Dear Editor,
I was indeed disappointed with President Jagdeo’s critical sentiments about the United States expressed while he was in Iran no less, and which seemed a bit ironic. To criticize the Americans and come back home here and beg for aid, support and friendly ties is just two-faced. Yes, it was reported that the Caricom leaders were turned back from entering Haitian airspace and the airport there, but do we suddenly and conveniently throw out the ‘two sides to every story’ idea?
No other country is leading the relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti more than the United States. I don’t even see why an issue had to be made on a panel programme on state television of the Americans taking over the airport in Haiti and signing some written document prior to the takeover. I am sure that the American government does not take being in Haiti lightly. They are fighting two mega-wars in the Middle East and yet have responded diligently to the cries of the Haitians. They have experience in giving aid to nations battered and literally torn apart by natural disasters. A report was also quoted the President saying, “Many of the moves of the Americans around the globe are against the norms and merely ensure their own interests.” This along with other sentiments seemingly bashing the American government and people as a whole were indeed hypocritical, and I am disappointed. Maybe if such remarks were made here at home, I may, I said ‘may,’ have understood.
There have also been criticisms here at home of the US media like CNN and Fox News and their “biased” reporting of only US aid and rescue efforts in Haiti. Come on, that is so unfair. The US can report as they want on their news networks. Maybe if we had our own Caribbean news media, there would have been reporting on Caricom’s efforts. The pain and suffering of the people in Haiti must not be subjected to politics. The world must not be distracted from the real need and desperation of the people of Haiti by statements, stances and views which stir up personalized agendas and political ill will.
I ask where the oil-rich nations of the Middle East are when the people of Haiti need them. We have seen relief responses from virtually every corner and ‘Able Bodied’ country on the globe. Can someone tell me when and if Iran, Kuwait and the UAE, among others, intend to help ease the suffering of those poor people?
America has always been a friend to Guyana, and I am sure they will still be, even after hearing what the President said about them in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Yours faithfully,
Leon J. Suseran
