United States (U.S) Secretary of State Michael Pompeo came, took, and left specific instructions. As experts of foreign affairs analyse his visit and what it means for Guyana, the average person needs no one to anlayse for them what they heard with their own ears.
The stated expectation by Secretary Pompeo that Guyana will give its full support to the U.S’ push for democracy in Venezuela, because the U.S threw its support behind the current Government for results of the recent elections to be declared, was bound to happen. It is quid pro quo Donald Trump style. Guyanese knew when the U.S was so deeply involved in our elections it was never about democracy.
Threat of visa revocation to members of the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM), the judiciary and then government, if the results are not declared based on the recount was intended to intimidate not honour our laws. The impatience and allegation that Region Four Returning Officer did not obey the High Court’s ruling in tabulating the votes, and staging a walkout, were theatrics to confuse a divided and unsuspecting people. The stakes were high, and the charade was designed to give cover to some as President Trump pursued his agenda.
It was never about Guyana as some will now forcefully have to accept. The boldness of Secretary Pompeo in stating his expectation of President Irfaan Ali, throwing in a little sweetener to have people scurrying or feeling satisfied, should come as no surprise. He was merely prodding a willing partner and giving coverage to further the agenda of gaining access to Venezuela via Guyana. The U.S is determined to remove the Nicolás Maduro government and install their choice, Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó.
The Trump administration does not care that Guyana has a border controversy with Venezuela for two-thirds of our country. They do not care that our case is before the International Court Of Justice, that Guyana made a sterling defense of our territorial integrity. They know we await this ruling of the court. Frankly, they do not care about the vital threat to our sovereignty or they think it pales in comparison to their expectation.
One of the earliest things Guyana did on attaining independence was to establish a Foreign Policy based on non-allignemnt and non-interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. That policy has served us well and was supported by the Government, Opposition, and society. There was unanimity and it would be fair to say agreeing to Secretary Pompeo’s request must have our earliest leaders, Dr. Cheddie Jagan and Mr. Forbes Burnham, turning in their graves. Dr. Jagan nor Mrs. Janet Jagan would have appreciated what their party has done. They would have balked at the idea much less accept their party being the deliverer.
An expectation, muchless commitment by the Government to join the U.S in removing a foreign government should have had discussions and support of the people. There should have been discussions in the National Assembly and with other stakeholders because this request is not without consequences, dare it be said, dire.
Society would not be fooled in thinking the Government was caught blind sighted. The average citizen knew what was expected from the moment the U.S rejected Madura, supported the ousting of Bolivia President Morales, and took an overly and unprecedented interest in our elections. If newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, was unaware and could not properly advise the president and other cabinet ministers, he had done his field of study and Guyana’s foreign policy a disservice.
Mr. Pompeo’s request of President Ali contradicts Guyana’s long-held position. Many Guyanese do not support Guyana being a gateway for regime change in Venezuela, including us at The Village Voice.
