Venezuela might feel emboldened in light of President-elect Trump’s promise to retreat from global conflicts

Dear Editor,

President-elect Trump’s talk about the U.S. stepping back from global conflicts sounds fine in theory, but it’s raising serious concerns—especially with Venezuela’s relentless push to claim Essequibo, surely is now in Venezuela’s sights, which could really destabilize Latin America.

For many Guyanese, this feels like a betrayal. They’ve always seen Uncle Sam as a steady guardian, counting on the U.S. to have their back in tough times. But a hands-off America could be exactly the chance Venezuelan President Maduro is waiting for. With Washington signaling less interest in regional conflicts, Maduro might feel emboldened to pursue these claims aggressively, knowing the U.S. may not step in.

While Americans are understandably weary of endless conflicts, sometimes a steady U.S. presence helps keep the peace and reassures allies. I hope the new administration can find a way to protect American interests without overlooking the importance of stability for our friends and neighbours.

Sincerely,

Keith Bernard