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New US Ambassador can do much on commercial front

Dear Editor,

I would like to congratulate Mr. John Melvin Jones on his appointment to the substantive post of United States Ambassador to Guyana. From his resume, he seems to be an overqualified candidate for the job (I thought there must have been a misprint about Mr. Jones’ experience and qualification). Over the past decade or so, the US’ diplomatic efforts with Guyana have primarily centred on issues of drug trafficking and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention and even though we’ve had some qualified Ambassadors in the past, they all pale in comparison to Mr. Jones.

Mr. Jones is a national defence specialist who has served in Iraq and participated as the State Department’s representative on an anti-terrorist board.

With terrorism being the chief foreign policy issue for the US, one is curious to know: What is Mr. Jones doing here in Guyana?

I have come up with two possible explanations for this; it could be that Guyana is simply a retirement destination for Ambassadors who are in the twilight of their distinguished careers or it can be viewed as an indication of the changing geo-political realities in the world.

I put more faith in the latter. Russia’s defiance of the West and its inclination to provide support to adversaries of the US is emerging as a serious threat to the security of the US.

This evolving threat is viewed by the American security apparatus not as distinct from terrorism, but as one that is complementary. In this regard and with the recent joint naval exercise between Russia and Vene-zuela and President Chavez’s expulsion of the US Ambas-sador from Venezuela, the US is compelled to devote more attention to regional defences.

I hope the security dimension does not consume all of Mr. Jones time during his tenure. I believe that much work is to be done on the commercial front.

The Kaieteur News quoted him as saying that he is interested in promoting investments in Guyana. I welcome this development.

Over the years, while much attention has been placed on social initiatives, I cannot recall any major business initiative (correct me if I’m wrong). The current Economic Officer, Mr. James Plasman, seems to be very proactive and genuine in his convictions to see more US investors coming to Guyana and vice-versa.

Guyana has enormous potential and its coastal location, English language, low labour costs, relative ease of setting up a business, etc… are just a few advantages of doing business here.

The challenge is how to effectively market this potential to US businesspersons. This marketing challenge should primarily be left to the Government of Guyana to execute, but with limited resources and no definitive strategy of actively pursuing investors (at present, we wait for investors to stumble upon us and make the first approach), the US Embassy, working in collaboration with the local private sector, should provide much needed leadership and initiative.

But before we talk about any business partnership, the US Embassy has to review and bring about change to the unfair and discriminatory way in which non-immigrant visa interviews are handled (I have dealt with this subject extensively in a previous letter titled, “New system for issuing US visas requires acting skills” (SN August 17, 2008). Even if the review has to be limited to the issuance of B1 commercial visas; such action would indicate a level of earnestness and seriousness about promoting trade and business between our countries.

Yours faithfully,
Clinton Urling

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24 Responses to “New US Ambassador can do much on commercial front”

Andy
on October 12th, 2008 7:17 am

I believe that all US ambassadors have been committed to helping Guyana entertain US investors. The problem has been the host government. Starting with the PPP in the 60s and 60s, then the PNC in the 70s and 80s, and then the PPP again in the 90s and the last eight years, Guyana has been bedeviled by left-leaning and anti-US regimes, whereas we needed the US to help us beyond loans and grants. We’ve got Guyanese millionaires in the US and Canada, so why aren’t there joint ventures in Guyana featuring US/Canadian and Guyanese investors?

In fact, after the PPP returned to power in 1992 through free and fair elections, I expected the PPP to come up with a blue print for accelerated economic recovery and development that included an incentive laden plan for US and US-based Guyanese investors. There was none! But when Mrs. Janet Jagan, a US-born, became President of Guyana in 1997, and she never put forward a plan for US investors, that’s when I knew the PPP was never interested in development as much as it was interested in in being in power and exerting control over everyone and everything. To me, if the PPP can’t control/influence investors, they’re not welcomed.

Guyana needs a business-oriented, investment-friendly government that puts economics ahead of politics. Guyana needs a visionary leading government!

[Reply to this]
Joe Coxall
on October 12th, 2008 10:14 am

The qualifications of the new American Ambassabor sais only one thing to me.
War Monger.

Now with all the raving and ranting that we put forward on this blog as resonable and rational thoughts, we have one underlying theme, and that is, if Guyana can only behave like a good little catholic boy, massa will return with gifts of prosperity.

