Diplomacy overboard

Jul 04, 2014 Editorial

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Today is America’s birthday, but the fireworks exploded here two days ago.
There are pertinent reasons why in certain situations words are carefully chosen and actions are controlled, to allow for a respectful, if not cordial setting. Such was not the case at the United States Ambassador’s residence on Tuesday evening when the envoy hosted a reception in observance of America’s 238th anniversary of its independence.
In what this newspaper could only describe as “the most shocking abuse of hospitality and a disregard for the diplomatic norms”, Minister Priya Manickchand, acting in the capacity of Foreign Minister, launched into an unprecedented and obviously calculated verbal attack on outgoing Ambassador Brent Hardt, when given the customary opportunity to address the gathering.
Needless to say, those present were clearly stunned by the undiplomatic flare-up. And given the occasion and location, it seems even more incomprehensible.
We reiterate that this was an obviously calculated move, and as fate would have it, the coup de grâce was delivered by one of the government’s fiercest defenders, in the absence of two individuals – President Donald Ramotar and Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett – who though they may share the same views, would not have been inclined to boldly express such sentiments in those surroundings. This task required blind loyalty. The messenger was carefully selected.
In hindsight this should not have come as a surprise. The now familiar cuss-out syndrome was already in full effect. Earlier in the day the ruling party had issued a statement that chided the Ambassador for meddling in the internal affairs of a sovereign government. Minister Manickchand merely extended this criticism to the diplomat’s doorstep.
It was two days earlier that Ambassador Hardt, addressing a youth forum hosted by the Non-governmental organisation, Blue Caps, was critical of the Guyana Government for its failure to hold Local Government elections – a searing topic at this time. This apparently was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
There was evidently a decision to give the outgoing envoy a send-off he would never forget. He was clearly offended and certainly did not envisage being ambushed in his own backyard. Particularly given the fact that the issues he has raised during his tenure are those considered vital to the country’s development.
Early in her 10-minute speech, the Minister’s cold tone and references suggested that a whirlwind was brewing. She related to a current situation where Guyana must comply with certain international acts. She then reflected “specifically on the activities of the representative of the US Government here”.
Ambassador Hardt was accused of contributing to “a tension-filled relationship with the Government of Guyana” that “attracted considerable efforts on our part to address oftentimes without much success”. The Minister said that Mr. Hardt’s remarks to the Blue Caps had “gone beyond the boundaries of professionalism and diplomacy”.
It was ironic to note that while blasting the ambassador for his “totally unacceptable” modus operandi, the Minister mentioned among the government’s peeves “the liberties he has taken with…sense of occasion”.
Yes, sense of occasion. The Minister used an occasion recognising America’s liberty, to take extraordinary liberties with the character and integrity of the host, because he “has been associated with a dedicated attack on the President and the government on the holding of Local Government elections…and has been supported in this ill-conceived venture, by the opposition section of the media and his colleagues in the diplomatic corps”.
Yes, those meaningless Local Government Elections; that annoying opposition section of the media and those meddlesome diplomats. There was an air of utter contempt in her delivery. It was wholly inappropriate for the occasion.
Even America wasn’t spared on her birthday. She was reminded of the consequences of her “zeal to democratize the world”.
The conclusion of the speech saw emphasis on the existence of a “red line”, and that the ambassador had crossed it by his “profoundly disturbing”, in government’s view, “nuanced resort to justifying insurrection in his remarks to the NGO Blue Caps”.
More of the classic fear-mongering.
And to what red line does the Minister refer? Such a line would have been totally erased and was repeatedly crossed during the Jagdeo administration. It is open season.
There is absolutely nothing diplomatic about this government; its methods are abrasive and at times, primitive. Its members have proven that they do not possess an ability to deal with people politely. There is a profound lack of class in their midst and a lack of respect for those outside of their circle. Diplomacy has long since been thrown overboard.
The tough questions remain about local government among other issues. Substantive responses are non-existent. The diversionary tactics continue. Minister Manickchand’s contemptuous invective, effectively on foreign soil, is just another example of the unrestrained power and abuses associated with entrenched incumbency. Guyana, of course, remains poorer for it.
Oh, by the way…Happy Birthday, America!

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