Countries and governments vary vastly in size and ‘weight’… That does not mean that the biggest, meanest countries always get their way: their huge resources may not be easy to apply on the scale that counts. A hammer works well if you have a nail. It’s a bad tool for dealing with ants. – Charles Crawford, former United Kingdom Ambassador to Sarajevo (1996-1998); Belgrade (2001-2003) and Poland (2003-2007).
The brightest news to emerge during the past week for Guyana was the announcement that the current border controversy with Venezuela will be determined by the International Court of Justice. The announcement was concise, but it shall be enduring. The column felt impelled to register this fact owing to its significance and believing the strategic approach by President David Granger to the United Nations for direct and immediate intervention, struck a commensurable chess move. Remaining indifferent toward the persisting problem and relying on the causal Good Offices process would have meant Guyana would be operating internationally with one hand tied behind its back. Its diplomatic options would have been stifled. Clearly, what Granger did was to step back and examine the chess board and rationalize the moves which were made in retrospect. He perceived the moves that had to be repaired to allow Guyana the kind of leverage she requires.
