The Beal deal Editorial Stabroek News March 1, 2000 The news that the deal with Beal Aerospace Technologies to establish a launching site for satellites at Waini should be concluded within the next two weeks is just the sort of positive news needed at a time when, with the notable exception of the sugar industry, the economy has been in the doldrums. First, and above all, the deal helps to establish Guyana as a credible place for investment. At a time when there is fierce competition for investment from other developing, and developed, countries this says to the world that Guyana is a safe place in which to invest. The publicity will be considerable, particularly when the first satellite is launched, and this is sure to be beneficial and will put Guyana on the map. More immediately, the project is likely to employ several hundred persons in the initial stages of construction. There should be some jobs for contractors as the project will involve the draining of a swamp area, the development of a l0,000 foot runway, a launch control centre, a launch pad, payload processing and vehicle assembly buildings and ancillary facilities like offices, a viewing centre and living quarters. The spin off effects on the rest of the economy (food, internal travel, purchase of other goods) should also be substantial, as they have been with Omai. Surely, too, as the facilities are completed and launching takes place, other high technology investments related to the assembly of satellites may become attractive. Satellites are assembled in French Guiana, and possibilities of linkages with the space programme at Kourou may present themselves. The government has explained that the land to be sold to Beal can only be used for this investment and various conditions will be attached to the sale. Beal will provide long term employment and some level of training for some 200 persons. It has also indicated a willingness to consider an investment in education. We welcome the deal as potentially an important contribution to Guyana's economic development. Many more investments are needed to provide employment and improve the standard of living of the people who have been languishing for some thirty years.