A capability problem and lack of consequences

Sep 12, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

I found the article, “Condemned to be emergency room cases” (KN Sept 10th) spot on. It’s correctly stated that our leaders keep getting bamboozled, in relation to why we keep getting exploited. Before actually addressing the issue of the “Inferiority Complex”, I would state that maybe a personality attribute that the likes of Exxon tap into, is the possibility that the people they deal with at the negotiating table have pleasing, non forceful and non combative qualities. Look away, look in the opposite direction, let’s not rattle the kettle- sort of thing. If that is so, this trait is good within our country, in some aspects, but not sitting across the bargaining table from multinationals.
Secondly, in past and present times, most of our top officials have never really been verbally pressed, on certain matters and forced to directly answer questions regarding their own bad decisions or actions. Worse yet, Guyana really hasn’t held officials, top-bottom accountable. As long as we keep giving the inept and crooked a pass, for whatever reason, with absolutely no consequences, the same conduct will continue. It will be an endless revolving door, of bad results.
But the answer to the inferiority complex question is: yes, in a way. Additionally, are most of our leaders really capable? and have that enduring business savvy, specifically when it comes to dealing with highly skilled, selectively chosen foreign negotiators?. Not much. Countless international degrees, and life abroad, is a side issue. That makes little difference to them.
Unfortunately, these attributes will get the likes of Exxon to prevail over us, though I am also certain some officials also have their own hidden agenda!!!
The last factor to consider is our individuals that go up against the foreign negotiators. There is no advantage to having anyone over the age of 65 years negotiating for us, except if they are truly subject matter experts. Even if they are, our negotiators must also have a well oiled young generation support team, conducting research/collecting information, etc; that know how to use Google, and stay up late to the early hours of the morning. I doubt if we have this structure in place.
While the relatively young and disciplined foreign negotiators are still up at 3a.m in the morning of the meeting, (and days before) brainstorming and going through their notes for discussion, with their research staff, our negotiators will probably go to bed at 10p.m the prior night, after a dip in the hotel swimming pool and a scrumptious meal. A sure opening for a disastrous contract.
We have to prepare ourselves for this bumpy road. Buckle Up Guyana.

Yours Truly,
Chi Kansi

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