Please not Del Conte

May 31, 2013 Letters

Dear Editor,
For the second time I noticed that the government is talking about reviving or reopening the Del Conte Road. It is clear that the government is saturated with its own propaganda, and also confident that all of us have short memories.
The so called Del Conte Road was the source of a major scandal in our country, as a result of the PPP Government 1961 – 1964, contracting a Venezuelan firm, Grupa Del Conte, to build a road in the Essequibo. Recall the firm was believed to have certain ideological links – also at a time when Venezuela still had claims to a part of the Essequibo Region. Large sums were paid from state coffers, and not one square yard of road was built.
The then opposition exposed this apparent corrupt transaction at home and abroad. One would have thought that this PPP Government, Ministers and officials, would be aware of this disgraceful episode, and not even mention the name Del Conte.
In reference to the road they should have simply identified where it should begin and where it should end. They should also educate the population as to what communities it would link and benefit.
I can only assume that some of the Ministers who were either infants or not born at that time have no knowledge of the Del Conte Road saga. If I were them, from the President right down, I would avoid using the term Del Conte. The operatives at NCN and GINA should do some research. I would like to hear what advice they would offer.
Why the President fails to seek advice from some old hands is a serious weakness.
Uhlan Leander

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