By GHK Lall- Imperial power. It certainly can be multilayered. Deep and complex. A mystery in operation; fascinating it is expression, projection. Take developments in Venezuela that are already well underway. Consider developments pending in Guyana, that could go another way, send shivers up and down the spine of those in charge here. Venezuela first.
Senor Alejandro Betancourt. Only in the American firmament can a man go from a person of interest to a partner making possible massive reciprocal interests. How does a man make that long journey, take that giant jump, from alleged law violator to oil intriguer (and partner)? Just so there’s no mistake, the man spotlighted today is Senor Alejandro Betancourt and not that long ago former Venezuelan President, Romulo Betancourt. Both the ancient and modern Betancourt seem to have a special love for America. God bless America! May God be merciful to them (and me).
News coming to light highlights the role of Senor Betancourt in the removal of Nicolas Maduro. Recall that he was under American law enforcement radar at the time. Recall that he was a prime beneficiary of lucrative contracts under both the Chavez and Maduro regimes. But this Venezuela billionaire (bolichico -young master of the universe) became a partner and instrument in an oil setup that essentially gifts a quarter of Venezuela’s sacred national treasure to America. In this deal of millennia, it is so good that its terms have to be kept away from Venezuelans. Imagine that arrangement.
A man grabs a quarter of the family house and all the riches in it, and the family is clueless of what its members get. A big uncle, however, is a major contributor to the deal. My impression is that even that formidable lady, she of nine lives durability, Senora Delcy Rodrigues was a secondary player in American-Venezuelan maneuvers. Alejandro Betancourt was the main man; now stands as a tower of power in Venezuela.
From my own calling, I believe in the power of correction, redemption, and reconciliation. But even for one like me, this is mindboggling and breathtaking. Though not without precedent. Remember, it’s America. Only permanent interests. I see the Pentagon featuring prominently; that says it all.
From Venezuela, what to say about Guyana? What’s there to say? I start simple. American wants Mohamed. One will do. Two is better. Looking at recent developments in Venezuela, intuition grows stronger that Azruddin Mohamed can be Guyana’s Alejandro Betancourt. The parallels are eerie. Mohamed a local billionaire. Like Betancourt. Mohamed a man under the U.S. microscope.
Like Betancourt. Mohamed a man that was close to the seat of power in Guyana. Like Betancourt in Caracas. Mohamed a man on whom the U.S. wants to lay hands, ask some questions. Like Betancourt of Venezuela at one time. I believe that the U.S. wants what is in the Mohamed’s heads (two). The Guyanese can use their heads like the Venezuelan billionaire and end up on the side of the righteous. They are different kinds.
So, what will it be for the local man? I wouldn’t fight extradition. I would visit the U.S. Embassy and say: I am ready. Get out the cuffs. Let’s get down to business. Let’s start talking. Alejandro Betancourt did that, and a president was removed. A runner, a corrupter, a stealer and a liar.
How about those in Caracas? Just find the equivalent parties in Georgetown. The human pickings are plenty. Try this other thought. Is there any Guyanese-in the Offices of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Attorney General, the Guyana Police, the Guyana Taxman, the Guyana Prosecution Office-who really believes that the Americans pursue the two Guyanese for some chickenfeed gold smuggling, tax evasion, and money laundering? If there is one such Guyanese, he is stupider than I ever could be.
Wrap-up time. Venezuela’s Betancourt dealt himself a fine hand, pleaded his case, emerged a winner. He even gave up a brother in Maduro, a fellow caudillo. Mr. Azruddin Mohamed’s table is before him. He has good cards. He went high and tight for decades. There’s value in what’s in his head. Bridgetown was the teaser. New York or Miami could be the sweetener. Thus, the mysteries and sophistications of imperial power in action. If I were part of the PPP hierarchy, I would seek asylum somewhere safe. Those Blackhawk helicopters could be hovering. The bell tolls. For thee in the PPP brethren up there. Even the freest rein to Exxon could be reduced to mere smoke.
