Responding to some of the ‘rubbish’ published in Kaieteur News

Dear Editor,
I did not submit this letter earlier since I was enjoying Father’s Day with one of my lovely daughters and that took precedence over responding to some of the rubbish which formed part of a news article in Kaieteur News on Sunday about my being contracted to “sell” GuySuCo. I hope despite my late submission you will use this letter in your Monday edition.
“Since last December, the US-based Guyanese was given a letter by the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, authorising him to act as a glorified real estate agent on government’s behalf.” This characterisation of me and the process of sensitising potential investors to possible investment opportunities in GuySuCo is unfortunate, and frankly poor journalism. I am convinced that someone who is neither a trained or experienced journalist must have had an input into this news article. But let me make it clear to your readers that I am no real estate agent and the process for discussing with major companies their possible interest in investing in GuySuCo is known as investment promotion. The process of investment promotion requires providing information on the country, the industry and more in addition to some analysis on the economy and related issues such as labour laws and trade data.
Further, in this news article, the writer editorialises that my track record does not provide for my efforts to be successful.

No need to comment on the journalism ethics here for KN’s track record is one that does not always live up to the highest standards of journalism ethics. I wouldn’t blame its editor for this because I suspect there is interference at times, perhaps without the editor’s knowledge until after publication, in the editorial work of the newspaper by persons who don’t have the slightest clue about journalism and its ethics.
It is clear that the article’s writer (or the persons giving input) either does not know me, did not take the time to do some research in relation to my work over the years in investment promotion or just felt the need to try to humiliate me. But I am not fazed by this, but will spare no effort in “calling out” unethical journalism when it raises its ugly head. The article should have made a case in support of its contention about my track record. That would have been responsible journalism.
Or had the writer (or inputer) taken the time to find out about my involvement in investment promotion, s/he would have found out that for several years I served as a consultant to the Eastern Caribbean Investment Promotion Service (ECIPS) in Washington, DC. This USAID-funded agency was charged with the responsibility of promoting investment opportunities in the OECS Member States.
Further, the former PPP/C Government granted licences for cellular phone service to three Guyanese, none of which produced any real and sustained service. I was granted a licence through Cel*Star Caribbean whom I worked with to produce a detailed licence application. After the intended investor failed to live up to its obligations to implement the project (instead hoping to flip the licence and make huge profits), I travelled the US and Europe promoting this investment opportunity which resulted in a reputable US company investing in this project notwithstanding a barrage of lawsuits, many intended to delay the introduction of a GSM system in Guyana. I prevailed and that effort has today emerged into what is Digicel, not only providing alternative cellular service but creating employment opportunities for hundreds, if not thousands, of young Guyanese.
Beyond this I serve in positions in several Private Sector companies and non-profit organisations including Chair of the private sector council of the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) and President of the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce. Previously, I have represented Guyana in the UN system and worked in the OAS. As a journalist, I served in Washington, DC, for years as the Washington correspondent for the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) with access to some of the highest decision makers in several top companies. Just last year, I took to Guyana a trade and investment mission with 35 persons representing 28 companies. I am the founder of the Florida/Caribbean Business Expo, which was held annually from 2005 to 2009 and which generated much business for several participants.
My network of contacts in the international Private Sector is second to none. My track record speaks of initiative and results. Minister Harmon indeed could not publicly identify any level of success with my initiative re: GuySuCo, for that would have violated the agreements I have with companies about the non-disclosure rules governing our discussions.
But I can say this. Notwithstanding all the confusing news articles and letters that appear in the media almost daily about GuySuCo and the sugar industry, I have been able to maintain the interest of several reputable companies at looking at possible investment in Guyana’s sugar industry… and this has not been an easy task. I have addressed every concern raised and answered every question posed to the best of my ability….and the results have been most positive. So Kaieteur News can say what it likes about my track record…..those who need to know my track record know it and that’s why I am engaged by several companies and organisations internationally. And I will continue my efforts to help ensure that the thousands of workers and their families that depend on the industry for their livelihood are not sent to the breadline, once they are prepared to accept the change which is necessary to keep the industry alive.

Regards,
Wesley Kirton