The PNCR should welcome Pompeo’s visit to Guyana

Sep 17, 2020 Letters

Dear Editor

The maneuvers of the PNCR party over the post-NCM period (December 18, 2018 to August 2, 2020), and in particular the five months following the holding of the National and Regional Elections, has sharpened the exponential rise of conspiracy theories in some quarters. These theories find expression in the assumed motives ascribed to the United States’ Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo’s two-day visit to Guyana, September 17-18, 2020.

One such theory is that the United States is planning an “October Surprise,” that is, an invasion of Venezuela to happen before the US Presidential election in November 2020. According to this theory, Mr. Pompeo’s visit is to layout the groundwork, including staging operations, and to persuade the Guyana government to allow the country to become a launching pad.

This theory has no foundation, and it illustrates our Guyanese penchant for unleashing speculation and political platitudes. Why would President Donald Trump want to invade Venezuela in order to secure a Presidential electoral victory, and at such an exceptionally phenomenal price? To crush a huge nation and create massive human misery, property destruction and anarchy? The world would never tolerate such debased action. Remember China and Russia would not stand by idly to allow such an invasion to happen.

Trump knows that he could not order the invasion of Venezuela. He also knows that he has to obtain congressional approval first should he ever think about that. Trump sees himself as an historical figure of some significance and would spurn at the notion of going down in history as a colossal disgrace. And Mr. Pompeo will not want to be associated with such a sinister project as he (Mr. Pompeo) wants to keep his reputation untarnished as a brilliant statesman even if for one reason, that is, for a possible Presidential run in 2024.

The press release of September 15, 2020 from the US State Department indicates that Mr. Pompeo’s visit will highlight the US commitment to “defend democracy, combat COVID-19 pandemic, while revitalizing our economies, and strengthen security against regional threats.” In Guyana, Secretary Pompeo will highlight “opportunities for more responsible and transparent private sector investment” and adherence to democratic norms and principles. Mr. Pompeo knows that both Guyana and Suriname were recently governed by ex-military men, who have been known to be democracy busters.

Suriname’s previous President Desi Boutsere was convicted of murder perpetrated as part of his campaign to liquidate his political opponents. Granger’s reluctance to give up power after his party lost the March 2 elections has caused great concern in the US, and other countries. This helps to explain why Mr. Pompeo will emphasize a strengthening of democracy, transparency and accountability.

Another popular theory is that the US wants to obtain Guyana’s permission to use its medium wave radio broadcasting frequencies to beam Voice of America (VoA) programs from Guyana to Venezuela. Such a request for permission was made in early 2020 to the Granger administration which it rejected. The reason for rejection is not known. However, the establishment of VoA is a plausible theory, and might be on the table for discussion.

While the majority of Guyanese are happy with Mr. Pompeo’s visit, the PNCR does not seem to be enthusiastic. They remember how he forced them out of office, and slapped many of them with sanctions for undermining democracy. One would therefore expect a cold response from the PNCR to the visit. This was the man who ‘robbed’ the PNCR cabal of their lavish lifestyle, opulence, and exalted power status.

What Pompeo did (force Granger to step down), no other leader had been able to accomplish. Many observers believe that had it not been for Mr. Pompeo’s direct intervention, Granger and his PNCR cohorts would have succeeded with their electoral coup; remained in power; and there was nothing much (other than protests) that the PPPC and other political parties could have done to express their anger and disenchantment.

Conspiracy theories were not so prevalent when the same PNCR cabal welcomed a 25-member US Congressional delegation and military personnel on August 23, 2018. They were on a four- country official visit to Guyana, Suriname, Honduras, and Brazil. Joseph Harmon said that the visit was a “testimony of growing confidence in Guyana on the international scene, as well as, strengthening of US/Guyana relations.” The Stabroek News reported that both the Government and the US Embassy were tight lipped on the visit. The popular theory then was that the US was concerned about the influx of Venezuelans into Guyana and its implications for security.

It was not after the conclusion of that visit were Guyanese informed by David Granger and Representative Peters (CA) about the purpose of the delegation. Rep Peters said that they focused principally on climate change, immigration and national defence. David Granger said that they also discussed the energy sector as well as assured the delegation that Guyana is a “stable country” and that “the three branches of government function separately” and that the “executive does not interfere in the judiciary and autonomous commissions.” Mr. Pompeo would have soon discovered that those were just nice words and phrases but were far removed from reality.

The first Guyana government official that the US Congressional delegation met was the then Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman. Why? Was it to thank him for offering Exxon a super sweetheart contract deal? For what other reason(s) did they meet Trotman? While they also met with President David Granger, they never met with the Leader of the Opposition. What theory was applied there? Wouldn’t have normal protocol allowed for the delegation to meet with Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo? This failure to include the Leader of the Opposition was even more perplexing when Joseph Harmon stated that it was a “familiarization” visit.

The PNCR continually proclaims that they observe the rule of law and adhere to the Constitution but everyone knows otherwise. The recent five-month post election saga alone offered deep insights into their political posturing. They have been exposed for their Constitution-busting by several local and international organizations as well as governments. Should they believe now in the defence of democracy, as Granger had articulated to the Congressional delegation, then they will have nothing to fear from Mr. Pompeo’s visit and should therefore welcome it.

Yours truly,
Tara Singh