I am sorry to dissapoint Mr. Clinton Urling, but Massa ain’t ever coming back. He is not coming back because he never left.

While we were standing at the National Park, saluting the raising of our national flag, and whooping up our newly found independence, the British Government was in closed door sessions with the Banking Cartel.

The bankers said leave these little unsuspecting natives to us. We shall visit a newer more efficient form of slavery upon them, only this time they get to pay for their own upkeep.

My friends, when the IMF, IDB,EU, comes a visiting every once in a while, that is Massa investing in your country. You supply the labor to extract the resources he needs and pay him for his loan.

He will never send back another overseer on horseback to manage your plantation, he will never send an old drill sergeant to run your police force. That incurs expense, with too small ROI.

Massa has created an ingenious system, whereby he can create money by punching in a few keystrokes on an electronic banking system and walla, money appears out of thin air. He uses some of this money on wall street, where it multiplies astronomically.

Massa sits in his guilded mansions, with walls adorned with some of the worlds most rare and priceless artifacts, all stolen from our ancestors, he fills his silver chalise with some of the worlds most rarest and expensive wines, then he declares “Cheers mates, the natives are still a bunch of fools, fighting over racial equality and other none issues, job well done”

Why do be continue to believe that he will trade in that life of unimaginable oppulence, to come back and sweat his ass, in your mosquito infested jungle.

Time to wake up and get a life my friends::FORGETABOUTIT.

Joe.

[Reply to this]
Kaieteur Gold
In reply to the above comment on October 12th, 2008 11:16 am:
Re: “[...The qualifications of the new American Ambassabor sais only one thing to me.
War Monger.

Now with all the raving and ranting that we put forward on this blog as resonable and rational thoughts, we have one underlying theme, and that is, if Guyana can only behave like a good little catholic boy, massa will return with gifts of prosperity....]” Now, Now Joe, how come wid ya two bright eyes fully open ya did not see de “CAST NET” and de “PIN SEINE” dat de Ambassabor had over he shoulda to go fishing in both de “SALT and “SEA WATER”; and, ya must do some research sometimes because de “US FOURTH FLEET” out dey already waiting fu de catch ah dem “BIG FISH”

Re: “4th Fleet returns, gunning for drug smugglers”

http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/04/SATURDAYnavy_4thfleet_042608w/

Also,

” U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard Capture Drug-Running Semi-Submersible”

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39773

and, ya call dis “FISHING EXPEDITION” “war Mongering”. Let we hope is not duh “old timer disease” stepping in where you is concern. eh!

[Reply to this]
Kaieteur Gold
In reply to the above comment on October 12th, 2008 11:34 am:
Re: “[....My friends, when the IMF, IDB,EU, comes a visiting every once in a while, that is Massa investing in your country. You supply the labor to extract the resources he needs and pay him for his loan.....]” Ya know Uncle Joe ah really don’t know but but I have fi think dat ya wearing something (blinders) dat is “dulling” ya vision not to see dem “CHINA-MEN and dem RUSSIAN-GOOGLIES being bowled on de International “PITCH” (Global Economy).

[Reply to this]
Kaieteur Gold
In reply to the above comment on October 12th, 2008 2:40 pm:
Ya know Uncle Joe! When we did small we did hear about names like John Wray and John Smith and now ya seem to be “preaching” to we like dem two Johns when and if it was not fu de same “ancestors” who did put we pun dem slave ships some awe woulda end up as kings, queens, princes, princesses….. so, why put de blame on “poor massa” when de “GOOD BOOK” itself say dat we will be scattered all over de world. Why don’t you take a look at de race fu de White House and see fu yourself how close prophecy is to being fulfilled. :-X

[Reply to this]
Kaieteur Gold
on October 12th, 2008 10:15 am

Re: “[.....Guyana has been bedeviled by left-leaning and anti-US regimes, whereas we needed the US to help us beyond loans and grants. We’ve got Guyanese millionaires in the US and Canada, so why aren’t there joint ventures in Guyana featuring US/Canadian and Guyanese investors?....}

So, what are the roles of the Inter-American Development Bank and all the other Commercial Banks in Guyana if the "solely" US is needed for Guyanese to obtain loan financing for the undertaking of commercial ventures in Guyana.

http://www.iadb.org

Huh! "[....In fact, after the PPP returned to power in 1992 through free and fair elections,....]” So, what was it that happened in 1964? Did the collation between the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the United Force (UF) constitute a duly elected Government?

