Dear Editor,
Your editorial captioned `Venezuelan incursions’, dated 18 November 2007, is the most detailed analysis and effective retort on the bullying actions of Venezuela against Guyana. What makes SN’s editorial so important is the inaction and silence from the Jagdeo regime when Guyana’s territorial integrity has been compromised on a nearly perpetual schedule by Venezuela over the years. There has also been a worrisome silence and apathy from Guyanese citizens — no group has mounted any demonstrations outside the Venezuelan embassy.
Wake up Guyana — the Bolivarian President (who wants to be leader for life), Hugo Chavez, wants Essequibo and the Jagdeo regime is not willing to take a firm stand for a few barrels of oil. This is shameful and a disgrace to all Guyanese all over the world, but especially those who voted Jagdeo et. al. into office. Forbes Burnham, with all his faults, would not have remained mute like Jagdeo in this crisis.
Another worrisome signal is the silence from Guyana’s so-called allies like Cuba and also Caricom countries. When the United States marched into Iraq in 2003, the PPP and its Mirror newspaper were quick to issue condemnations. Guyana’s territorial integrity has been continuously violated by Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and the PPP and the Mirror have been mute.
While relations between Guyana and the United States have been civil at best, Washington has a difficult time with the double talk coming from the Jagdeo regime. This is a time in Guyana’s history where extremely close ties with the United States are vital to save Essequibo from Hugo Chavez’s bullying adventures. The Jagdeo regime has not allowed the DEA to establish a field office in Guyana and rarely supports United States policies.
Stabroek News’ editorial may be worthy of a Pulitzer Prize, but these well-composed words alone cannot stop Hugo Chavez or spur the PPP and the Jagdeo regime into action. A grassroots movement must evolve to show the world and especially Caracas that Guyanese will not fly the flag of apathy when its territorial integrity is being challenged. Non-action by the Guyanese citizens will give Hugo Chavez the green light to continue his warlike games of attacking Guyana and killing Guyanese. Students from the University of Guyana, other trade schools, unions, religious organizations and all other patriotic Guyanese must start the protest now to stop Venezuela.
It is time the PPP replace Jagdeo with a bold leader who can protect Guyana’s territory and forcefully tell the world about Venezuela’s brazen incursions into Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Deon P Edwards