Disagree with GHK on US Amb. Lynch’s Legacy

May 21, 2021 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,
It is a rarity for me to disagree with GHK Lall. He is one of the finest commentators on Guyanese affairs, a courageous writer whose analyses are spot on. There are many who don’t like him because of his brutal honesty about politics and politicians. He objectively critiques all and sundry and writes objectively. But his conclusions about Ambassador Sarah Lynch’s legacy in Guyana (as appeared in KN, May 19) is not in sync with most Guyanese. Contrary to what GHK thinks, Ambassador Lynch would leave a lasting legacy of strengthening democracy and ties with America.
GHK sought to compare US poor record in introducing democracy in Iraq with its role in protecting democracy in Guyana. One can’t objectively (or appropriately) compare former Ambassador Paul Bremer’s record in Iraq with that of Ms. Lynch’s in Guyana – two different societies with different histories, though somewhat similar ethnic conflicts and authoritarian rule with a horrible fascist, racist dictator in the form of Forbes Burnham and Saddam Hussein. One was a physically war-torn society since the 1970s, with little order and the other has some semblance of order with its nascent, fragile democracy under threat 2019-20. There was chaos and instability in Iraq when Bremer arrived and tried to impose a democratic order; the verdict on democracy is still to be delivered given the sectarian conflict. Ambassador Lynch saved democracy in Guyana.
Bremer made many mistakes after being sent to democratise a country with no history of democracy or good governance. He did not understand the country. He was isolated in Baghdad seeking to protect a diplomatic security zone, as though that was all of Iraq. Bremer and the Bush administration sought to impose a western solution to an intractable ethnic and sectarian problem in an eastern country. Guyana, on the other hand, had a history of good governance in 1953 and between 1957 and 1964 and again post dictatorship (1992). Ambassador Lynch does not consider Georgetown as all of Guyana. She has travelled all over the country. She interacts with every party and leaders of influential organisation and businesses. Lynch is institutionalising a western value of respect for law and democracy in a western country that is embraced by the country.  Bremer’s major blunder in Iraq was to de-Baathize Iraq. He did not pursue reconciliation after the war, unlike Lynch who has sought to bring parties together. Reconciliation is always the hardest thing in any post-conflict situation and Bremer excluded the Baath party on the question of reconciliation. Lynch has understood Guyana well. She has not attempted to eviscerate any party and gives respect and recognition to all, regardless of size and influence. She has met the leaders of all parties.
It is true that the US’s role in promoting democracy in Guyana rang hollow during the 1960s as it sought to counter communism and toppled Jagan from office. There was also anti-democratic intervention in 2015. The US wanted a compliant government in Guyana during the Cold War. That was the past as communism is not a threat to US interests in Guyana. In 2015, the government was arrogant without much understanding the power of America. It must be stressed that promoting democracy abroad has been one of the hallmarks of US foreign policy. The US also seeks to boost trade and cultural links. And Lynch has done exactly those tasks in Guyana. She is also loved by almost all Guyanese. She has a 100 percent approval rating among Indians, Portuguese, Chinese and Amerindians. Supporters of APNU are not pleased with her involvement in protecting democracy that led to the ouster of the party they support. That is understandable!
GHK says our racial animosity has worsened. Racial divide in Guyana will not be overcome anytime soon. That is why Ambassador Lynch is seeking to cement democratic values so that the race issue can be resolved through democratic values. She has endorsed constitutional and electoral change so that genuine democracy can prevail. Unfortunately, the APNU opposed US involvement in electoral and constitutional matters. As a Guyanese, I am so grateful that the US is involved in Guyana’s affairs. Amb. Lynch has been a God sent; without her presence, and the involvement of the Ambassadors of BCE countries, democracy would have been hijacked.
Lynch is not known in America. But she is a household name in Guyana and the diaspora as well as around the Caribbean and by those in countries that followed the attempt to steal the elections. Guyanese, democratic loving ones like me, will remember Her Excellency for saving our democracy. Come 2025, democracy will be threatened again. This time, she won’t be here to save it. In 2025, GHK and other Guyanese would reflect and wish “if Ms. Lynch were only here” to save us again. The US must continue to have strong influence in Guyana post-Lynch. The diaspora in America would like to see greater US involvement in Guyana’s affairs.
Yours truly,
Dr. Vishnu Bisram

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