A very interesting, revealing and thought provoking article Mr. Clinton Urling - Please keep it up. Now, there can be no escape for Stabroek News (SN)

[Reply to this]
Kaieteur Gold
on October 12th, 2008 10:33 am

Re: “In fact, after the PPP returned to power in 1992 through free and fair elections, I expected the PPP to come up with a blue print for accelerated economic recovery and development that included an incentive laden plan for US and US-based Guyanese investors. There was none! But when Mrs. Janet Jagan, a US-born, became President of Guyana in 1997, and she never put forward a plan for US investors, that’s when I knew the PPP was never interested in development as much as it was interested in in being in power and exerting control over everyone and everything. To me, if the PPP can’t control/influence investors, they’re not welcomed….”

Yep; on top of it all the mother of all “st…..” was that the only (”PNC established”) Developmental Financial Institution in Guyana (GAIBANK) was unceremoniously forced to close its doors to Guyanese entrepreneurs by the Jagan/Jadeo Administrations. What a sad error in decision-making. Huh!

[Reply to this]
Kaieteur Gold
on October 12th, 2008 10:54 am

Re: “[....But before we talk about any business partnership, the US Embassy has to review and bring about change to the unfair and discriminatory way in which non-immigrant visa interviews are handled (I have dealt with this subject extensively in a previous letter titled, “New system for issuing US visas requires acting skills” (SN August 17, 2008). Even if the review has to be limited to the issuance of B1 commercial visas; such action would indicate a level of earnestness and seriousness about promoting trade and business between our countries...]

Why travel when you can save time, money and other resources when most or all the business can be conducted over the “I-N-T-E-R-N-E-T”! Vacation travel to come and spend some of those $$$ from gold and diamonds extraction - yes. Well, for the “vacations” from the bauxite $$$ hmmmm…. How about traveling to Russia and China?

[Reply to this]
Caesar
on October 12th, 2008 12:58 pm

I like this guy. Like I said,discipline must be preserved.A lot of Guyanese do not have this.It must therefore be imposed.

[Reply to this]
Kaieteur Gold
In reply to the above comment on October 12th, 2008 3:49 pm:
Hi “Caesar” Have you heard these words: DRILL BABY DRILL, DRILL BABY DRILL….. what in heavens name GUYANA is waiting for “HEAVEN ONLY KNOWS”; and, in this way the NORTH AMERICAN “OIL-MEN” (Canadians et al) may make the newly rich “Guyanese Visa Applicants” think in terms of spending “EUROS” (with the Platinum $$$ for pocket change) and end up traveling in Europe instead of to North America. Wow!

[Reply to this]
Caesar
In reply to the above comment on October 12th, 2008 8:52 pm:
Hmm.What an Idea.Not bad at all.

Kaieteur Gold
In reply to the above comment on October 12th, 2008 10:12 pm:
Re: “Hmm.What an Idea.Not bad at all.”

I just can’t wait for the “commercial orders” to start coming in once the specific needs are known; besides, following the experience with the Surinamese in relation to the previous attempts at “oil-drilling” in the Corentyne River the Government can very well spend/invest a few of the “MANGANESE” $$$…. on a few of these. Please follow link below:

http://www.blackwaterusa.com/btw2008/images/Zodiac922.JPG

Quite sure that there will be s-t-r-e-t-c-h versions available.
cochore
on October 12th, 2008 2:36 pm

Yes this new ambassador, Mr John Melvin Jones, appears to be over qualified, but that’s only, because his sole job is to monitor the machinations of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela next door.

Clinton Urling quote:.. “With terrorism being chief foreign policy issue for the US; one is curious to know: What is Mr Jones doing here in Guyana”… Point taken exactly Clinton….
And I know that you knew this already and that you’re asking these questions for the Guyana Gov’t, who appears to be clueless that Guyana is quickly becoming the jewel in the brewing US–Venezuela conflict. Pay attention here folks for this could be Guyana’s ticket to freedom, but their leaders must to choose-up sides wisely.

