Dear Editor,
The upcoming presence of HMS Trent off-shore Georgetown with its 65 crew and cannon aboard is reassuring for all. British Gunboat diplomacy in action. It brings it all back to 1850 and the Pacifico affair when the UK sent gunboats to Greece to enforce their will and the claims of their citizen Don Pacifico. He wanted compensation for his destroyed property in Athens. The gunboat worked, leading to Pacifico, who lived in Gibraltar, announcing ‘Civis Brittanicus sum’ (I am a citizen of Britain!) That has been a principle of international law since. Thanks to the presence of HMS Trent – what no mooring deep enough for it in GT? – means citizens can sleep soundly in their Guyanese beds knowing ‘ Civis Guyana Sum’ (I am a citizen of Guyana) whatever Maduro may dream.
Sincerely,
John ‘Bill Cotton/Reform’ Mair
Editor Oil Dorado 2024
