Dear Editor,
A matter of urgent, definite and national importance has befallen the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. One of which has occupied the minds of all Guyanese. Our territorial controversy with neighbouring Venezuela has served to bring anxiety and great concern to every right-thinking Guyanese. In the past months we have seen many overtures by the Venezuelan government to amplify their spurious claims to Guyana’s Essequibo County, to the extent that the government of Venezuela held a questionable referendum and has gotten an outcome that insulated the government of Venezuela to make decisions with regards to the annexation of Guyana’s Essequibo County.
Editor, I will not delve into the facts or merits surrounding the Guyana-Venezuela Territorial Controversy, because I believe that, collectively as Guyanese, we have done a fair job in having these points echoed nationally and internationally. However, I bring to the attention of my countrymen the change in posture from pre-referendum to post-referendum. As Guyanese, our strength has always been in our unity, it has been the pillar on which our diverse ancestors built the present Guyana which we all liberally enjoy. Our resilience is unmatched, and this has made us an exemplary people across the world. In light of our unity leading up to the referendum, all and sundry demonstrated the zeal and commitment of a people united in an important common cause. This unity transcends, and has enlivened the spirit of patriotism in all Guyanese.
Now, the days and hours after the referendum we find ourselves in a state of somewhat uncertainty. Guyana finds itself being led into unchartered waters. Addresses by both the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela have left the Guyanese population with more anxiety and concern. The addresses have altered the general posture of the populace, and this calls for effective managing of this development. While responsible leaders ensures that peace, security and a level of calmness remains, it would be prudent to also prepare the population for varying eventualities. The President of Venezuela on the 5th December, 2023 outlined an order to govern the Essequibo County of Guyana. This order is collective and detailed as it speaks to the social, economic and political management of this county, which directly impacts and affects our inhabitants of the Essequibo County socially, economically and politically. This order is recorded with names of Venezuelan officials to execute the tasks and give somewhat of a timeline. This is a transparent overt operation at the highest level being conducted by the Venezuelan government.
Editor, my last paragraph was not to cause worry, but to highlight the current circumstances that affects all Guyanese. Actions have consequences, and we can see that Venezuela had publicly outlined their plan with their intended actions. In view of this logical understanding, it is paramount that we, Guyanese, begin our preparations at all levels. The Government of Guyana has issued some statements pre-referendum with regards to our country’s position, to our readiness to some eventualities and to our international campaign on this controversy. However, at this time, we must pay attention to our people locally. The passage of information has not been forthcoming. The regular national rhetoric cannot suffice any longer with this new posture. Guyanese now demand to know how they will be affected socially, economically and politically. Responses to all eventualities are on their minds. As responsible leaders, we have a duty to ensure we can answer most, if not all of the questions posited by the citizens.
But, Editor, it must be noted that most information is not currently available to all stakeholders or the general public. As Venezuela unfolds a transparent sinister plan publicly, we are yet to move beyond telling the public that we are speaking to our international partners. While it is understood that certain matters of National Security cannot be divulged to the masses, given the current post-referendum posture, a national meeting of all a stakeholders should be convened post-haste to craft a national plan to deal with all conceivable eventualities. A small grouping cannot administer or manage the possible eventualities, especially if things take a turn not in our favour.
It is time to put aside all differences, whether it be ethnically, politically or religious, and genuinely work towards the best outcome for the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and her people. There must be a genuine collective will to see that our best, patriotic, competent, committed and reliable citizens are utilized to counter any undesirable actions that Venezuela may take. What we do in the impending days will be etched in the annals of history. This will be a reminder to the young, and to the future generations of what our current leaders had decided to uphold in order to protect a peaceful and secure future for all in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. I say to all and sundry, let us make haste with our preparations, let us have the people informed, and let us have all hands on deck. I know, as Guyanese, we eagerly await to play our part for the betterment, continued peace and prosperity of all Guyana. Can we do it…Yes we can!!!
Sincerely,
Daniel Seeram, J.P.
Regional Chairman
Regional Democratic Council
Region 4
