Beware of Greeks bearing gifts

Feb 27, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

Guyana’s leaders have made it clear that the country is open for business. It was President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who personally laid out the carpet during his featured address to mark the opening of the historical, dubbed “never-before-seen” Oil and Gas confabulation and exposition in the nation’s capital, Georgetown, last week, in full view and earshot of diplomats, local and international business owners and representatives.
He said that Guyana welcomes capital, but it must come at the “right price”, stressing that the country will negotiate vehemently. “Come with your best proposals,” he said to applause. (Stabroek News, 16-02-2022) As a citizen, I expected nothing less from our respected leader.
Within 12 hours of his open invitation, the nation saw the inking of several MoUs between local and international companies, and indeed, this is a welcomed development. We should be proud that international companies want to be part of our exciting journey.
This small South American nation is now a honey pot, and it will undoubtedly attract characters in all shapes, forms and with differing motives. Therefore, a welcoming hand must also be a cautious one. Companies led by both reputable and questionable characters are now gearing up to tap into our juicy veins, but who is checking both recognised and fly-by-night firms that are now emerging out of the woodwork? Now would be the time for the powers that be to make that revelation, in keeping with the government’s theme of “strengthened transparency and accountability”.
Names of potential investors must be communicated via the requisite lines for public feedback. I strongly believe this is necessary given that Guyana has in the past been used and discarded like last night’s chutney. Lessons from the Bai Shan-Lin debacle, the Vaitarna renege, the Ponzi Scheme explosion and the Smart City Parking Meter embarrassment should be sufficiently illustrative that the world of business is not void of miscreants. Furthermore, citizenry involvement in the vetting process could see points going to the Ali-led regime.
Guyanese, to whom this oil belongs, must be part of any process that welcomes outsiders to extract or support the extraction of our cherished, highly sought-after resource. Indeed, Guyana’s people cannot develop the sector without outside help, but we deserve to know who we’re welcoming into our land and that they come with good intentions.
“Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes.”

Yours truly,
Observer

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