Editorials, news reports, columnists’ op eds, and letter commentaries are very critical of the support of PM Kamla’s government for American military actions against narco-traffickers and the hosting of American warship in T&T port. The PM is right in her thinking and decision making. She pursues a policy in the interests of T&T. Most CARICOM governments (except Guyana that has been threatened by Venezuela) and left wing politicians, invoking violations in international law and citing clauses of violation of UN Charter, are also critical of and condemn American actions against the narco-traffickers and covert actions against Venezuela. The critics and detractors claim that the American military presence in the region and actions against drug traffickers are a threat to peace in the region. (Isn’t narco-trafficking a threat to peace and stability? Why isn’t CARICOM supporting actions against traffickers?). Venezuela’s action against Guyana and T&T also have posed a threat to peace and security in the region.Your editorial calls for diplomacy. Venezuela has not been interested in diplomacy when it engaged in saber rattling against Guyana and intimidation of PM Kamla. Maduro threatened an invasion of Guyana and talking tough against T&T under PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s governance. Venezuela was not interested in diplomacy or international law, the UN Charter, and the World Court in resolving border controversies. When USA resorted to military actions, Venezuela’s dictator Maduro shows interest for diplomacy. The Americans got the attention of Maduro with military action and a serious threat to the survival of his illegal regime. Peace is not threatened with the American military presence; the American military assures peace. There is peace through strength, as Ronald Reagan said. And teaming up with Washington presents a golden opportunity to work on foreign investment and peace and security in the region.
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 assume 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. The consequences are severe including loss of visa and higher tariffs against an entire nation.
Aside from political realism (pragmatism) in international affairs, T&T as well as Guyana face serious threats from narco-traffickers. Venezuelan criminal gangs have been operating in T&T (including in its waters) largely with impunity; the country lacks the capacity to rein in the criminal gangs and stop drug trafficking. PM Kamla needs President Trump to go after the narco-traffickers crossing over with their illegal substances into Trinidad. Trump’s action could end drug-trafficking in T&T.
Also, Maduro’s bellicose attitude poses a threat to foreign investment in both countries as well as energy development. Venezuela has been threatening Guyana’s territorial sovereignty and oil (and gas) operations in Guyana waters. Venezuela had threatened Exxon’s right to drill in Guyana’s waters. Guyana needs Exxon, the largest FDI, which has been pouring huge amounts of revenues into the economy as well as from royalties and profit sharing in sale of oil resulting in modernization, rapid growth, and rising standard of living. Without Exxon’s continued operations, Guyana’s economy will stagnate. The USA is providing protection to Exxon’s operations; Exxon is also set to begin exploration for energy in T&T waters early next year bringing in huge (billions in American dollars) investments that will address foreign currency shortage. And President Trump has granted approval to T&T to purchase Venezuela dragon gas critical to national development. Both T&T and Guyana benefit financially by teaming up with Washington. In addition, they enjoy security from the American military umbrella. Maduro will dare not attack T&T and or Guyana; the consequences to his regime will be severe.
It is a no brainer that both countries must team up with Washington for continued security and protection and for investment. 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 and peace and prosperity.
