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Has GT&T endorsed a political candidate?

May 04, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
A few weekends ago, I was invited to the GT&T 10-10 cricket finals at the Providence Stadium.  That event was my first visit to Providence Stadium or to a cricket match for that matter, since I live in the United States and was in Guyana for a short visit.
I was very impressed, not only by the male and female talent on the field and by the stadium packed with over 15,000 fans but also by the classy nature of the production.  It was obvious that GT&T invested heavily in such an outstanding presentation.
My concern, though, is with the portion of the presentation which allowed President Jagdeo and Mr Ramotar, who was not yet a “Presidential advisor”, a significant portion of time to walk around the stadium meeting guests and taking part in the festivities with the notable absence of any opposition representatives in the arena.
That President Jagdeo presided was not surprising on its face. He is, after all, the President of the country and like any good politician would not miss an opportunity to associate himself with such an impressive presentation.
The real issue though, was the presentation of Mr Ramotar to the public shortly after the public announcement of his candidacy for the Presidency.  The association of Mr Ramotar’s presence aided by President Jagdeo’s very public participation served as an implicit introduction, endorsement and encouragement of support for Mr Ramotar.
To a public relations juggernaut like GT&T, such an association could not have gone un-noticed.
The questions which came to my mind include: Is there an implicit endorsement of Mr Ramotar by GT&T?  If not, then why was he allowed to participate in the festivities without a parallel invitation to representatives of the opposition?
Were Mr Granger or Mr Ramjattan invited to that very public and impressive event?  If not, why not?
There continues to be speculation in Guyana that certain sporting or organizational bodies do not garner sponsorship support of major Guyanese Corporations if they happen to fall on the wrong side of the government.  These same organizations, however, continue to benefit from the public support of all consumers in Guyana regardless of race or party affiliation.
The practice of openly associating or endorsing any one political candidate over another is a dangerous road for corporations to venture
down and they do so at the risk of their own peril.
I therefore urge Chief Executive Officer Yog Mahadeo, Atlantic Tele-Network and all other Guyanese business leaders, to be very aware of the potential consequences of the public perception of their open endorsement of any political candidate.
In Guyana where the markets are small and where the competition is fierce for consumers, an ill advised association can have a major negative financial impact if it becomes an issue to the constituency of any party in this election year.  What if; for example, PNCR supporters decided to move their business to Digicel for one month in response to the perception of GT&T partiality at that event?  What if for two months?
The point is that smart business people know that they should stay out of politics and any partisan public appearances.
Further if giving financially; they would be smart to give to both parties, even if in proportion to the party’s chance of victory.  Business people who make the decision to contribute financially only to one party are taking the fools bet that their candidate has a 100 per cent chance of victory.  They do so at the risk of their own peril.
Kempton Wilson

GT&T responds
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
I thank Kempton for his letter and words of advice.  We are very cognizant of our role as a premier company in Guyana that seeks to work diligently toward improving our service to all Guyanese.
I am happy to say that our invitations were sent across the spectrum of political, social and diplomatic personnel. We had asked the President to officiate at the finals and were happy that he agreed. The President’s party was/is His Excellency’s prerogative.
Editor, we do not engage in any politics.
Yog Mahadeo
Chief Executive Officer
GT&T

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