[Reply to this]
Kaieteur Gold
In reply to the above comment on October 12th, 2008 4:22 pm:
Ya know “cochore” ya have to pay attention to de times sometimes and before de Christ like people de walk on de face of de “Earth” the was the dude name “John de (the) Baptist” and you have fi think if de “Dove” (or was it ah “GOLDEN EAGLE” did already “swoop” down over de head ah one ah dem up and coming young Guyanese Politicians; and, wid a voice saying - dis is meh “APPOINTED ONE”

Now, don’t ya forget ya early Sunday School “Biblical” Teachings. Nuh!

Divine Mission or Purpose ya might wish to call it.

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
on October 12th, 2008 3:54 pm

Keep it simple. The US has a global role. No other country can claim to have so many immigrants, not even our beloved Russia or Cuba.
Caracas saber rattling deserves attention by the US. Things have to be in place. Intelligence gathered, incase Capitan Chaves, decide to act because of polical fortune or loss at home. Every one seems to forget the Falkland’s war.
Welcome Mr. Ambassador to the land that gave me birth. Theses misguided civilians do not understand global politics, or democracy.

If there was a conflict with Venezuela, Burnham wants the Americans to get involved. That was the reason for Jonestown. With Grenada and PM Bishop house arrest, it was Burnham and Adams who ask Eugenia Charles to call President Ronald Regan.
It is a love hate relationship between US and the Caribbean.Dr j in his book, “the Caribbean revolution” refer to the Caribbean as the US backyard. In the west on trial, he wanted Guyana borders to be guaranteed like those of Austria, by the international community.
Even if I am wrong on this it sends a strong message to Caracas,

[Reply to this]
Fulano de Tal
In reply to the above comment on October 12th, 2008 5:45 pm:
Very true!

[Reply to this]
Fulano de Tal
on October 12th, 2008 5:42 pm

It’s amazing the amount of US flags behind the names of some of those who seem to have no regards for who they are currently “slaving” for. yes I said slaving since very few have their own business. Now with regards to the new Ambasador, besides his ability to monitor suspicious activities that threaten US security I see it as monitoring the potential for terrorists (remember Shukrijumah who got Guyanese documentation magically) & other ‘personas non gratas’ to gain access to the US & its resources through our readily available ports. With corruption rampant anyone with the “cheese’ can get away with anything in Guyana added to the corruption in high & low places. I welcome Mr. Jones & with the current developments in the US with an African American about to make hostory & fulfill prophecy I say, “check” (since all of life is one big chess game)
Nice move US.

[Reply to this]
michael tannassee
on October 12th, 2008 8:31 pm

It is my hope that when / if history is created come NOV ; that in the event of “motor mouth” chavez,, get to rantin” n ravin” that the creator of history — either of both elected will be making history ,, barach being black and mccain being oldest ever — ,, shred the advice given to either of them b4 any action unfolds ,,

my advice to G’nese living in Venezuela ,, they should begin to make to have plans in place to make tracks east !…….

as for the ambassador ,, i say a “WARM WELCOME” to the only english speaking paradise ,, on the “latin” american block ,, that was destroyed by “illegal govt” that ur govt helped to ensconce upon all the people of GUYANA !

perhaps it is divine intervention that u should come now to see and learn more abt the pain that kennedy and johnson perpetrated on us bcos of ur global policies ,,

Mr. Ambassador ,, i say to u ,, make my country right ,, using ur office ,, to repair the psyche of a whole people !……………………

[Reply to this]
Kaieteur Gold
In reply to the above comment on October 12th, 2008 11:27 pm:
Yo “michael tannassee”! Re: [[............the only english speaking paradise ,, on the “(L)atin” (A)merican block ,, that was destroyed by “illegal govt” that ur govt helped to ensconce upon all the people of GUYANA....] Why don’t ya tell us what ya daddy did at Base Command - British Guiana during 1939 - 1945 in that folks who might not have been born at that time will know the truth; so, once again I would say as I did sometime before - if you wish for folks to take you “seriously” you have got to tell the - TRUTH; and, from all appearances “You Cannot Handle The Truth”!

