Beal welcome but concerns must be fully addressed
Editorial
More than any other investment which Guyana has captured over the last decade or two or has been offered, the proposed satellite launch pad which Beal Aerospace Technologies is negotiating with the government will firmly entrench this country on the global investment map. Moreover, the high technology nature of the satellite launching business could be the stimulus this country needs to extricate it from a 20th century-mode of low tech, primary products output and catapult it into the 21st century better prepared for the ever encroaching, internet-driven information revolution and the transformation of the global economy. It could also be the seed around which a vast array of ancillary industries can mushroom, accelerate development of the Essequibo coast and interior and become the jewel in Guyana's investment crown. The US$50M deal that Beal envisages will cater for a vehicle assembly structure, a payload processing building, a launch pad, a launch control facility, a 10,000-foot runway, ancillary facilities, offices, a VIP viewing centre and living quarters. At least 500 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase and 200 of these will be long-term. Though Guyana was not the first choice for this launch pad and it has a built-in advantage because of its proximity to the equator and therefore lower overheads for launching of satellites, Beal is still taking a significant gamble on Guyana if this deal is finalised. The Waini may be far removed from the political hotspot that Georgetown is but nevertheless no investment in Guyana is immune from the instability associated with the country's recent political problems and Beal's perseverance is commendable and must be recognised. Beal also faces tough competition from established satellite launchers such as the nearby French Guiana Kourou space pad, the US, Russia, China, India, Kazakhstan and a pioneering venture which now permits launches from the sea. So there is much competition and Beal has no doubt weighed the risks and is still willing to give it a go. The deal is so far being discussed in considerable secrecy as can be expected but it is advisable for the government to take the public into is confidence and make certain that initial concerns could be swiftly assuaged and the country's interests are well protected. President Jagdeo at his press conference on Friday gave an assurance that he would check to see what could be divulged about the negotiations at this point and arrange a briefing on it. There are some areas that the public must be certain about before a deal is clinched. The first relates to the exercise of authority over Beal's operations and the area it controls. The government has agreed to sell Beal thousands of acres of land for its operational and buffer sites. Questions have been raised about this area being transformed by the company into an enclave above the laws of the country. Beal's operations would be located in a sensitive part of the country and the deal must recognise the state's sovereignty over land and marine areas and right to full knowledge of all of Beal's operations. Beal's mode of operation vis-a-vis launch trajectory, recovery of launch vehicles, contingencies in the event of a launch failure etc must be reviewed by independent experts in the industry who can advise on the best possible agreement for the country. It is so far not clear whether such a person has been engaged on Guyana's behalf. Equally important is a pre-deal environmental impact assessment (EAI) of the proposed operations. Beal's EIA report should also be subject to review by an expert retained on behalf of Guyana and should take account of the state's arrangements for the establishment of a protected areas systems. It should provide specific information on the impact of operations on the river basin in the area and the priceless turtle-nesting Shell Beach and details on all materials to be used by the space launch facility including satellites (radioactive material). The lodging of an environmental bond and restoration of damaged areas should also be included. For Guyanese who may face relocation because of the land needs of the company there must be sufficient compensation and relocation to areas most suitable to their traditional needs. There must also be an assurance that the land being sold will be offered by the state at market value, the state must have first choice for repurchase and no change of use of land is permissible without the express approval of the government. The Guyana Defence Force must also be fully apprised of all operations within the Beal area and security for the area should be a joint undertaking between Beal and the country's joint services. The proposed Beal deal is one that should be fully supported by all Guyanese and we look forward in the coming days for more information on these critical areas before its finalization.
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