Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo. AFP PHOTO

The President explained extensively about Government’s supportive role to ensure that Casique Palace Suites and Banquet Hall and Buddy’s International Hotel especially are completed in order for Government to meet its obligations to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host the event.

Asked by the media about whether Government will be assisting other hoteliers such as Cara Lodge, Cara Suites and Le Meridien in the same way, Jagdeo charged that the proprietors of Buddy’s International Hotel and Casique Palace are Guyanese while some other investors are not and do not seem to be re-investing in Guyana.

Jagdeo pointed out that Le Meridien has been making much money and has had for a long time a monopoly in the hotel industry.

As a result of Government’s view of the situation, the President said Government will not be assisting those hoteliers.

However, in the case of those that will be supported, he acknowledged that there are issues the local hoteliers have to deal with and as such need assistance. One of the problems being encountered is bridge-financing and in this light, Jagdeo said they will be given assistance.

The Head of State had earlier assured that whatever it takes, Government would be assisting the local hoteliers to ensure that Guyana successfully hosts Cricket World Cup in 2007.