Dear Editor,
The idea of Guyana becoming a member of the UN Security Council is a good one if the focus is on preventing climate change. What has been discussed in the media concerning the President’s position on the Middle East, Cuba and Ukraine is interesting, but does not make it important for Guyana to be on the Council. If the focus of our nation is not going to be where we are needed and can have a global impact, then it is best to leave the idea of joining the UN Security Council alone.
Guyana’s role is best as a neutral player whose focus is on environmental sustainability that will lead to the maintaining of peaceful coexistence. Climate change can result in severe migration which can lead to wars. Aiding in the prevention of this is where Guyana and members of the Guiana Shield can have an impact on the global stage via the Council. The rhetoric that has thus far been presented and the rational shared for joining the UN Security Council does not resonate with all of our business partners and risks placing Guyana on a controversial path. Our intentions must remain honourable and our focus must remain clear.
There is no need to rock the boat that is carrying our country towards prosperity unless you are no longer interested in that destination via the current means. From the sound of it, the counting of chickens before they have hatched may be an applicable saying for where things are starting to go. Guyana’s climate responsibility is in service to all countries. This is where our battle is and this is where our agenda must be rooted. To do otherwise is folly. The country must also be prepared to let go of the economic building blocks of the past and find an alternative path forward if Global Security is truly our new ambition. Making this a top priority for the nation will require a change in our development strategy.
The current administration must seriously consider what is at the core of how future decisions will be made and what is most important on the foreign affairs agenda. Clarity on these guiding principles is a must, and this will also ensure that our country’s position in the world is better understood. These guiding principles must resonate with our citizens. Otherwise, the current administration risks being off message and speaking only for a minority of its supporters as was the case with the PNC during our embargoed years. There is no need to repeat the mistakes of the past unless you are truly committed to that way of life and this is your preference. Remember, one man’s meat is another man’s poison.
Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of
Guyana
