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Are there similarities between what is taking place in the US and Guyana?
Dear Editor;
Editor’s note: This is the concluding section of Mr. Ogunseye’s letter published yesterday
By 2016 Obama and the Democratic Party became indistinguishable from the old order (establishment) and became part of the problem rather than the solution. On the economy, he inherited a bankrupt country reeling from the collapse of the banking system. In 8 years he was able to successfully turn around the economy, in the process achieving a 2% growth rate and one of the highest job creation rates in recent times. It is therefore surprising that in the face of these achievements Hilary Clinton and the Democratic Party were unable to pull together the requisite votes for victory.
In Guyana the APNU+AFC collation government should take note. We came to power on the banner of change. Our victory cannot be compared with Obama’s victories, since we only have a one seat majority. Have we delivered the change our supporters had expected? The answer is no. There are good reasons why this was not possible. However, we still have more than three years to correct things. As demonstrated in the US elections and in Europe we see that masses, who suffered from prolonged economic and social crises, are rejecting the notion that they have to wait again for “trickledown economics” to work. They want relief now not later. This is the political challenge facing the ruling coalition in Guyana. President David Granger has to be mindful of the fact that his government might succeed at restoring our damaged economy which he inherited, but this may not be sufficient to get his coalition over the line in 2020 if we fail to give our supporters something tangible to fight for. In the context of Guyana this is not easy for the government but we have to find a way.
It is ironic that one of Trump‘s slogans during the US elections was “we have to take back our country”. This was also one of the coalition slogans in the 2015 elections. But in countries with historical racial problems this appeal is a double edged sword, since it can be construed as being a call made in ethnic terms rather than a legitimate appeal for people’s power. In the US elections only the naive will deny the race factor. It was in part a white-lash. On the other hand, African American alienation led to insufficient support for Clinton. Additionally, Hispanic self- preservation reflexes led to a splitting of their votes. At least 20% of Hispanics voted for Trump in the face of his unprecedented threats to their communities.
Trump’s and the Republican Party’s fear tactics succeeded in forcing some Hispanic interest groups to jump ship in an effort to save their skins. This was real politics at work. How does Guyana stand in this regard? Our Indigenous communities have long mastered the art of “playing” the political parties. They are adept at sharing their votes always on the lookout for the highest bidders. This is how they defend/preserve their interest as a minority. In Guyana like the US we are yet to come to grips with the challenges that are poised by the race/class contradictions in our society.
Given the length of this letter I will not attempt to address here at in depth the second question about the possible negative effects of Trump/Republican victory on Guyana’s national interest. Suffice to say it lies in the area of our border, and the potential threat posed to Guyana’s sovereignty by Venezuela’s aggression.
And our drive to be oil producing state? It is no secret that in Venezuela many in the political opposition historically have had close political and business relations with interest groups and leaders in the Republican Party. How this will play out in terms of Guyanese national interest is difficult to predict at the moment. In closing, I wish to say that President David Granger’s speedy congratulations to President elect Donald Trump is an indication that his mind is engaging these new realities.
Tacuma Ogunseye
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