Dear Editor,
This is in response to your editorial “Venezuela issues” (Mar 16) and news reports on government hiring of a lobbying firm owned by a lobbyist connected to President Trump. Hiring a lobbying firm is an astute move of the government. Neither the government nor any political party or even Guyanese at home and abroad (with few exceptions in America who study or read about lobbying) know how to and the value of lobby. Like you, I endorse the government action and also view it as an “eminently defensible move”.
Lobbying provides access to the American government. In addition to its paid lobbyist (of US$65K plus monthly), the Guyana Government should encourage the large diaspora (of over a million) in USA to consider forming an organization to lobby the American government on Venezuelan threat, trade, immigration, and other matters. A cohesive unit is always powerful. Exxon could be approached to fund such an outfit given that it is the main beneficiary of American cover over Guyana.
Sincerely,
Vishnu Bisram
