By GHK Lall- I regret differing from respected brothers, Dr. Vincent Adams and Chris Ram, two peerless Guyanese. The source of the difference is Exxon Guyana President, Mr. Alistair Routledge’s statement that “it’s not our job to build the nation…they didn’t vote for us…we are not representatives of the people.” Though I recoil from what Mr. Routledge said, he is right, except for one point, and on a limited basis only. I dissect his statement, the main points of which are quoted in the preceding sentence.
“It’s not our job to build the nation….” The Exxon Country Head has been terribly wrong in many areas, many matters, many representations (billboards, reserves, revenue flows, and more). He, however, is right that Guyanese should NOT look to Exxon to build Guyana. Building Guyana is the job of the Guyana Government, Guyana’s political groupings, and the Guyanese people. They must work at it with a passion, will it to rise from the derelict state (mentally, politically, governmentally) that it is today.
It is Pres Ali’s role to lead in building of Guyana, not Exxon’s board of directors, not Darren Woods, not Alistair Routledge. When the president puts aside divisive, destructive, politics, and engages political and civil society constituencies, then that’s from where the duty to build the nation starts and soars. Hopefully succeeds. At least, it increases the probability of progress.
When Pres Ali abandons his leadership role, lacks the courage to fight for what could build Guyana, through sheltering in a cracked glass house, that does not devolve to Exxon. It shouldn’t, mustn’t. Incidentally, Mr. Ali’s glass house has a name: sanctity of contract. When he retreats there, doesn’t lift a finger to fight for developments that could build this nation, then why should Exxon? If Guyana refuses to fight for itself, why should others? Who would do so for the abjectly fearful (doing nothing), the craftily resourceful (dodging leadership duty), and the smartly angling (retaining power)?
In lambasting Mr. Routledge, prominent Guyanese are giving their own pathetic leaders, their cowardly government, undeserved coverage. One issue that I take with Mr. Routledge’s “build the nation” statement is his and Mr. Woods’ insistence that Exxon is a true, helpful, constructive partner, that the Guyanese people can hope to have, actually have. If so, then helping to “build the nation” is part of a superbly profiting partner’s portfolio. Can’t be as lopsided, as the record attests. Nor as secretive. Nor so destructive to the political and social fabric of this country.
A genuine partner will embrace that duty, as part of its enriched presence, for the wealth to be
shared, a country to rise. Agreed that there’s no such animal as benevolent capitalism; and business is business, with no place for sentiment. Hence, Exxon should sell itself as explorer and profit taker and not a partner. Not anything else. It is my only qualification in agreeing with Mr. Routledge, speaking for Exxon’s High Command. Recalling him would be reversing where Exxon’s Board and CEO stand.
“They didn’t vote for us.” What is there to disagree about in that Routledge challenge? Exxon’s board voted for a CEO, who then selected (voted) for Alistair Routledge as the best viceroy, the best warrior, for the company’s interests in Guyana. Guyanese voted for Ali, Mohamed, Norton, Campbell and Walton-Desir. They have to carry the burden of visions and actions on what is required to “build the nation”. Then deliver on it. It is improper, appalling, to delegate that to Exxon. What are Guyanese: paralytics and misfits? Not capable to tie their own shoe laces, unready to fold their hands into fists, and to stand for this nation? It has been so, hasn’t it?
“We are not representatives of the people.” I don’t usually agree with Mr. Routledge. How can I disagree with him now? Guyanese put Ali, Jagdeo, Nandlall, Norton, Campbell, Mohamed, Walton-Desir where they are to represent them, fight for them, even die for them. They prefer to wound each other.
In some respects, Mr. Routledge just insulted them. He savaged them. I translate. The people made them (YOU) their representatives. Now get off derrieres and do all that can be done to build the nation. Don’t look to Exxon. Guyanese have slackers for representatives where their patrimony is concerned. Routledge is representing his constituencies well. I wish I can say that about my Guyanese brothers and sisters sitting as the people’s representatives.
Finally, Alistair Rouledge could be, should have been, recalled for many other maneuvers. Not on this statement, though.
