TALKERS TALK--DOERS DO!

The talkers in the AFC/PNC were bawling and screaming that the Marriot will destroy other hotels in Guyana.

The DOERS disagree---they are investing in the tourism sector in Guyana.

Rev

20 years and the tourism sector lags...more hot methane from Rev AL. 

CHECK OUT MBC's GUYANA MISSIONS TRIP 2012

Adventurers are longing to visit the new tourism hot spot--Guyana.

Rev

My cousin in Suriname was into tourism since the 80's. Since then Suriname has had massive growth in that sector.

But Guyana has a long way to go before the tourists will dare venturing out in numbers. They'll get robbed if they are outside the safety of their hotels after 6PM. They'll get robbed the moment they pull out their fat wallet to pay for something in the market or a bar. And they'll get robbed and killed if they got jewellery on them.It does not matter if you are an innocent tourist or a hardcore criminal visiting Guyana for business. You'll still get robbed and killed if the chance arises. The locals are that poor.

TOURISTS TO THE NEW HOT SPOT ARE EXPLORING THE GREAT INTERIOR OF GUYANA--90% OF GUYANESE HAVE NEVER SEEN THE INTERIOR--BUT ECO TOURISTS ARE FASCINATED---check out the video

TK:

You are a talker not a doer--you therefore lack the vision and the foresight to see where the Guyana tourism sector is headed---keep your head buried in the sand while the doers are taking Guyana forward.

Now, check out this video of a tourist to Guyana:

My vision tells me there is nothing substantial for us to even say tourism is at the take off stage.

Mr. T:

Surely Guyana has a long way to go--but you must commend the effort that is being made by the doers in Guyana today---the effort is being made to grow the tourism sector---and foreign adventurers are starting to notice Guyana---bird watchers, eco tourists---folks who crave unique adventures.

Rev

Why is there a guard hut in front every house? it looks like a rich elete PPP neighbourhood so why guard against each other...is it because they believe someone gona take it from them the same way they took it from the poor...

Rev Al needs to let us know how many "tourists" actually visit the tourist destinations that he boast of.  Really....Rupununi!!!!!! The Guyanese are too busy taking care of their relatives to have the time and the money for that!!

This is why tourism will never develop beyond the narrow overseas Guyanese segment...which over time might start declining a sthe migrants age, and their kids lose interest.  No honest assessment of the fact that Guyana has yet to develop its full tourism potential....heritage tourism aimed at the 2nd and 3rd generations...and eco/adventure aimed at non Guyanese.

Let me help you out. Christian missionaries are NOT tourists!

BTW let more of these into Guyana and Hinduism will be a thing of the past.  Guess who these guys are targeting?

I can assure you that whatever the "doers" are doing, attracting non Caribbean people to Guyana, other than missionaries and business people and foreign aid workers, isnt it.

Cant blame them though because the PPP has no clue about developing tourism and no interest in listening to those who do (thsi is why I maintain that Guyana needs a break from the PPP and their lack of ideas)....and this includes Guyanese who have been trying to tell them possible strategies, like working with Bajan tourism interests to broaden their product by ading Guyana to an itinerary for those Europeans who spend two weeks in Bdos and are bored by the 4th day on the beach.

Mr T you are indeed correct.  The big problem that Suriname has in attracting US visitors is the perception that it is hard to get to, which it no longer is.  I will not be surprised if they soon start attarcting more eco/adventure tourists from the USA than does Guyana, even though Guyana is more US oriented and is English speaking, and enjoys nonstop service from JFK.

Rev Al, given that you love to hurl around statistics, will apprecaite you telling us how many of these tourists visit Guyana.  500...1,000?  This is what a NY Times review suggested a few years ago.

Before we can talk about sensible tourism we have to put in place the comfort zone that tourists expect. Like a high class tourist hotel in Linden for instance. It is no use having all them high class hotels in Georgetown. That is many days away as far as tourism is concerned.

You also need to identify and improve the facilities in the interior. Tourists expect water closets even in the deep jungle. And they want to be entertained at night with cold beers, barbecues, and music.

carib:

There is quite an apt phrase to describe PNC groupies like you and AFC groupies like TK---nattering nabobs of negativity.

