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Statement from The Player Group on Burma

Oct 08, 2007 | Filed Under: General News

Reacting to recent press reports, Gary Player said: “I am very disappointed that my integrity and support for human rights has been brought into question. The company’s involvement in the design of a golf course has been taken entirely out of context.”

To set the facts straight, Gary Player Design was appointed when the world’s relations towards the regime in Burma had thawed; Aung San Suu Kyi had been released from house arrest and it seemed as though real political change was in the air. Player and his team believed that the talks in which the regime was engaged with the democratic opposition would lead to free and fair elections and that, like South Africa, Burma would embrace the chance to free their people and live harmoniously as an example within Asia.

The company’s decision to design the course in Burma was actually humanitarian in that it took no profit from the endeavor, but rather encouraged the developer to put the money toward creating jobs, as well as the establishment of a caddy & agronomy program. To the best of our knowledge, these programs are still in place today.

The design work on the golf course was completed in 2002 - again, an effort for which the company was paid expenses only. At no time did The Player Group invest in property in Burma, nor profit from the development of a golf course. In fact, the organization has had no physical presence within the country since the working relationship ended in 2002, and has also spoken out several times in recent years against the political situation.

“Let me make it abundantly clear that I decry in the strongest possible terms the recent events in Burma and wholeheartedly support Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in his efforts to bring peace and transition to that country,” said Gary Player.

“I have a solid record of campaigning for democracy around the world, and through The Player Foundation, I have raised millions of dollars for impoverished children globally. My track record speaks for itself - therefore it should be clear that I also denounce corporations that have an ongoing presence in Burma and/or profit from business relations with the military regime.”

“The greatest word in any religious book - be it the Bible, the Koran, the Torah or whatever is ‘love’ and this is what Nelson Mandela has in abundance, which is why he is one of my greatest heroes.”

Gary Player has always been a great supporter of human rights and has done all he could to benefit those less privileged.

THE FACTS:

Through The Player Foundation, Gary Player has raised over $20 (R100) million for underprivileged children and therefore does not feel the need to justify his human rights record.

Gary Player Design in no way invested in property in Burma, nor profited from any golf course development.

Gary Player Design’s active working relationship ended in November of 2002 (when the architectural work on a golf course was completed) and the company has since had no physical presence within the country.

At the time the company was appointed, Aung San Suu Kyi had been released and it seemed as though real political change was imminent.

Gary Player Design believes the employment that was created in the development of this golf course was a positive factor in the lives of those formerly unemployed.

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