I’ll quite understand if I am considered as being “too late”; coming in only now “after the fact”.
Two small points related to my first sentence-paragraph above: I try never to rush into a crowded, sometimes already-well-served field where a thousand other thoughts are already contending, but, secondly, I claim my right – here granted to me by this worthy newspaper – to express views as a columnist of the people.
Naturally, as stated last Friday, I too was caught up in the fervour of experiencing my little, blighted – but – beautiful country hosting the nineteenth Rio Summit Conference of south and central American leaders in Georgetown and Pattensen over the last week-end. And up front, I record my own assessment that it was successfully done. Unstinting Kudos to the President, his government and the specific expert managers of the event. I mean people like Ambassadors Harper and Collins, supported from the front, of course, by the erudite and experienced Foreign Minister Rudolf Insanally. You did Guyana Proud!
Well, I immersed my uninformed self in the origin, nature, membership and objectives of this relatively “new” South/Central American Advocacy/Consultative Group. I read many of the features, reports, background briefs and straight news items on the work and expectations of the group. I’ve decided to take my cue from an editorial written two weeks ago wherein the Sunday editor was lauding Guyana for its “caution”. The Guyana Energy Authority’s CEO, the indomitable Joseph O’ Lall it appears, has announced that this country will not take up Mr. Chavez’s offer to access all of its oil supplies from a Venezuela who has not renounced claims to much of our homeland territory. Guyana instead, will take just half of our needed supplies from Mr. Chavez’s Petrocaribe concessionary mechanism. The rest we’ll buy from our traditional Caricom buddy, Trinidad and Tobago.
Sometimes, not as regularly as desired, but sometimes the government shows that it has balls. We had to “dress down” humbly when Canada insisted on sending back without any conditions, Guyanese deportees. Of course, we have no choice but to back down, when big Uncle Sam – or – George tells us to pass legislation regarding trafficking in persons, for example, or where to access our HIV drugs from. Frankly Speaking, I’m impressed that we are publicly talking of great “relations” with Caracas, but privately being cautious about Mr. Chavez’s schemes.
This, I understand, is just how Brazil’s Luis Inacio Lula da Silva deals with Chavez and his Petro-dollars, cheque-book enticements.
I note that Chavez from Caracas did not grace Georgetown with his presence last week-end – as Rio (and Brasilia) did. He sent his Foreign Minister, I believe. Did Chavez not want to face questions personally about his traditional absurd claim to our Essequibo? After all, it was the Rio grouping which solidly supported him when he was deposed for a few hours a few years ago. He had no pressing engagement first across the border last week-end. Could it be he was, or is, just a bit displeased that Guyana won’t take all its fuel from him?
The editorial I read outlined just how Mr. Chavez, through his PetroCaribe offer, is steamrolling his way amongst the Needy little Caribbean Islands, reportedly – and it might be co-incidence – little Dominica has given up its valid claim to uninhabited Bird Island, which Venezuela also claims. Little Dominica just received most generous assistance from Uncle Hugo, as did “Socialist” St. Vincent. When in Caracas briefly some years ago I was told of Caracas’ sentimental links to Jamaica. Venezuela’s and South America’s Great Liberator Simon Bolivar had once actually sought refuge in Jamaica!
Now, some humour attended Fidel Castro’s “offer” to New Orleans two years ago. Devastated by their great flood the poor Big Easy’s Afro-residents especially, heard Fidel offering President Bush all types of flood relief aid !! You think these needy victims would not have accepted it? From anywhere? The poor, the really needy have few choices. The poor Caribbean and Guyana also can fall prey to Caracas’ seemingly altruistic offers. But there are long-term implications and practical pride to consider.
So even as I applaud Guyana’s success in being hosts to South America’s Latin giants, I hope we use our new prestigious presence to ensure that Mr. Chavez behaves as a true companero should.
As March proceeds
