At every national meeting during the hectic and intensive political campaign, only the ruling PPP leadership has so far spoken about or publicly address the significant importance of ties with USA. The other parties probably have recognized the value of the relationship and the consequences of disruption in ties with Washington although it has not figured in their hustings as yet. PPP actively courts USA much to the chagrin of a few leftists and (fake) nationalists. Guyana cannot survive without American investment (read Exxon and other major companies) in energy and protection from the big brother up north against Venezuela. Both President Irfaan and VP Bharrat Jagdeo have recognized the value of USA to Guyana and her assets (fossil energy, precious and rare earth minerals, location, etc.) as well as for investment and geo-security and have been wisely and appropriately publicly playing up to (courting) Washington to ensure it is in Guyana’s corner especially when it comes to the threat posed by Venezuela. A group with which this writer is associated has been championing closer links with USA, even of making Guyana an adjunct of USA. It is a strategic way of protecting Guyana from potential invaders. Some leftists are opposed to the idea. They believe Guyana should be closer with China; the leftists can build a relationship with the Chinese and migrate to and settle in China. Almost every Guyanese wants a tie up with America.
The government’s position on USA is a reversal from pre-2015 when anti-Americanism predominated politics in Guyana among the politicians of successive governments and official opposition and all left wing parties (not the people who historically have craved migrating to and settling in the great USA; some one million Guyanese including of Guyanese ancestry live in USA). Those of us who courted USA from 2970s onwards were referred to as imperialists. Today, those who attacked us as imperialists are more pro-American than imagined.
Politicians of all parties, except the idiotic left and a few stupid columnists who have devalued the power of and perennially attack America, in Guyana seem to have mastered ‘geo-politics’ and no longer adopt an anti-American attitude. In fact, they (except the handful of left wingers) go out of their way to praise USA.
Anyone who studies geo-politics and or the Foreign Policy is USA will know that no small country can economically survive being anti-American as many, including Guyana, suffered periodically over the last two hundred years; all anti-American economies in USA backyard suffered. Washington did not, does not, and will not allow any outside powers to dominate the region threatening American interests and security; both PPP and PNC governments suffered as a result of building or establishing or strengthening ties with USSR or Russia, China, and Middle Eastern nations tied to exporting terror. Leaders who didn’t understand or chose to ignore the role of geo-politics were removed from or undermined in office.
Georgetown has learned the concepts of geo-politics and geo-security, and no government will dare pursue a policy that threatens American interests. Post 2015, President Irfaan and VP Jagdeo seemingly understand geo-politics and Washington’s foreign policy in the region and the role of USA in protecting Guyana. The Foreign Minister Hugh Todd also masters geo-strategy and security and has been actively championing Guyana’s interests regionally and internationally. The government will not attempt any policy that jeopardizes ties between the two nations.
The PPP duo understand the concern of USA of the presence of ‘foreign’ powers in the greater Caribbean and Latin area to American geo-security. They also recognize that Guyana will cease to exist as a current nation outside of Washington’s orbit. Thus, over the last couple years, they have constantly stressed Guyana’s invaluable relationship with America. They regularly spoke at press conferences and campaign meetings of an American partnership that must not be jeopardized and how the apple cart can be upset.
Guyana’s very existence is tied to a close relationship with USA as is American companies investment in and drilling and production of fossil energy (oil and gas) and by extension the huge amount of revenues that have been flowing into the coffers over the last six years from Exxon’s presence. So much investment is tied to Exxon; dozens of major investors have come to Guyana because of Exxon’s investment. Exxon is tied to the very economical survival of Guyana, and its presence in Guyana must never be undermined or compromised or threatened. Besides, Washington will never allow it.
Venezuela’s Maduro will never be allowed to threaten Exxon or any American company. American investors must be welcomed to counter the threat posed by China. Americans must be given preference over the Chinese. The partnership between Guyana and USA must be strengthened regardless of which party is in office and which party wins on September 1, and it is very clear which party will hold the reins of government.
Because of its geo-strategic value and new role as a petro state and its presence as a bulwark against Venezuela, nothing must come in between Guyana and USA to disrupt that very important relationship that has undergone important transformation when Guyana was a left wing authoritarian state. All the parties must commit to retaining closer ties with USA regardless of wins or governs.
