Dear Editor,
Some of the self-serving decisions made in terms of priorities and relationships are coming back to haunt this nation in the worst possible way. This is never more obvious and undeniable as in the simmering Venezuelan border controversy.
Given our own limitations (and vulnerabilities), it is of paramount importance that a very tight relationship be formed with giant neighbour Brazil. This could have been realized through fostering strong economic ties in mutually favourable relationship arrangements; partnering for the development and delivery of hydropower; sending a recognized and reputable ambassador as a sign of our seriousness and the supreme importance of the ties; and welcoming their citizens who seek a presence here. All of this is some of what should have been done. It is not hindsight, but what was raised countless times among thoughtful comrades. What did we do instead?
The then leadership ‒ chief, cabinet and whoever else ‒ went the other way with China and India. The two have their benefits, but they are too far away for what matters and matters urgently.
In the old days, wise kings manufactured and locked-in such alliances through marriage, either of self, or offspring, or sibling. Many of those marriages were under duress, but the state came first. Today, such bonds are built through extending vested status (read economic) to those near. The Brazil-ians have what it takes to be the massive counterweight required. But they have to have a dog in the fight to care to the degree desired. As we know now, the pups were given to the distant Asians.
Well we are where we are, and the new leaders of this nation have to work overtime to catch up to the get to the starting gate. Time is not our side. There is, however, another even more formidable elephant in the room. It is America and it is an intriguing force. There is the tattered Monroe Doctrine; there is new oil; there is the sharp smarting memory of old oil assets nationalized and poor compensation offered; and there is this whole offensive socialist business and vision. Much of this is meaningful and weighs on the scales of geopolitics, petro-politics, and vital interests. Incidentally, the last time I checked, the mighty US was the largest importer of Venezuelan oil (unlike the Saudis product, mainly heavy crude). None of this was used to the advantage of this society by the 23-year-men.
How will all this feature on the hostile, aggressive chessboard before us? For those Guyanese who are comforted by the current public US stance, the cautionary history of 1956 and Hun-gary must be remembered. One more thing: There is no lessening of tension when one notices that Senor Maduro is ripe for a foreign adventure, given his domestic travails.
All in all, this is a bad situation transformed into a perilous predicament by wretched shortsightedness. Now Guyanese must prepare as the storm gathers. It is one that is not going away amicably, thanks to the selfishness and thoughtlessness of the past.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