That is what you folks are---nattering nabobs of negativity---you so despise the PPP that you wish destruction for Guyana and Guyanese.

It deeply pains you people to see progress being made in Guyana---hopefully the PPP will keep you mentally tortured for decades to come.

Rev
 

I despise that expression "sustainable development," which translates to dankey cart/colonial economy. And a big emphasis on tourism as a source of income leads down that same road. Guyana should be planning to develop its capactiy to produce useful things for local use and export.

Henry:

Don't get too caught up by expressions like "sustainable development".

What's taking place right now in Guyana is a multi prong approach to developing the country's resources is being pursued.

* More land is being made available for expanding the agri sector.

* Gold will soon be mined on a large scale industrial scale---2 big canadian owned mines will come on line soon---400,000 ounces were produced last year mainly by small and medium sized operators in Guyana---much bigger amounts soon.

* The Russians are planning to double bauxite production

* You have read about the efforts being laid out in the tourism sector

* The country's infrastructure is being improved and expanded---road to lethem--Berbice deep water port, etc---those will become a reality in the future

* A new energy source is being pursued---hydro will take Guyana to a higher plateau economically.

* New industries will gravitate towards Guyana once a cheaper source of energy is in place---and better infrastructure.

* Large Agro processing has a big future in Guyana---but better infrastructure need to be in place---that is being worked on.

BOTTOM LINE:

There are exciting times ahead for Guyana---the nattering nabobs of negativity---like caribJ, TK/redux, stormborn, Ronald Narain, warrior, joker, jalil, cain, Mr.T, Mitwah, Moses, Gerard, Ramjattan, Nigel, Kissoon, etc, etc----they can complain, condemn, and criticize all they want---but Guyana is on the move.

Rev

Aunty Alexei,

How are incidents like this going to be PREVENTED in this glorious Mudhead future you just outlined?

Rev, I hope you are right, but my main criticism of the PPP and specifically of Jagdeo was that they are a little too willing to snuggle up to the "green" agenda and neo-colonial begging schemes like the Norway business. If you are right, and more prosperous times are ahead, I hope to see a little less desperation and a bit more dignity and insistence upon national sovereignty in our relations with the Atlantic powers.

Henry:

Be patient! You'll be proud of the immense progress you'll see being made in Guyana in the coming years.

RE: NORWAY DEAL WITH GUYANA

Give praise to the Norwegians---they didn't permit the $US250 million to get into the pockets of Jagdeo and his cronies.

A portion of that 250M will be applied to the Amaila hydro---and the hinterland communities will also benefit significantly.

RE: HYDRO

If the amaila hydro ever gets developed---success breeds success---and I wont be surprised to see the Brazilians fund another hydro---that will provide energy for areas in Northern Brazil---if that ever occurs---Guyana becomes an exporter of energy/electricity---and that will be huge, huge progress for the Guyanese economy.

Anyway, keep your fingers crossed Henry---exciting times are ahead for Guyana.

Rev

Mr.T:

You really need to take a break from that London ghetto you live in---travel to Guyana--and check out the resorts and facilities they have in the Interior.

Call Evergreen Adventures in Guyana---they'll arrange your trip and accomodations.

Click on the link:

http://www.evergreenadventuresgy.com/baganara.htm

Rev

 What is happening in Guyana is a rise of a new colonialism...Chinese. The do not come into any sector to develop indigenous needs. They come in to pillage resources. They hire loicals for menial non skilled task, and expect that their people come in to sell every chinese made product possible. In short order they replace all local business and dominate every industrial sector so their blood sucking in multi pronged. Hooray for the this brand of development by the PPP. It is one of the reasons they will ultimately be kicked from office. They are of the opinion the Chinese coming will save their asses. Instead, they business class will be the first to be on their asses....then the slave coolies...both blacks and indians will come out of their holes to complain of their colonized state. Check Surinam if you think I am kidding.If you want to be depressed....take a look to the "good" the chinese is doing to Africa.

