Dear Editor,
The signing of that oil agreement with neighbouring Trinidad has not received the best of receptions in some circles on this side. While I am not ready to take a position one way or another on that one just yet, I do notice some other presences and developments involving several entities from the twin-island republic that give pause. I am surprised that more local voices and eyebrows have not been raised; or more than voices and eyebrows.
Compliments of our Caricom neighbours (partners, I would like to believe) there is a banking presence (Republic); a beverage presence (ANSA McAl); and a multi-dimensional presence (Massy). Not too long ago there was Dipcon and all that it brought to bear; before today’s Caribbean Airlines, there was BWIA, which I would give a pass. I am sure that there could be some other presences that are closer to the ground, and thus not so visible. If anyone asked me, I would venture that this regional brethren, through its well-established and burgeoning business powers, has a more muscular presence here than the Venezuelans. In some respects, it might be a more troubling one, because according to some muted reports, the business relationship between Guyana and Trinidad is primarily a one way street. And it is not southward.
And yet I have not heard many public squawks, if any. Without a doubt, the relationship between the two countries has been long and, let me be tactful here and say, cordial. That is the best I can settle for, since to say that it has been mutually favourable would be straining credulity. Now it looks as though people woke up and said that this imbalance has to stop (over here); and our door is always open for discussion (over there). The Latins had a phrase for this: quid pro quo.
Unsurprisingly, word has surfaced in close proximity to that oil signing matter about talks involving stockfeeds, honey, and agro-products with a view to revisiting some of the restrictions in place. Well, well! It is interesting what wonders a little oil in the lamp could bring about, as in movement hopefully favourable to Guyana. But that is not all. I hear now of a possible ease relative to transit. I like the sound of that, even though it is a shade fanciful, and might have been better served by immigration.
Editor, some of this have been bones of contention between us and them. Talk has surfaced from time to time about the difficulties encountered by Guyanese entrepreneurs and Guyanese products to gain a foothold over there. There are walls and objections and restrictions. This does not bode well for evenhanded access and a sound fraternal relationship based on mutual appreciation. Like I said, I sense the hegemonic; and one side that desires both sides of the hog, and which did not hesitate to flex its power. Thus, this timely chatter about reconsidering ease of restrictions on the Trinidad side must be explored fully. In fairness to the Trinis, it could be argued that for decades battalions of Guyanese workers-some illegal-found hospitality and economic prosperity in the Land of the Hummingbird. I do not think it is a fair bargain, as I must question whether the net effect is not heavily skewed in favour of the people next door. It is not one between reciprocally well-regarded trading partners and bosom regional comrades.
Now that this oil contract is official, and the fanfare is receding, it is high time that things be placed on a more satisfactory platform. Indeed, oil makes demanding monsters of us all.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
