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Who will resign over the Taiwan-China Fiasco?

Feb 06, 2021 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

In the parliamentary tradition, the Minister in charge or some other high official who presided over a fiasco tenders his or her resignation to assume responsibility for it. In such a situation, attention is directed away from the head of the government (President or PM) and the entire government. Ministers all over the world in democratic countries follow that tradition and quickly announce their resignation whenever their Ministry is responsible for a grievous error, especially one that could have been avoided. In so doing, respect for the President and the government is preserved. There is accountability. In third world countries like Guyana, there is no accountability.
The diplomatic debacle over the announced Taiwan trade office is a major blunder. It is ‘unforgivable,’ very amateurish. It shows that Minister and his advisors are not ready for the job. And what about the President and Vice President Jagdeo – what was their role in this flip flop? It could not have been announced without their consent. Would the responsible officials – Foreign Minister, Foreign Secretary, directors at Takuba Lodge, advisors, others – assume responsibility and tender (or offer) their resignation to the President. That is standard operation. If not, will the President fire them?
Who gave the advice for such a trade agreement with Taiwan? Was it studied before an announcement was made? Having announced it, why cancel it? There are so many Guyanese who study and are experts in international relations and foreign diplomacy. Carl Greenidge is also working for the government at a senior level. The President, the Vice President, and Foreign Minister could have sought the advice of experts.
One does not announce a trade agreement with a nation like Taiwan, an ally of Washington, one day and reverse it the next day. And such an announcement would not have been announced without US goading. Clearly, not much thought went into the decision-making of the trade link with Taiwan and its reversal. It is boyish. This is what happens when children are put in charge of a job that should be performed by adults. Hugh Todd and Robert Persaud are in the wrong Ministries; they know nothing about foreign relations. For months, the public expressed opposition to the appointments. There will be more disasters, if foreign policy experts are not recruited to manage that ministry. Six months have passed and there has not been any change in APNU appointed personnel. Yet the ruling PPP in opposition slammed APNU for its diplomatic appointments. This government has not sent an Ambassador to any of Guyana’s key allies. Clearly, the government is not interested in foreign policy.
Heads must roll in the foreign ministry. But there will be no accountability. No one will be penalized for this faux pas. In fact, there may be promotions for those who presided over this botched trade agreement. On lack of accountability, PNC and PPP are allies. They give solidarity to one another at critical times like now. That is the nature of governance in this God forsaken land.

Yours truly,
Shawn Simmons

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