Dear Editor,
Sometimes we must be realistic, after the final ICJ ruling on the existing Essequibo controversy, then what? Venezuela has already dictated not accepting the outcome, after Maduro what changes for Guyana? “What reinforcement we may gain from hope; if not what resolution from despair” – John Milton.
This border controversy (issue) has been a slow pepperpot boil where more casareep was thrown in for 125 years, Venezuela threw more meat in the pot in 1965 and finally some Trinidad Scorpion pepper around 2018. We must contemplate even with a final ruling from the world court (ICJ) that the pot will still simmer and be hot, then what? Who is willing to be a martyr defending Essequibo? Do we expect a foreign army to defend us, and what price are we willing to pay for that help, if needed? I do not have the answer. “Giants are not what we think they are. The same qualities that appear to give them strength are often the sources of great weakness.” Malcolm Gladwell.
As a boy growing up in Essequibo with my siblings, nurtured by Suddie (St John Anglican) Primary School then Anna Regina school (Multi) I was shocked at the deplorable state of the Suddie and Charity schools a few years ago. The living conditions at the Charity School were abominable, my sister and I did our part. Venezuela has more oil in the ground than any nation on earth. Essequibo’s (controversy) has become a geopolitical struggle for now, not about oil, as most think. Thanks to Uncle Sam still standing, we have hope. Where are our Chinese friends, building bridges and doing most of the mining? A friend of my enemy is my enemy.
For most in Georgetown, with their presumed privileges and academic access, go to Essequibo and see how difficult it is. In many cases it is not a bus ride or taxi to school. The other 62 thousand square miles (Essequibo) is still an afterthought for many. However, we want to build a Corentyne bridge, not now, a ridiculous idea. Lake Mainstay, Capoey, (hot & cold), Pomeroon, Mabaruma, Shell Beach are engrained in my memory forever.
Many may not agree, but National Service in the 70s & 80s was a premonition of what is to come. Some dodge service (maybe because it was a PNC thing), are we ready to defend Essequibo, we must be willing to sacrifice for something we believe is ours, not foreign soldiers. Burnham may have seen it coming, I cannot say for sure, more were willing to fight then than now. Maybe our Venezuelan Ambassador will save us! “My every impulse bends to what is right. Not iron, trust me, the heart with my breast. I am all compassion.” – Homer.
Our controversy with Venezuela will not go away, let us face the reality. Maduro, or no Maduro. Building a Corentyne bridge (for what?), Suriname and Guyana have very little to offer each other in the way of trade, (World Bank Report) other than modest tourism between each country. This is a poorly conceived idea, warranting a cost-benefit analysis. We do not need another Skeldon debacle, we need more roads, bridges, upgraded airstrips, hotels, rail in Essequibo it’s been neglected by both our governments for too long. Dilapidated ferry service, unreliable and poor air services 58 years after independence with poor communication and development to the biggest part of our Nation. Some of us think Essequibo is Lethem and the Essequibo Coast is a fraction of Essequibo. It is time we revisit what Essequibo really means for Guyana.
You want house lots? There is no shortage here once infrastructure services improve. The Corentyne bridge is a waste of resources, we have bigger problems to solve domestically. Yes, you may disagree, (some in Government have a false premise) half of the population never went to Essequibo and less than 5 percent of us have seen Kaieteur, Orindiuk Falls, Shell Beach, Rupununi Savanah, Port Kaituma, Monkey Mountain, Kamarang, Pakarima or the Kanaku Mountains. It is ours, it is Essequibo, Mt Roraima. It will blow your mind.
As we put our kites together in Essequibo the traditional way with some glamma cherry, Barbados paper with bamboo strips making a stronger kite, one of my mother’s old dresses will be missing on Easter since the tail is critical, thanks Mom. I may have a few awara, some jamun wine if I can find some and the best spice mango in the country while in Essequibo. I will then think of the amount of wealth beneath my feet and who and how it will transform Guyana, are we willing to die for it. I am putting a razor blade on my kite’s tail just in case a Venezuelan kite stray across the border. That is the best I could do while the folks in Georgetown spend our money on what they think is good for us. Did they ask you, it is your money?
Sincerely,
Everton D. Morris
