Madam, – As one of the very few Irishmen to have lived and worked in Kyrgyzstan, I am very disturbed by the recent outbreak of violence there, with many residents of Bishkek being shot indiscriminately and buildings attacked and destroyed. I am conscious that because of its remoteness, it does not rate very highly when it comes to receiving financial aid. The Kyrgyz people are kind and generous and deserving of a better quality of life.
I was a member of a team of consultants whose aim was to develop a tourism development strategy for the country. The study was completed on time and submitted to the government of Kirgyzstan for further action on the recommendations.
Kyrgyzstan is a small country with limited mineral resources. On its eastern and southern borders it has mountains of over 20,000ft which it was hoped could be developed for skiing tourism.
The population numbers some five million, comprising 50 per cent native Kyrgyz, 20 per cent Russian origin and the balance is an eclectic mix of Georgians, Tatars, Germans, and Chinese Uigurs.
This small country deserves major assistance from international investment agencies to enable it to improve all aspects of future development and thus achieve a better standing of living for its people. – Yours, etc,