon to Kingston, compliments of the PPP government.
Gambling for foreigners in Providence will now be enhanced by more facilities for gamblers and con artists and hustlers in the capital itself. More sewage to be diverted by NICIL, with money not spent on synergy.
The government is getting ready to sell this cathedral of cards and sin to an overwhelmed public. Like in Grenada, our Promenade may be part of the package.
As usual, there will be lots of promises, large figures, and larger chips and chaps thrown around.
But a careful look behind the roses will be sure to reveal that there is neither rainbow nor gold for Guyana.
Just one more character who cannot make inroads with the sheiks and their dollars, now trying to mesmerize us the dumb Caribbean people with their fast talk and slick ways.
NICIL is already sold and raring to go. Here comes the synergistic in action again. Different day, different name, same story.
Except that in this case it is not clear who is the salesman – Winston or Dick.
Michael Anthony

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