Other hotels should be given same concessions Marriot got

Dec 15, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
I am reading with great interest the revelations in bits and pieces regarding the various audit reports of State agencies and projects undertaken by the previous regime. Some are more eye-opening than others. I can see a picture being painted, and soon I expect the artist to make the great reveal. The ‘controversial’ Marriot is being featured of late with some damning reports relating to 100% tax and duty waivers afforded to the principals of the Hotel in construction and furnishing etc. This would have obviously been to the disadvantage of other similar developmental start-up projects and ought never to have happened when it comes to creating a level playing field for investors in the hotel and hospitality sector.
Notwithstanding, we have the Marriot now with us. I am seeing calls for it to be sold. I do not agree. I have visited the hotel on more than one occasion and I am pleased to report that it offers one of the best atmospheres in Guyana, from dining (though to a limited menu) to just simply taking a relaxing drink. I have been told by friends who have stayed there that it is comparable to any classy hotel they have stayed at in North America. The staff are so warm, accommodating and obviously well trained. I have searched my soul to say that the other ‘classy’ hotel we have in Guyana, offers a similar atmosphere, but sadly, I cannot.
I don’t know the mechanics of ownership of the hotel, but I ask that all steps be taken to ensure its viability. We need a hotel like the Marriot in Guyana. However it was brought to our shores, I am sure our leaders will appreciate the necessity of keeping it. May I also suggest that one way of ‘making things right’ by the other hotels and industries who did not benefit from the 100% waivers during the time the Marriot was being built, is to now offer them incentives (with strict monitoring) which may translate into a retroactive benefit, but only for the period the Marriot benefited. I am sure this information could easily be obtained from the GRA.
Fitzroy McKenzie

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