We really need to keep everyone happy

Sep 10, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
It seems like the Americans are unsure of where they stand with Guyana.
The Americans (together with the British) intervened in Guyana setting us back two decades in development. But Guyanese are not angry about this anymore, as times have changed, and we are not holding a grudge. Guyanese like Americans, Canadians and British, as it is their countries that we went to and continue to migrate to.
However, they should not be too unduly concerned that we are courting the Chinese, as we are only doing what is in our best interest and broadening our sphere of influence hoping to diversify our trading partners – much like Americans and British court China for trade, regardless of the regime in place in China. Americans court China, so why shouldn’t Guyana?
We want access to China and Brazil and greater access to the CARICOM market (as well as to Venezuela).
At the same time, Guyana should not shut out the ABC (America, Britain, Canada) countries in favour of China, as many Guyanese still prefer to migrate to these countries instead of the likes of China and Cuba. In any event, Guyana is English speaking (yes, Creolese is English) so could benefit from continued and greater access to ABC markets for imports and exports.
Guyana is not a HIPC (highly indebted poor country) anymore, so it is not likely to get much debt written-off. We are just a poor country. Guyana does not need US$30M in bilateral aid from America. What Guyana needs is practical help like in bridging the mouth of the Essequibo River. It should cost about US$400M, but can be done in three stages (Parika to Leguan, Leguan to Wakenaam, Wakenaam to Aurora) with American contractors doing the work. This would help us to open up our Cinderella county of Essequibo for development in the long term, as well as help with the development of Leguan and Wakenaam.
Even ABC conducting a feasibility study on bridging the Essequibo River would be very useful to Guyana – or maybe opening an institution to transfer some of that American know-how to Guyanese to fill the skill shortage in Guyana. It would cost less than US$30M.
We need ABC on our side to counter Venezuela’s claim of our Essequibo region. Not that Venezuela would try a pre-emptive strike to get Essequibo, as the Americans would love an excuse to pound Chavez.
Diplomatically, we need to keep Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname and CARICOM very happy and continue to improve our relationship with other countries. Easier said than done!
Sean McLean

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