Reference to news reports, editorial, columnists’ commentaries, and letters very critical of the support of governments of Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago for American military actions against narco-traffickers (and the Venezuelan dictatorship). Most CARICOM governments and left wing politicians, invoking violations in international law and citing clauses of UN Charter that have been violated, are critical of and condemn American actions against the narco-traffickers and Venezuela. They also argue that the American military actions against drug traffickers are a threat to peace in the region. (Isn’t narco-trafficking a threat to peace? CARICOM isn’t going after the traffickers. As President Trump suggests, narco-traffickers pose a greater threat to pace and stability in the region). The critics and detractors seem to have a biased (one-sided) and anti-Washington view of international rules and regulations and don’t seem to understand the concept of international political realism (realist theory in politics as enunciated by the great German thinker Hans Morgenthau whose works are mandatory reading for political science students). At any rate, Venezuela poses a serious threat to the operations of Exxon Mobil in Guyana waters. The operations of the oil giant are critical for the development of Guyana. Exxon is also on course to begin search for oil in drilling tests around April 2026. Venezuela’s intimidation could impact that operation critical to T&T.
In analyzing political situations and (military) actions, one must understand the difference between international ‘legal’ matters and ‘political disputes’ between nations. At different times, one of the two assumes greater importance. Politics and realism assumes greater significance (over unenforceable rules) now because of the state of political affairs in the USA and the exercise of power by President Trump. The American President has been exercising power (at home and abroad) the way no previous President did; he knows how to effectively use power. He falls under what political scientist call the imperial president. Foreign governments (especially third world leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean) are advised not to go up against the American President. They may lose their American visa (as happened to the Colombian President and others) and their countries will face trade sanctions as has happened to so many countries. The USA remains the sole dominant global power. Critics of President Ali and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar are plain wrong in assailing them for supporting President Trump whose assistance they need now more than ever.
Aside from political realism (pragmatism), Guyana and T&T face serious threats from narco-traffickers and wisely support Washington’s military action. In addition, Venezuela has been threatening Guyana’s territorial sovereignty and oil (and gas) in Guyana waters. Venezuela had threatened Exxon’s right to drill in Guyana’s waters. Guyana needs Exxon to continue operations; Guyana has the largest FDI from Exxon and has been receiving huge amounts of revenues from this giant multi-national. Without Exxon’s continued operations, Guyana’s economy will stagnate; oil investment and revenues will stop flowing. And there will be virtually no improvements in infrastructure, no more bridges like the Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo Bridge, rising income, growth, standard of living. The USA is providing protection to Exxon and other investors and to Guyana itself for free. Guyana needs America for protection against Venezuelan aggression. It is a no brainer that Guyana must team up with Washington for continued free security. The same largely holds true for Trinidad and Tobago. Venezuelan criminal gangs have been operating in T&T (including in its waters) largely with impunity; the country lacks the resources and capacity to rein in the criminal gangs and drug trafficking. PM Kamla rightly needs President Trump to go after the narco-traffickers crossing over with their illegal substances into Trinidad. Also, Washington is allowing T&T to purchase Venezuelan gas in the Dragon deal to resurrect the T&T economy.
The governments of Guyana and T&T need USA to boost trade and investment and for international security. They must continue to advance shared goals on regional and global security, economic prosperity, and growth that benefit them.
President Ali, Vice President Jagdeo, and PM Kamla, although they are not political scientists like those of us who study the subject and acquired degrees in it, seem to master the concepts of geo-political security and realism. After years of government antipathy toward the US, they, unlike their other CARICOM colleagues and left wing politicians, are on the right path in backing USA. It is a transformative opportunity to work on investment, immigration, security and other matters that will further growth.
