The AFC cannot eat its cake and have it too

Apr 13, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
After having witnessed the media blitz against Minister Joe Harmon on alleged corruption (of which there is so far no real evidence), reputable forensic auditors and letter writers are calling for his removal on grounds of his association with BK and Bai Shan Lin on that “secret mission” to China. The government and the veterans in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should have known that diplomatic protocol dictates that he should not have travelled on the same aircraft with the Bai Shan Lin delegation since we have so many outstanding matters of national importance to resolve. Moreso, we should not appear to be weak and compromising even though we are aware that China is the superpower with the greatest investments in Latin America and the Caribbean in recent times.
The urgent embrace of BK also raise red flags but we do not fully know the Government’s motive; his sizable campaign donation may be partly the basis of the relationship. However, while I hold no brief for Harmon, I would recall the concept of Realpolitik or Political Realism best demonstrated by the United States, the #1 superpower in the Iran Contra Affair where alliances of convenience were formed to meet specific short term objectives. So, the one time military dictator and drug trafficker, Manuel Noriega, of Panama worked closely with the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) “as one of the primary conduits for illicit weapons, military equipment and cash destined for US backed counter-insurgence forces throughout Central and South America”. The United States accomplished its objectives.
For those who are bent on castigating Harmon, permit me to share some more information about the halls of power. Ministers, Heads of Departments, and Directors are all advisors to the President. The Ministry of the President may have considered the optic of seizing Bai Shan Lin vehicles, at the same time when a GOG delegation was headed to China. Which activity is in the greater long term interest of Guyana? Should we prioritize our diplomatic relationship focusing on the benefits of China’s investments or the short term repossession of assets? Isn’t it more prudent and profitable to later re-assess and/or renegotiate the more shady deals of the past government with Chinese companies and their affiliates?
I would urge every Guyanese to view President Obama’s you-tube video on his town hall meeting last year in Jamaica on the question of foreign investments, American and Chinese included, in Latin America and the Caribbean. We should be more strategic in the way we conduct business and foreign investments. As shocking as it may sound, maybe Minister Harmon made the right call but lacked finesse.
Finally, Cabinet decisions are meant to be confidential and then issued by memorandum for action by the various officials and departments. Who would have leaked Harmon’s call and why? Who would have passed on the picture to the media and why? It is my conviction that the AFC cannot be both government and government critic at the same time. The can’t have it both ways! With great excitement I await news of the next Cabinet meeting to see the cards of the Coalition.
Max Wallerson

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