Guyana’s reality as a hotspot places it in a delicate situation

Feb 07, 2021 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Guyanese were privy to the ominous development that occurred over Taiwan last week. It is more than a momentary simmer in a saucepan; it is of trouble that is intricate and woven with the many predicaments faced by this country, most of which are of its leaders’ making. I foresee interesting times ahead, none of which is wholesome, given the pawn that Guyana has become.
I ponder and conclude that this is more than a misstep over Taiwan; one which had to be pleasing to America, and which it had to have had some considerable interest in making happen. It is part of the burgeoning weight – most of which is outside the public domain – that America brings to bear on this country, via compromised local leaders. But with that mistake coerced and made, mainland China wasted no time to demonstrate its own considerable clout in this country, and over our feeble leaders. It compelled them to backpedal in the blink of an eye. The Chinese sat Guyanese leaders down and made them face facts and reality. This is how much is on the table; this is how much Guyana is in up to its neck. Now, whatcha gonna do about it? Guyana leaders did a double take, the 21st century version of political kowtow, through a meeting of the minds.
Editor, when I speak of Guyanese leaders, I do not speak of the Hon. Foreign Minister, or His Excellency, but of the only political mandarin here that matters, who was sure to see the light, and made to understand: no games, be done with such. When answers are required immediately, when caving in must come, only the top will do. There is the glorious and celestial Vice President, who the Chinese wisely recognize is the only power source that matters in this town; after all, he has monopoly and veto power over every portfolio. But I detect a problem, because Guyana is not India, which can dance around between Russia and America, and decide selectively on certain crucial matters, like jet fighters or endorsements or relationships. Guyana-little, belittled, and whittled down to size recently – is caught between a risen and still rising Chinese Dragon, and a highflying, but descending American Eagle. Horns of a dilemma is a start, but it leaves much ground to be covered. For here were citizens minding their own business, but who made the fatal error of trusting in corrupt and self-serving leaders, who promptly pursued their own selfish interests (not national ones), and now Guyanese are caught like grasshoppers under the feet of squaring off elephants.
Having sold this country out for their own pockets, they indebted us in many ways, and beyond what was prudent to China. Last week, the mainland Chinese Shylocks came calling with reminding and bringing about complete understanding. That is putting it nicely for family and wider public consumption. On this, I do not spare my former friends in the PNC, for they were part of the welcoming parade, which when examined now, reveals the magnitude of the excesses overseen, the Chinese extravagances we must live, and deep national hole dug for us, where our destiny is not in our hands.
Editor, I put in a wider frame. The Chinese have no intentions of retreat from ensnared Africa, or the South China Sea corralled at most cardinal points. But, at the risk of being considered callous, that is a concern for the good folks in those dependent habitats. I am concerned about this Guyana that I have made my home. I do not envision the Chinese retreating from stake(s) in Guyana, or its larger geopolitical objectives in the Latin Quarter. Similarly, I cannot visualize those power broking capitalists and military strategists from the American home I left giving ground willingly and without a struggle. This is their lake, their backyard; if they cannot dominate here, then there are few places left to challenge and confront the expanding Chinese.
Editor, the problem with all of that is that Guyana (we) are in the middle. We have no say on how events unfold, we lack the kind of meaningful posture, both home and abroad, that brings listening, that encourages pausing by the powers. We are not India. We are Guyana with maritime agreements, national debts, and crippling leadership secrets. The Chinese exposed those. The tumult over Taiwan made that clear. Guyana is paradise lost, not to be regained.

Sincerely,
GHK Lall

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