This shift in foreign policy towards Iran has its inherent hazards

Jan 26, 2010 Letters

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Dear Editor,
The President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, was complimented by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Hoseini Khamenei, at a meeting in Tehran on (Thursday 21-01-10), for his posture and policy towards the West.
Jagdeo was praised for his ‘independent’ foreign policy as it pertains to the US and other Western countries.
In his response Jagdeo said: “Despite its geographic proximity with America, Guyana has an independent policy and we are ready to make use of Iran’s experience in all fields.”
It is quite apparent that there will be an alliance between Iran and Guyana, although the implication of “making use of experience in all fields” is quite confounding. What does it really mean?
Is Guyana poised to host/engage in unsavory activities?
A question the US State Department, Homeland Security, INS and the CIA might be contemplating about now.
In earlier remarks, Mr. Jagdeo criticised the USA for its handling of Haiti disaster.
This shift in foreign policy towards Iran has its inherent hazards, and one would question the wisdom and rationale for such a bold and abrasive move.
It is not clear what the benefits of such an alliance would offer Guyana, but the precarious nature of this relationship poses many negative ramifications – perilous under most circumstances.
The move to distance itself from the US and the West is again questionable foreign policy.
Guyana is a country plagued with numerous development challenges, and has seen continued out-migration (brain-drain), a prevalence of HIV/AIDS, crime, corruption and economic stagnation.
Though the country is rich in natural resources, vast mineral wealth and arable land, it still remains the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with staggering unemployment and human trafficking, as well as, serving as a transshipment point for narcotics.
Much like Haiti, Guyana has not been without foreign assistance. USAID has contributed hundreds of millions in aid – 2005, $43 million; 2006, $52 million; 2007, $48 million; 2008, $68 million…
USAID has been involved in improving Guyana’s economic competitiveness through the implementation of Market-led approaches to Guyana firms to increase their visibility in North American and European Markets.
USAID initiatives helped to identify buyers and penetrate markets; enable distribution and support chains to respond to Market opportunities.
What will happen when this aid is taken away? Guyana is too small and impotent, economically and otherwise to antagonize the countries in the West-EU and North America and hope to thrive in a global economic framework.
PEPFAR was also supported by USAID with the focus of strengthening healthcare and the public healthcare system -coordinating and collaborating assistance among key players; including Governmental agencies and donor agencies.
Guyana’s alignment with Iran sends a clear signal to the West that it supports the policies of Iran in spite of serious violations of UN security resolutions.
Iran was designated a state sponsor of terrorism because of its activities in Lebanon and elsewhere.
The US, UN and EU imposed economic sanctions and controls because of its nuclear weapons ambition and involvement in terrorism.
UN Security passed several resolutions (1696, 1747, 1803, and 1835).
IAEA resolutions (1737, 1477, and 1803)-nuclear and ballistic missile programmes…
The US Executive Order (13382) was passed for proliferation activities.
Executive Order (13224) designation for support of terrorism.
Will Guyana find itself on a terror watch list?
Guyana and Iran share some common ground i.e. Guyana sits on the Tier 2 watch list for human trafficking and Iran sits on a Tier 3 list.
Iran has other issues – environmental in nature – deforestation, overgrazing, salination, water pollution, oil pollution of the Persian Gulf. Are these some of the experiences the Guyana Government will make use of?
With brain-drain a serious problem in Guyana the question might be asked -Who is left to advise Mr. Jagdeo and what part of these resolutions are unclear?
Is this the symptom of a failed domestic policy, a failed foreign policy, or that of a desperate nation which has run out of options?
Based on this posture, certainly Guyanese can also look forward to a thriving future alliance with North Korea.
Is Guyana being positioned to replace Haiti?
In a few years Haiti will rebuild. With massive economic, financial and technical assistance from around the world, it will become a thriving prosperous nation – no longer the poorest in the world.
Guyana is the likely candidate to take the top spot on the list of poorest nations.
During the Burnham administration, an ill-conceived programme to nationalise foreign owned companies was implemented – Alcan, Bookers and others. Little did foresight inform the Government that antagonizing the foreign powers could alienate a country economically and otherwise.
As a consequence, Guyana found it difficult to sell its products, including bauxite, sugar, rice etc, to North American and European Markets at a fair market price.
Other countries refused to invest in Guyana, which resulted in a lack of foreign exchange. The country deteriorated rapidly and mass migration ensued, (round 1975-76, I espoused this view in a Patrick Dargan Essay competition for teens – wish I had kept this hand-written piece).
Though I thought it was a brilliant piece of writing back then, it did not place in the competition – too anti-revolutionary.
The stage is being set once again for the alienation of Guyana as the process of antagonizing the Western countries – (vital markets for exports and investment) is set in motion.
Changing the economic climate in Guyana requires establishing new markets and bolstering existing ones – retention not loss; growth not retardation, increase not decline.
But this can only be achieved through new visionary leadership; fresh blood with bold innovative ideas and a clear vision for the future-leadership that will empower and invigorate; unify and harmonize for Change We Can Embrace.
Wayne Forde

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