Reference is drawn to “Defending Guyana’s territorial sovereignty” (Feb 18). The editorial chided the government for its inadequate public relations on the border controversy in which Venezuela is claiming two thirds of Guyana’ s territory. The editorial rightly pointed out that Venezuela has an activist robust PR campaign on its claim to Guyana’s territory (debunking our response) which has been under our sovereignty for some two hundred years. The international media should be flooded with PR materials on the history of the settlement of the border and why the territory claimed by Venezuela is legally ours.
Our western neighbor has engaged in border incursions and saber rattling, threatening an invasion to force its claim. In addition, our defense troops have come under attacks from gangs based in Venezuela. Those incidents or events should be constantly in the media. Governments globally should be kept informed about Venezuela’s aggression.
While better or more effective or more robust PR is indeed needed to combat that of Venezuela’s and while much more PR is needed now than ever before against Venezuela’s aggression and military adventures, PR itself will not push back Venezuela from its illegitimate claim and a determination to take over our territory.
The controversy is before the world court, but Venezuela has made it clear that it will not accept any ruling against its unjustified claim. International pressure through the media can only go so far, and it only works against a moralist nation that follows global rules of order, court rulings, etc. Venezuela has not adhered to any agreement it has made with Guyana in recent times. Guyana should strengthen its PR while also consider pursuing alliances with countries that can be counted upon to come to our aid (defense or rescue) should Venezuela decide to send troops to capture territory it claims is hers.
What Guyana needs is a defense treaty with a powerful nation like Brazil or USA or Canada (the latter two with large numbers of Guyanese, outnumbering those at home) or with a powerful regional type ally like the EU or with some force like a NATO that can act as a bulwark against a bully to protect our territory from threats. A defense treaty or some kind of formal linkage with USA is the best insurance against Venezuela’s bullyism, and it also comes with a lot of benefits. We will be spared the expense of building a deterrent force, money that can be committed to national development. The Americans will be happy to enter into an alliance with us. Once Venezuela or any nation knows that USA or some other powerful force will militarily defend Guyana against an invading force, the potential invader will think twice about violating Guyana’s internationally accepted legitimate border.
A treaty or linkage with USA will be virtually free, guaranteeing our safety and security not only against threats from Venezuela but also against drug traffickers and gold (diamond) and human smuggling rings. A treaty will ease up resources committed to national security, allowing more to be spent on human development. I don’t think President Trump will be averse to entering into a defense treaty with Guyana.
