Dear Editor,
In light of the absence of locals and young people at the current Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) conference at the Conference Centre, it is beyond astonishing to read the Secretary General of the CTO, Mr Hugh Riley, saying he “cannot speculate” as to the reason. I don’t know how much the CTO is paying Mr Riley, but his taxi driver bringing him in from the airport could have told him the reason for free – it is too expensive. Professor Maya Trotz is stating the patently obvious in her comment that US$60 for a morning session, lunch being extra, puts it beyond the reach of most Guyanese, and of young people in particular. Mr Riley’s statement that the conference was “carefully planned” beggars belief. I don’t know what his definition of “carefully” is, but clearly the persons planning this event were either ignorant of the real life parameters in Guyana, or simply chose to, or were advised to ignore them.
Interestingly, on the same day that Mr Riley’s comments appeared in the press here, local media were also reporting the CTO Chairman, Mr Richard Skerritt, lauding Guyana’s tourism ambitions. Mr Skerritt was addressing the various aspects of a tourism economy in this environmentally sensitive age, and emphasising that “responsible tourism is good for business.” Well said, sir. However, Mr Skerritt while appearing very versed on this intriguing subject, seems unaware (perhaps the reporter didn‘t ask him) that the structure of the tourism conference at Liliendaal creates a barrier to the very people who should be hearing these important deliberations. It is a critical omission. Don’t these two gentlemen sit in the same room and discuss the same subjects when they’re carrying out their duties?
In a time when Guyana, in particular, is stepping up its tourism as a plank in our economic future, the CTO has bungled the opportunity to get the vital local participation and feedback to move the process forward. As an organisation purportedly operating in an industry where knowledge of conditions on the ground is critical, the CTO planners should include a few taxi drivers when they plan their next conference. It would militate against such a fundamental blunder in the future.
Yours faithfully,
Dave Martins
