CHAIRMAN of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Mr. Yesu Persaud has hailed the recent launching of operations in Guyana by U.S-based company, Cel*Star, “as an excellent investment”.
Speaking at the official commissioning of Cel*Star’s third tower in Georgetown on Wednesday, Persaud reported that DDL will be entering into a partnership with the company.
The third tower is located in DDL ’s compound at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, while the other two are at Cel*Star’s Kingston, Georgetown headquarters and at Supply, East Bank Demerara.
Cel*Star Guyana Incorporated signed an interconnection agreement with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) last April and announced an initial investment of US$20M in Guyana.
It would be setting up network similar to GT&T’s and will have its own customers and offer its own services.
Persaud lauded the key players for their persistence in setting up operations here, inspite of many hurdles, and noted that he is always urging persons to come and invest in Guyana.
He said when approached by Cel*Star officials with a proposal to construct the tower on DDL’s premises, he accepted without hesitation.
Persaud said he was impressed with the dedication and expertise involved in assembling the 120-foot high tower in two days - “a record for anything in Guyana”.
He added that even though there might be a long way to go (October 2003) before Cel*Star’s service is operational, it will be unique because customers can travel anywhere in the world and still have access, which will be inexpensive for all.
The system utilises the best and latest technology available across the globe, Persaud observed.
He expressed a desire to see the project off to a flying start, with the entire country benefiting, noting that the time was ripe for competition. GT&T has been enjoying a monopoly in Guyana and there have been calls for more telephone companies given current inadequate service.
While announcing that DDL will be a partner with Cel*Star, Persaud declared, “the project will succeed; it has to succeed; it must succeed”, adding that this will depend on all, not only users of the service, but as good citizens of Guyana. Mr. Wesley Kirton, Cel*Star’s Chief Executive Officer, noted that DDL, other companies and individuals have been instrumental in motivating Cel* Star inspite of the hurdles it faced.
He said a partnership with DDL was established from the inception of the project and will continue to expand. “Today we pledge a service of quality that is affordable and like DDL” he assured.
The service will emulate the high standards set by DDL and offer premium customer service, Kirton assured.
Kirton described the new venture as a partnership also with the people of Guyana with whom solid relations are expected to be built.
The care of the facilities and the support of the industry is “your little way of contributing,” he advised residents of Diamond,
Kirton said the tower serves an integral part of Cel*Star’s network and if there is a gap in the service, the system will not be effective.
The facility has been described as the best in the world, comparable with others in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Kirton pointed out that such an investment is not easy to come by unless local companies show confidence in the economy, and DDL has shown inspite of tribulations and trials, that there is room for investment in Guyana.
DDL ’s support helps generate investor confidence, he declared.
The Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman, Mr. Omar Khan said he is extremely happy that the tower has been constructed on DDL ’s property, since the conglomerate and the regional authorities have developed a relationship that is unmatched.
He also observed that such structures are badly needed in Guyana, since communication is a problem in many parts of the country.
Wednesday’s commissioning allowed for interaction with the members of the community, enlightening them on the benefits of the tower and clearing up any misconceptions. - (SHIRWIN CAMPBELL)