"

RE: NORWAY DEAL WITH GUYANA

Give praise to the Norwegians---they didn't permit the $US250 million to get into the pockets of Jagdeo and his cronies."

Come on Rev you can say it, you can give praise to A.F....come on Rev, come onnnnn.

Stormy:

Cynics, pessimists, defeatists, prophets of doom and talkers like you will always pi$$ on the Chinese and despise them; Optimists, visionaries and doers will praise and applaud the Chinese.

RE: AFRICA

Before the Chinese got there--many African countries, particularly the sub-saharan counrtries---they were doomed---with Chinese investments---many are seeing some progress---they are no longer doomed.

RE: THE CHINESE IN GUYANA

Well, the Chinese are the ones with the money and they are willing to invest---Guyana needs investments---and the Chinese are most welcome.

* The Chinese funded a large part of the 200 million skeldon factory.

* The chinese are funding a large part of the 100 million airport expansion

* The chinese will be funding a large part of the 800 million Amaila hydro project

* The chinese are funding part of the 50 million Marriot deals.

MAY ALLAH, JESUS, HANUMAN, LORD KRISHNA, ETC, ETC BLESS THE CHINESE!

You are just pi$$ed stormy because you are seeing progress in Guyana under the PPP and it rips your heart apart.

Be honest Stormy---as long as the PPP rules Guyana you will always look at things with a jaundiced eye---you will always be resentful, envious and jealous of progress in Guyana under the PPP.

Rev

 For most of 5 years here I was a defender of the PPP.  Me coming to the decision that they were crooks is not an easy pill to swallow but one must of necessity do least one watch our nation die from their infestation.

Progress for the PPP is enriching themselves. Where did Repu's son get the collateral  to leverage 34 million loans from the Chinese if not for some graft deal? I do not have to define progress as you mudheads do. It is my country. It is sickening to watch PPP carpetbaggers ruin the nation. 

Stormy!

The Rev admits that the elites in the PPP have enriched themselves---they have their hands in the cookie jar---and they are feasting on the milk and honey that flows in the executive branch--every Guyanese knows this---they have seen it with their own eyes---pradoville 1, pradoville 2, etc, etc

But unlike the PNC which looted the treasury and stole monies that were meant for education, health care, infrastructure, etc, etc---and bankrupted Guyana in the process, the PPP has built hundreds of new schools and health care facilities and they have invested heavily in infrastructure.

YOU ARE LOOKING AT GUYANA WITH JAUNDICED EYES IF YOU CLAIM THE PPP HAS RUINED THE COUNTRY. THEY HAVE NOT! GUYANA IS GROWING AND PROGRESSING UNDER THE PPP. IT WAS A FAILED, BANKRUPT STATE UNDER THE PNC.

Rev

Check out PPP supporters from the 1940s in British Guiana---will the great grandchildren of those good people ever vote for the PNC today ? 90% would never!

Enjoy the video---don't harbor feelings of superiority caribJ---those people are roots bai---roots.lol

PART 2:

The developments were put into place by the Jagdeo administration.

Is there any new ones by the Ramoutar Government?

Rama:

Under President Ramotar's leadership lots of the projects that were in the pipeline when Jagdeo left will be completed---amaila hydro, industrial scale gold mines, manganese mine, cjia expansion, specialty hospital, marriot, etc etc

RE: NEW PROJECTS UNDER RAMOTAR

Well, Ramo has been in office just over a year---hopefully the projects he recently discussed with the Brazilian president---paved road to lethem, deep water harbor in Berbice, additional hydros--will come to fruition.

Actually there are numerous projects in the pipeline in Guyana right now.

Rev

An exhibition in London is not going to turn Guyana into a tourist Mecca. Besides, the large majority of visitors to this country happen to be Brazilian. At the end, it will be the Brazilians who might turn Guyana into a tourist paradise despite Guyana itself. The presence of underage Brazilian girls has more potential of attracting British predators than any exhibition, the type of tourists our elites prefer.

Guyana will never, ever be a tourist mecca---but there is a niche in the tourism market it can fill---adventure tours---eco tours, etc, etc

Will tourism be a large contributor to the economy ? No!

