The latest findings of a tracking survey conducted in March/April for NACTA, North American Caribbean Teachers Association, reveal widespread support among the population in Guyana to make Guyana a territory of USA or at a minimum for an alliance (tie up or treaty or security pact) between USA and Guyana to strengthen ties in order to facilitate easy travel to, engagements with, and investment by nationals in each other countries and for territorial protection.
The poll is being conducted by well known pollster Dr Vishnu Bisram who has been conducting surveys in Guyana and the Caribbean since the 1980s.
The poll finds that almost every Guyanese would like a visa to visit or settle in USA or acquire American citizenship, and almost all of them would like for Guyana to cement ties with USA for protection and American investment to boost national development.
Asked if Guyana should have a linkage with USA, 39% said yes, but many (61%) were uncertain about the meaning of linkage, querying what that means. In clarifying the meaning of the question, asked if Guyana should strengthen ties with America, almost everyone (97%) said yes. Asked if Guyana should have a defense or security pact with USA, almost everyone (99%) answered in the affirmative. Asked if they would like to migrate to America as permanent residents, over four fifths (84%) answered positively. Asked if they would like for Guyana to become or if it were invited to be part of (a territory) USA with Guyanese having American citizenship or visa free travel to live and work in USA, over four fifths (82%) also answered in the affirmative. There is stiff opposition or push back of such an idea from among Guyanese politicians and some among the large business community who liken it to a return of colonial rule. But many Guyanese commented that after nearly sixty years of independence from Britain, Guyana has not seen much progress and that the country remains badly divided along ethnic, geographic, and class lines. Also, it faces intractable social and economic problems. And over the last few years, religious division has raised its ugly head in the nation threatening social peace. Many feel the country is more divided today than it was in 1966, the year of independence. They also say the country is more threatened today than ever before and that it needs a ‘big brother’ (like USA) for protection from Venezuela, drug traffickers, and disruptive elements.
The idea of a linkage (tie up or making Guyana an autonomous territory of America) between USA and Guyana is very appealing to most Guyanese. The idea is being promoted by a group of patriotic Guyanese in American (and others in the diaspora) who express concern about the viability or survival of Guyana in light of the existential threat coming from neighboring Venezuela and the ethnic and religious divisions in the country. They worry about a violent internal flare up. They feel Guyana being a part of America will provide much needed protection from Venezuela and political and social problems.
Over a million Guyanese (including those of Guyanese origin) reside in USA. Tens of thousands of foreign Guyanese students and illegal or undocumented Guyanese also live in USA. Were Guyana to become part of USA, their status would be legalized and they would no longer face threat of deportation. It is also noted that tens of thousands of Guyanese visit the USA annually on temporary visas. Were Guyana to become a territory of America, visitors would no longer need a visa to enter USA and will be able to stay for as long as they want. Because they yearn to visit and or live in USA, joining family and friends, Guyanese are generally very supportive of the idea of Guyana becoming tied to USA (through a defense treaty or a formal link up like that of being an American territory) allowing Guyanese visa free travel or American citizenship to live in great USA.
American President Trump has been championing the idea of Greenland, an arctic overseas territory of Denmark, becoming part of USA. President Trump has offered to purchase Greenland from Denmark. But the people of Greenland has rejected this proposal. In referendums, the people of Greenland voted to remain a part of Denmark.
With Greenlanders rejecting President Trump offer to become Americans, a group of Guyanese in USA is approaching the American leader to make the same offer to Guyana which can provide similar benefits as Greenland to USA. The group is promoting the idea of Guyana becoming part of USA. The group plans to sell the idea to members of Congress and the American President.
Guyana has significant natural resources (like oil, gas) and minerals, including precious metals (gold, diamond, manganese, and rare earth), lumber, and other resources. The country also is at an ideal geo strategic security location to serve as a bulwark against Venezuelan threats and to protect international sea lanes for trade with America and the globe.
Guyanese feel it is in Guyana’s best national interests to enter into an alliance and or have a formal territorial linkage with USA for its own survival.
The NACTA survey finds overwhelming support for the idea.
Questions Asked to Guyanese:
1. Should Guyana have linkage with America?
2. Should Guyana strengthen ties with America?
3. Should Guyana have a defense or security pact with USA?
4. Would you and or your family like to migrate to and settle in USA?
5. would you like for Guyana to become a part of America?
