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Guyana yet to see full benefits from liberalised telecoms sector – Minister Singh
by GINA News
Posted: Oct 20, 2009 20:00 UTC
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GEORGETOWN (GINA) - A liberalised telecommunications sector in Guyana that is competitive with leading countries in scope and cost of services has been the main trust behind government’s vision.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh made these remarks while speaking on Government’s behalf in the National Assembly last Thursday on the People’s National Congress Reform’s (PNCR’s) motion for suspension of sale of Government’s share in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T).
The Finance Minister noted that Government has made known the benefits of a liberalised telecommunications sector, most of which would include lower prices, new telecommunications investment, enhanced choices and services options, access and quality.
“Our administration is prepared and eager to enhance and foster the appropriate climate for competition and growth (in the telecommunications sector)…” Minister Singh assured.
Such potential, he noted, however will not see the light of day if it continues to be stymied by the existence of the monopoly.
The opposition motion had called for Government to suspend the sale of its shares in GT&T on the grounds that the Guyana Telecommunications Corporation (GTC) was privatized on specific terms which included the retention by the Guyana Government of 20 percent shareholding in the new privatised company (GT&T); that the said terms of privatisation included provisions for the Government to appoint at least one member on the Board of Management of the Company to ensure that the interest of Guyanese could be represented and Guyana has benefited from millions of dollars in taxes and dividends.
Minister Singh noted however that the motion was riddled with inaccurate assertions and misrepresentations, particularly the paragraph which stated that the retention of a 20 percent shareholding in GT&T should not affect the implementation of a government’s policy of liberalising the Telecommunications sector.
“It is not the 20 percent ownership in GT&T that is prohibiting other operators, it is in fact the monopoly that was granted by the administration of which Mr. Corbin was a part of… we in Guyana are yet to experience the tremendous boost to our economy that can be realised in an environment where telecommunications services are available to all Guyanese at acceptable quality and affordable rates,” Minister Singh said.
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