Dear Editor,
I learned something a long time ago. Whenever there is an issue that drives both the PPP and PNC bananas simultaneously, a motherlode has been struck. More colloquially, a nerve rubbed raw, exposed. This is where things are on the issue of renegotiation of the 2016 Exxon oil contract. Write about that r-word, dare to whisper what is now taken as a slur by both major parties, and the daggers are drawn. At this rate, I believe that it could be a matter of time before this hated r-word (renegotiation) is added to the list of banned words throughout this country. Mr. Anil Nandlall may already be lining up his moves, his justifications to do just so. To take this to the limit, to say a critical word about Exxon, could be categorized as subversive. Meanwhile, the PPP and PNC choirboys and assorted advocates take off their gloves and do battle. Not against Exxon the exploiter, but against their own who are damned to the last circle of hell. This oil has brought Guyanese to this dark, self-destructive place. If I were in Alistair Routledge’s camp (I am not, could never be, current circumstances considered), a smooth slug of mint juleps would be called for constantly, as the local tribes shred each other. To renegotiate or not renegotiate is the bone of contention.
I deal with the president, Excellency Ali. Not because of who and where he is, but out of regard for the position he occupies. So also, it is for former president Jagdeo, now Guyana’s oil supremo. Occasionally, I must refer to that third honourable son of the rich Guyana soil, Attorney General Nandlall. Sometimes, I ask myself if he would go so far as to provide legal cover to condone torture. I think he is better than that, hasn’t begun that journey in his mind. Yet. President Ali has affixed his political life to “sanctity of contract.” Yessir! “We are honourable people,” he said. Now for the first question. When the PPP’s presidential candidate Ali waded into the 2016 Exxon contract, was he then within touching distance, if not deep down, being about what was dishonourable? Straight and simple, no frills, no nuance. How else to interpret priors? As Commander-in-Chief, President Ali doesn’t have the luxury of resting in his State-appointed barracks, while drawing up lists of enemy Guyanese (renegotiate) and ticking boxes about who has been dealt with, who is due for the patriotic ministrations of his Palace Guard.
The president, instead, should be working overtime with his team (even with the political opposition) to craft a strategy that brings Guyana and drags Exxon to the table of discussion about this oil. Easier written than realized, some may say. At least try, give it the best of efforts. I ask the courtesy of an example involving President Ali, Vice President Jagdeo, et al. Venezuela can muster an army in a jiffy that is bigger than the entire population of Guyana. Mr. Maduro can rollout armaments to overwhelm this country. Did Drs. Ali and Jagdeo turn turtle? Do they yield in the face of near insurmountable numbers? The answers are no and no. How is it that they are so strong and resourceful (American asset) for land, but are so feeble and contentedly impotent with Exxon and oil? Yes again! I appreciate the invisible 800-lb gorilla at the conference table -America. But determined men and reasonable men find a way through the thorniest of thickets.
I have left out President Ali’s commitments to Guyanese about his plans for that Exxon contract. And what is involved in his breaching of those. Guyanese stare at economic disadvantage, even slavery. It is the worst time, involving the worst issue, for there to be this internal fraternal bloodletting, this identifying as enemies those pressing for renegotiation of the Exxon contract.
Sincerely,
GHK Lall