[Reply to this]
michael tannassee
on October 13th, 2008 8:32 am

George Canning thoughts on truth seems to fit here with such beauty that it is almost poetic,,

George said ,, “statistics ? — i can prove anything by statistics — except the truth !..

it is equally amazing that many others contemplated the consequences of truth !

it must have been a popular subject ,, much as it seems today ! here’s what Whately said abt truth,,,,,,,

“everyone wishes to have truth on his side ,,, but it is not every one that sincerely
wishes to be on the side of truth !……..

may GOD bless u and keep u safe from anything as dangerous as KNOWLEDGE

[Reply to this]
Kaieteur Gold
In reply to the above comment on October 13th, 2008 2:33 pm:
Re:

“[....a political resolution in BG through the democratic process of a Proportional Representation election....]”

From: “ADDITIONAL DECLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS
RELEASED BY THE US STATE DEPARTMENT”

http://www.guyana.org/govt/latest_declassified.html

“[.....A reliable controlled American source reports that Venezuela's Foreign Minister Ignacio Irribaren Borges wishes to talk with you privately during the Latin American Foreign Ministers Conference about British Guiana. He is expected to tell you that Venezuela is prepared to support the overthrow of Cheddi Jagan, and to seek our support for this venture.

Our Ambassador in Caracas has learned from the Minister of the Interior that Venezuela is ready to provide financial support for Forbes Burnham when the time is ripe for Jagan's overthrow.

A report from Georgetown advises that a person with good contacts in Venezuela is urging Burnham and D'Aguiar to form a "Revolutionary Government"; attempt a coup with the assistance of 100 trained men who will have had 30 days special training in Venezuela, and at the same time Cheddi and Janet Jagan will be kidnapped and taken to Venezuela.

You may wish to urge restraint on the Venezuelans, pointing out that plans are underway to seek a political resolution in BG through the democratic process of a Proportional Representation election. We hope that nothing will happen to impede this plan and we cannot support the Venezuelans even though we share their hope that someone other than Jagan will reach the top in British Guiana./2/ ....]”

All for your “reading” enjoyment Mr. historian - “michael tannassee”

[Reply to this]
Kaieteur Gold
In reply to the above comment on October 13th, 2008 8:44 pm:
Here is some “dessert” for ya mista historian “michael tannassee”!

Re:

“[......In October 1963, Duncan Sandys, the British Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs, convinced Jagan and the other Guianese leaders at the London Constitutional Conference to accept an electoral system based on proportional representation, new elections to be held before formal independence, and the convening of another constitutional conference following the elections to settle any remaining constitutional issues and to fix the date for independence. Furthermore, the British Government refused to lower the voting age to eighteen.

Such decisions spelled political trouble for Jagan who enjoyed virtually all the support of the East Indian population (the fastest growing segment in British Guiana and soon to be the majority). Anti-Jagan political leaders and parties combined their efforts to defeat Jagan's People's Progressive Party (PPP) candidates in the pre-independence election. Also in 1964, British Guiana underwent a period of civil strife with violent labor disputes in the sugar plantations and killings and assaults in the villages and towns. Jagan asked the British to postpone the elections, allow him to form a coalition government, and send a special emissary by Washington to try to improve his relations with the Johnson administration, all to no avail. (381, 384).....]”

http://www.guyana.org/govt/US-declassifed-documents-1964-1968.html

How about telling us how ya digesting de historical “cookies” other than de “snippets” ya want to feed to de (more than ya think) well informed world - Enjoy!

[Reply to this]
Kaieteur Gold
on October 13th, 2008 1:01 pm

Remember this “Letter To The Editor” Stabroek News!!!

Re:

“[.....Dear Editor,

I am writing to let you know that no response was received/published from Mr Edward Luchessi, the officer in charge of the Economic /Commercial section of the US Embassy as per the Editor's note following my Letter To The Editor, Stabroek News which was published on Friday, August 11th 2006. Please see the attached link in relation to the referenced Letter To The Editor.

http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article_archive?id=56501276

Thank you very much for your reply. ...]“

[Reply to this]
michael tannassee
on October 13th, 2008 3:03 pm

“Accurate knowledge is the basis of correct opinions ; the want of it makes the opinions of most people of little value ” !….juss so u kno,, i’m only de messenger

attack Simmons,,, is he seh it nat me ,,,,,

and may GOD still bless and keep u safe from anything as dangerous as KNOWLEDGE !…….

[Reply to this]