Copyright stabroeknews
Dear Editor, The recent statement issued by previous heads of state in the Caribbean is welcomed and needed, but unrealistic in an environment where Venezuelan aggression continues to escalate. Venezuela has remained defiant and the current dictator leading the country has decided to rely on his relationship with Russia, China and Iran to bolster his position. Earlier this month Russia and China supported Venezuela at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council where a discussion was held concerning the recent actions of the U.S. in the Caribbean. Venezuela took the position that the conflict was rooted in the U.S. trying to gain control of Venezuelan oil resources. Venezuela downplayed the concerns over state sponsored drug trafficking and the aggressive position that their current dictatorship has taken towards Guyana as demonstrated in the increasing military buildup along our nation’s western border. It is quite hypocritical of Venezuela to now accuse the U.S. of resource grabbing intentions while Venezuela actively prepares to defy an ICJ (International Court of Justice) ruling that favours Guyana. We must also keep in mind that Russian military presence in the Carib-bean had been escalating in recent months. Where was the joint condemnation of the increasing Russian military presence in the region when it occurred? Russian submarines off the coasts of Cuba and Venezuela should have raised alarms amongst current and previous Caribbean Heads of State, but instead the world has seen increased solidarity with Cuba, calls for reduced sanctions against both Cuba and Venezuela, and a constant condemnation of Israel who is a key U.S. ally. The Caribbean cannot afford to be selectively neutral, while also appearing to be communist biased. The growth of tourism in the region is primarily due to U.S. support, and the economic gains of the region are directly linked to the strength of the U.S. economy. We must as a region avoid presenting a biased position and we must not turn a blind eye to the drug trafficking problem that has plagued the region for decades, which is now negatively affecting the U.S. However, the goal of remaining neutral while also being a reliable and trusted partner for peace is both admirable and achievable. China had recently offered to lead talks between Guyana and Venezuela, but this was scoffed at and rejected by the current administration during its previous term in office. CRG had recommended that Guyana take the opportunity presented by China’s offer to include the U.S. in the discussions with the goal of gaining the demilitarization of our western border. CRG continues to recommend moving in this direction. We must gain a commitment from the discussions that Venezuela will accept the ruling of the ICJ, and we must also seek an agreement that will allow for a joint U.S. and China patrol along our western border. By fostering cooperation between China and the U.S. in this matter of national importance our nation will help increase the chances of maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace and prosperity. Jamil Changlee The Cooperative Republicans ofGuyana
