President Granger made a strong case at UN General Assembly

Oct 02, 2015 Letters

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Dear Editor,
President David Granger’s maiden speech delivered at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday September 29th, 2015, will be remembered in the annals of history, not because it was his first address to that international organization in his capacity as Head of State, but more importantly, for the strong case he presented in defending Guyana’s territorial integrity against Venezuela’s aggression. His skillful appeal to the United Nations to uphold its commitment to collective security for small states is a demand that the world body will be hard pressed to ignore.
As Guyana approaches its 50th anniversary as an Independent country, history seems to be repeating itself. In 1966, a few weeks after we raised the Golden Arrowhead, Venezuela annexed Guyana’s half of Ankoko Island in an act of military aggression. More recently, the President of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro, initiated a series of actions including the issuing of a decree establishing sovereignty over most of our Atlantic waters,‘ massing of troops and military equipment including missiles along the border, authorized his navy’s intrusion into the Cuyuni River with gun boats, objected to Guyana’s off shore oil exploration and his government refusal to gave accreditation to our appointed Ambassador to Caracas, were all hostile acts by the Leader of the Bolivarian Republic against our country.
If I am to grade President Granger’s performance on his excellent handling of the border crisis at home and abroad, I will unhesitatingly give him an “A” plus .His decision to raise the issue of Venezuela ‘s aggression at the UN General Assembly and seek international support, have borne fruit. The meeting organized by UN Secretary General Ban Ki – Moon between President David Granger and President Nicolas Maduro resulted in the easing of tension between the two countries to some extent. This improvement in relations is welcome. The Guyanese people were told that Venezuela has agreed to give accreditation to Guyana’s designated ambassador, Ms. Cheryl Miles and it will be reinstating its ambassador to Guyana. Additionally, it was agreed that a UN investigative team will report to the Secretary General on the way forward.
The Guyana Defense Force, in keeping with its mandate to defend the nation, after the President made public Venezuela acts of aggression, conducted military exercises in various parts of the country in its efforts at preparing our troops for any eventuality. Shortly after, reports surfaced that Venezuela was pulling back its troops and equipment from the border. In spite of the progress made in the UN sponsored meeting between the two leaders there is still need for our troops to remain on the alert and vigilant. We cannot allow ourselves to become complacent. While we don’t want to divert scarce resources, hum    and otherwise, away from developmental goals, we must not lower our guard.
We have to learn from other countries that for the military to be effective it will need the support of the people. Organized civilian support, coordinated by civil society groups and citizens, is important in promoting patriotism. This is necessary to enhance the defense of the country. In this regard I wish to salute the comrade who staged a one man picket outside the Venezuelan embassy and to congratulate those persons who joined in supporting him. I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate Guyanese in the Diaspora who took the time to demonstrate their support for Guyana’s cause.
Since the crisis, I observed that our national songs are being played, this must be continued many times daily. Our nation is energized by songs like Dear Land of Guyana, and “Not a Blade of Grass”, our young people need to hear these patriotic songs. These songs are helping to unite the nation and must now be a common feature on the air waves and television for some time to come.
On the issue of sovereignty we must remain uncompromising. Our cause is a just one. Guyana has never committed any acts of military or other forms of aggression against any nation or people on this planet. We have a well established reputation as a small peace loving nation. This should not be mistaken as weakness. Our people and government must be prepared to make whatever sacrifice is required to protect our territorial integrity.
Prime Minister Forbes Burnham in 1964 when faced with aggression from Venezuela and threats to annex Essequibo was politically astute. He recognized that Guyana’s approach to territorial defense has to be holistic, political, military and diplomatic, with diplomacy playing the paramount role. This approach proved to be successful –Guyana was able then to neutralize Venezuela‘s aggression by winning regional, hemispheric, and world wide support which effectively isolated that country and its war mongers. President Granger, as a young officer was an integral part of the strategic and tactical decisions making and planning in that period of the country’s history.
Ironically, he found himself as President facing a similar challenge to that of Burnham: in this respect Guyana is in good hands, the man at the helm has the necessary experience, maturity and a steady head, which is required in this sensitive situation.
Mr. Maduro, facing the worst economic, social and political crisis since the death of Hugo Chavez, tried to manipulate the border controversy with Colombia and Guyana in an effort to achieve domestic political gains. In doing so, he has done a disservice to the ideals of the Bolivarian Revolution. His dangerous game has back fired and he is forced to retreat on both fronts. He and the ruling party is putting the Revolution at risk, opening the door for the return of the old order. The political social and economic gains of the masses of poor Venezuelans are being put on the line. Cuban influence in that country is significant and President Granger’s outreach to President Raul Castro of Cuba at the UN was excellent Caribbean diplomacy.
Congratulations for a job well done Mr. President.
Tacuma Ogunseye

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