But every investment contributes to Guyana growth, development and progress---tourism, agriculture, mining, fishing, construction, manufacturing, etc, etc

Rev

PPP built hundreds of new schools eh? Do you have the names of a dozen or so of these schools, I'm not aware of hundreds.

So how could they supposedly build so many schools then turn around and try to tief textbooks?

Yep. I heard something about him trying to get a grip on the stealing that's plagued the PPP govt. since Jagdeo held the reins.

cain:

The Rev knows you long for the days when the PNC drained the treasury and stole monies that were meant for education, health care, infrastructure---they bankrupted Guyana.

READ THIS CAIN:

With 8.3% of its GDP spent on education, Guyana sits with Cuba, Iceland, Denmark and Botswana as among the few countries with top spending on education.^[4]

Did you read that cainster ?

DO YOU STILL LONG FOR THE DESTRUCTIVE PNC OR ARE YOU NOW ENAMORED BY THE AXE GRINDERS IN THE 10% PARTY--THE AFC ?

Rev

Vacationing in Guyana is way too expensive.

Rev gives us details about how tourism is developing in Guyana.  Note that Guyana is being promoted as an eco/adventure destination, an activity that very few overseas based Guyanese engage in.

A relative who lives in the UK said that Guyana is now fairly well known there, thanks to numerous BBC features on its attractions.  Check the arrivals from Europe (including the UK).  In 2011 there were a scant 8,300 visits from that region, and this was slightly below 2010 levels.   I am sure that most of these visits were from UK based Guyanese and their offspring and business people, and the random Englishman arriving for cricket.

Rev Guyana cannot even attract English people to watch cricket while it is being played there (they prefer to stay in St Lucia or Barbados and watch it in sports bars).  So please do not tell me that eco/adventure tourism into Guyana is booming.

The demise of Ezjet guarantees that arrivals from the US to GUY will be down this year.  Caribbean spent lots of cash on wetleasing a plane to compete against EZjet and they will need to recover those losses.

Aside from the Indo elite I doubt that most Guyanese will tell you that they feel that their lives are as grand as you boast.

Who willing to wuk haad gun enjoy, dem lazy wan gun eat salt and rice. Nothing alien, this happens all over the World.

Let us assume that some one reads an article written by one of those travel writers who the govt is trying to gte to visit.  And is intrigued by the fact that Guyana is unknown and therefore a great converstaion piece for an adventurous type who will want to return from a vacation with a "guess where I went to (clue not Jamaica, Bahamas or Mexico where you boring types crowd to)".  And then regale the audience with tales of this exotic and unknown little country in South America.

So how will one go about it.  No packages available online that are easy to find.  No travel agent/tour operator in the USA actively promotes Guyana.  So one must be truly determined and stitch together with no help airfare, hotel and ground arrangements.  And even after one does this, upon reaching Guyana one might be told that the "flight to XYZ interior location was canceled because they coulkdnt get enough passengers".  One does not even know when the best times to visit Guyana will be, given that the weather drastically impacts on travel to the interior.

So Rev why doesnt the govt focus on those problems rather than proving almost 100% of the investment into Marriott (when one factors in teh GUARANTEES that the private investors are being provided)?  Gtwn does NOT need another hotel.  Guyana does need an improved and accessable product if they serious want to attract decent numbers.

But you see the PPP isnt interested in whether tourism booms or not.  Instead they focus on travel writers, who do not seem able to attract others to visit Guyana.  Or Guyanese who return to see friends/family, and who have scant interest in Guyana beyond that.  These Guyanese will return to Guyana regardless of all the prattle from the govt.

And yet Guyana ranks among the poorest performers in the CXC exam, and employers complain about the semi literacy of the younger workers.

And please do not tell me about the 10 kids who do well in CXC.  They do so because their parents have the resources to spend on "extra lessons" to compensate for the poor job that the schools are doing. Anbd this is to be expected when we note that our best teachers are busy with Bajan and St Lucian kids, leaving Guyanese to endure our worst.