GCCI urges independent, international inquiry into hydropower project

Jul 28, 2013 News

…Ramotar says no

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Mr. Clinton Urling has urged the government to have an international body examine and analyze the controversial Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project.
He made the appeal at the opening of the Ninth Annual Berbice Expo and Trade Fair Friday evening at Albion, Corentyne. But President Donald Ramotar has said no to such an activity. It would only be a time-waster, he added.

President Donald Ramotar

It is the only way, according to Urling, in which the stalemate between the Government and Opposition can end.
Urling said that if the opposition parties do not have confidence in all the presentations and studies done so far that shows the viability and feasibility of the Amaila Falls Project, it is suggestible that President Ramotar “appoint an independent and credible international firm which will be acceptable to both government and opposition so that a speedy inquiry and assessment of the project could be done.”
He believes that this will settle the issue once and for all, and “ensure there is national buy- in.”
“I believe it is a small price to pay to end the current stalemate that surrounds the project.”
Improving Guyana’s competitiveness also means lowering electricity costs. “Our firms simply cannot compete globally with the high costs of electricity, hence our unequivocal support in the private sector for GPL Modernization project and Amaila Falls Hydro Project….our policymakers must put aside differences and band together for the completion of this national developmental project.”
“Critics of the project say that the project is shrouded in secrecy, they seem to have insufficient information to pronounce on the demerits of the project.”
“If you genuinely believe that the project is sound, you should support it without conditions; and if you believe it is flawed, oppose it.”
Ulring said, too, that the time has come for businesses in Guyana to come forward and promote more exhibitions.
For too long the Guyana business sector has wittingly taken a back seat in promoting expos and exhibitions…”The common lament and carping is that the private sector is in its embryonic stage; that it is inadequately recognized, unappreciated and not empowered, thus incapable of taking the lead in organizing major trade and industry exhibitions.”
Urling debunked those “notions.” He did state that GO- INVEST and Government retain their primary roles “in galvanizing and catalyzing expos of different types to promote exports and showcase domestic market capacities and products.”
Urling commended the Central Corentyne Chambers of Commerce (CCCC). The Berbice Expo “offers a unique opportunity for businesses to showcase products and services that stand the test of domestic and international acceptance and competitiveness,” he said.
He added that the Berbice Expo is the event that is poised to spur trade that is so crucial in leveraging Guyana’s economic growth. “I could not hope for anything more apt and transformational than this path- breaking event…”
The GCCI President commended the Ministry of Tourism for collaborating with the Guyana Manufacturers’ and Services’ Association (GMSA) for hosting the Guyana Expo which is going to be held later this year.
Urling said that a threatening political environment which Guyana has been experiencing over the past seven years has been affecting businesses here. He urged both government and opposition to continue to dialogue on issues that have significant national implications and arrive at positions that are in the best interest in Guyana. (Leon Suseran)