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Upping the ante
Kaieteur News – It is said in the scripture that the tiny mustard seed, though among the smallest, grows into the largest of plants. In Guyana, there is a local saying that small axe cuts down big trees. And from the world of science and mathematics there is that marvel, that mystery, of chaos theory called the ‘Butterfly Effect.’ It is where seemingly minute changes, such as the whirring of the wings of a butterfly in the distant Far East can, in time, build and influence gargantuan changes, as in a hurricane all the way across to the Caribbean.
We have some of that in some form occurring in our social and political arenas in this country right now that is stirring and flexing sinews and which is growing into what could be a storm of unimaginable proportions. This is what started a few years ago with the first announcement of the discovery of oil. Then more oil, until it became the talk of the planet. There were a few voices raised against the obscene and repugnant terms of the ExxonMobil-Guyana oil contract when it became known. The more Guyanese came to understand the full weight and implications of the monstrously disadvantageous provisions of this abominable oil contract, the more they began to have doubts and to worry. As they became increasingly distressed and agitated, more pens were put to paper, and more voices rose to the rafters. This was not good. In fact, it was very bad for the present and future generations of Guyanese.
The criticisms and objections started to gain in intensity, which reflected the butterfly’s wings waving more rapidly and consistently. There were news articles, then more of them from more media outlets. Voices were raised on radio and television channels in sustained condemnation of the great wrongs, the terrible unfairness, done to this country, its citizens, and their prospects. Letters and columns were written, skillful and thoughtful analyses were done on a continuing basis. Guyanese were up in arms, and constantly upping the ante. It was of pressure on the previous Coalition Government, pressure on today’s PPP/C Government, pressure on the oil companies, well established here and doing rich business.
While the oil companies, led by ExxonMobil did fabulously enriching business, Guyanese came to understand in still more detail the magnitude of their surrender, their great and humiliating loss. Citizens started to be more than unsettled and agitated. They became consumed by disappointment at losing out on our biggest payday ever. It took a while, but now they are becoming increasingly inflamed with burning anger.
They are barely making it, but a group of well-connected and well-set locals (politicians, their inner circle, and elites) are drowning in prosperity, and having a wonderful time. This is not acceptable, can never be, regardless of which group is in power, or who is the leader. The time was ripe to take matters to another level, a more combative one, but in the realm of the judiciary. The first lawsuit challenging the incredible tax giveaways was filed on Thursday, January 13, 2022. The bar was being raised; the complexion of the fight changed.
Now, people are taking to the streets to say, this contract is wrong. It is robbery. We need more for Guyanese. On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, some Guyanese came out and protested in Houston. They were very visible and also very audible. It could be a sign of things to come, for the people have had enough. One more well-aimed shot across the bow of Guyanese political leaders, their affiliates, and the foreign oil powers, led by ExxonMobil. The pressure ratcheted up relentlessly, the ante being upped continually.
This could be the beginning of the groundswell of Guyanese going out of their way to get what belongs to them in a fairer, squarer deal. Scrap this vulgar and insulting oil contract and start over. The message is that we are poor and struggling. Give us more. Our children do not have enough. We are not and cannot be satisfied with what is on the table before us in the form of this draining, devastating oil contract. We must have more. Small beginnings taking shape. It could balloon into something big.
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