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By Mark DaCosta- Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines has once again voiced his unyielding support for Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, raising concerns about his impartiality in regional affairs, particularly in relation to Guyana. Gonsalves has come under scrutiny, with many in Guyana questioning his neutrality in his role as a mediator, especially as tensions over the Venezuela-Guyana border dispute remain a sensitive issue.
Addressing recent criticisms, Gonsalves defended his position, stating that his primary interest is peace in the region. He argued that his relationship with both Venezuela and Guyana has always been one of mutual respect. “Guyana is my friend, Irfaan is my friend, the Guyanese people are my friends, as is Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro,” he remarked, emphasising that his only concern is ensuring that peace prevails for the prosperity of the region. However, these reassurances have not quelled concerns, particularly among Guyanese citizens who firmly believe that Gonsalves may be prioritising Venezuela’s interests over Guyana’s sovereignty.
Gonsalves’ recent comments regarding Venezuela’s internal politics have added fuel to the fire. In a statement following Venezuela’s elections in July 2024, Gonsalves was quick to endorse Maduro’s victory, claiming that it was in the best interest of Guyana’s rapidly developing oil industry. He argued that a victory by the Venezuelan opposition would have had detrimental consequences, possibly leading to U.S. influence over both Venezuela’s and Guyana’s oil sectors.
“If you have a choice between Maduro and the [opposition] in Venezuela, I advise you to choose Maduro. [The opposition] will seek to allow the Americans to take the oil in Venezuela… and try to run Guyana’s oil industry from Caracas,” Gonsalves said. His endorsement of Maduro, a controversial figure globally, further fuelled doubts about his impartiality, with many Guyanese viewing this as clear evidence of bias.
The backdrop of this debate is Guyana’s long standing territorial dispute with Venezuela over the Essequibo Region, an area rich in natural resources, including oil. Despite Gonsalves’ claims that he would never support Venezuela’s military actions to claim the region, his close relationship with Maduro has left many sceptical. The prime minister has repeatedly stated his opposition to any military solution to the dispute, stressing that dialogue is the only way forward. Yet, for a number of Guyanese, Gonsalves’ rhetoric rings hollow, especially given his long-standing political affiliation with Maduro.
Historically, Gonsalves has maintained a robust relationship with Guyana’s current government, led by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). He has often referred to his personal connections with the PPP, which he describes as decades-long, but has also acknowledged his respect for elements of Guyana’s political opposition. “Politically, historically, I’ve had relations with the PPP for donkey years. I have admired many things of Forbes Burnham and the PNC,” Gonsalves noted. Nonetheless, this attempt to present himself as a friend to both sides has done little to alleviate the growing suspicion that his sympathies lie closer to Maduro and Venezuela.
The growing American presence in Guyana’s oil sector has also added a layer of complexity to the situation. The U.S., a major investor in Guyana’s emerging oil industry, has taken a cautious stance on Venezuela, with officials expressing disappointment at some Caribbean nations for supporting Maduro’s re-election. U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, recently voiced dissatisfaction that countries like St Vincent and the Grenadines had not backed a joint statement calling for the verification of Venezuela’s election results. Gonsalves, in turn, dismissed the notion that he is anti-American, though his remarks on U.S. foreign policy suggest otherwise. He attributed American dissatisfaction to what he calls the “ghost of Munroe,” referring to the outdated U.S. Monroe Doctrine that aimed at dominating the Caribbean region.
Despite his attempts to appear neutral, Gonsalves’ role in brokering the Argyle Declaration for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela has done little to assuage concerns about his bias. Many Guyanese recall that in December 2022, Gonsalves played a pivotal role in bringing Presidents Ali and Maduro to the negotiating table. However, the lingering scepticism about his impartiality during those talks remains, particularly as his pro-Maduro stance becomes more pronounced.
For many in Guyana, Gonsalves’ close ties with Maduro and his swift endorsement of Venezuela’s electoral outcome are clear indicators of where his loyalties lie. Despite his reassurances, the fear that Gonsalves might favour Venezuela in future diplomatic or economic matters continues to cast a shadow over his involvement in Guyanese affairs. With Guyana’s territorial integrity and oil wealth at stake, the doubts surrounding Gonsalves’ neutrality appear more justified than ever.
