Dear Editor,
Ever since the construction of the Marriott Hotel started in late 2011 I have sounded multiple warnings that upon its completion the working class and poorer Guyanese would be denied access to the Kingston jetty and the natural sand beach located there. Since the days of slavery our fore parents have used the jetty to catch fish and shrimp and they used the beach to engage in spiritual and religious rituals. For decades Guyanese have driven cars onto the beach and to the jetty. It was the only section of the Georgetown coast line that folks could drive their vehicles on and safely engage in fishing. Today in 2015 the Marriott Hotel has appropriated that piece of public real estate, is denying people access to the jetty, use of the natural beach, and has effectively put a stop to centuries-old Guyanese cultural practices.
This is total eye pass of Guyanese people by an entity that cost taxpayers US$60M to build a US$30M structure and which the PPP cabal had planned to sell two-thirds for US$8M. That is the story of the Marriott. They were allowed to destroy the natural vegetation that was vital to sea defence and to create an artificial white sand “beach” that adjoins the back of the Marriott. Not wanting to offend the eyes of its super rich guests the hotel has to keep away eyesores such as ordinary Guyanese driving to the jetty or doing puja in the water. This is very much similar to Pradoville 2 where the cabal took over a high spot on the shore line at Sparendaam and made it into an exclusive area for the mega wealthy.
The Marriott has blocked access to the jetty by placing boulders across the path to the water. I am calling on the pertinent authority to have the Marriott remove those boulders so that Guyanese can access the jetty and natural shell and sand beach located there. I am also calling for the criminal prosecution of those responsible for the destruction of the natural vegetation that formed an integral part of the sea defence in that area. And off course all Guyanese want an investigation into the public financing of the Marriott.
Yours faithfully,
Malcolm Harripaul
