China’s modus operandi around the world mirrors events in Guyana – Pt. 2… Guyana dodged a bullet with deep water harbour
Aug 06, 2017 , http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....-deep-water-harbour/
INTRODUCTION
As we continue to highlight China’s modus operandi around the world, the focus this week will be on Sri Lanka’s Deep Sea Port and the Deep Water Harbour that was proposed to be constructed in Guyana.
A key characteristic of China highlighted in our research is that the country does nothing for nothing. Every project that the Chinese engage in only benefits their country. China always looks out for itself.
However, the superpower often manages to convince politicians around the world otherwise. The Deep Sea project – the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port in Hambantota, Sri Lanka – is one that highlights China’s true colours.
One of Sri Lanka’s biggest debts to China came from the construction of that Port.
China has been setting up outposts in the Indian Ocean as part of a broader strategy to secure the passage of Middle East oil through the Strait of Malacca and to counter American naval hegemony in the region. (Link here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/p...a-port/#969449e11680)
This, from all indications, seems to be the real reason China wanted Sri Lanka to build the US$1.2B Port. While masking its real intention, China convinced former President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa that the port will be a hub for Asia and generate much revenue, enough to cover the cost and even bring profits.
However, Forbes Magazine reported that without an accompanying industrial zone or other local businesses to drive demand, the Port struggled to attract ships and cargo volumes. The port has bled more than US$200 million from Sri Lanka’s Treasury, and brought much strain on the people of Sri Lanka.
When the project failed in its original purpose, like a pet waiting for its food to drop, China quickly stepped in and took over the port. China now officially owns the port. This gave them total control of the facility. China now has its own security at the Port. What does this mean? China has established a permanent settlement in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka now has no say in operating in its own jurisdiction. https://www.forbes.com/sites/p...a-port/#12989e281168.
So, essentially, Sri Lanka shouldered the bill for China’s ambitious Indian Ocean grand plans.
Violent protests broke out in Sri Lanka after the government announced a deal for China to own and fully operate the port and build a massive industrial zone.
A stroke of luck and a series of reports done by this newspaper allowed Guyana to dodge the same bullet that wounded Sri Lanka, with regard to the deep-sea port at the mouth of the Berbice River.
Guyana almost went ahead with a deepwater harbour with China under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. It was proposed to be constructed at the mouth of the Berbice River. But there was much objection and the project was stalled.
In 2015, just before General and Regional elections, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic administration announced that a feasibility study for the project was underway.
Just like the port in Sri Lanka, India has an interest in having a port in Guyana. Do the two countries see something our politicians do not see?
Interestingly, President David Granger is on record saying that Guyana may still go ahead with the harbour as soon as funding becomes available.
RECAP
Two weeks ago, this newspaper focused on the glaring similarities between the China- built and inflated Sri Lanka Airport and the ongoing CJIA modernization project.
Sri Lanka had been tricked by China into building a second international airport. Sri Lanka was told that it would serve as a hub for Asian airlines and would generate much revenue for the island.
Much to that nation’s dismay, the airport has become nothing but a liability. It has been labeled the world’s emptiest airport. It cannot even sustain itself, the staff has nothing to do and Sri Lanka is left with a big debt to service.
The building of the airport has been labeled by Forbes Magazine as a highly corrupt venture.
Guyana has been fed a similar story. Guyana was told by none other than former President Bharrat Jagdeo that a bigger airport will serve as a hub for Africa. China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) – the same company that built Sri Lanka’s airport – is doing our upgrade. Sri Lanka’s funding for the project came as a loan from China, so did Guyana’s.
Would Guyana’s new airport become the hub that China and Jagdeo promised to increase revenue in order to service the loan or will it suffer the same fate as Sri Lanka’s?
To be continued…
