President, VP summoned to Washington

Jul 27, 2022 Letters

---

Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – I leaned back on reading that July 24 Demerara Waves caption “US govt. invites Ali, Jagdeo to meet with Secretary of State, Congressional leaders.”  “Invites” is putting this development nicely, and with careful regard for the dignity of this nation’s two top leaders.  I commend this exercise in politeness, but must insist that it is the wrong verb in the situation.

The President and Vice President of Guyana were not ‘invited’ by the U.S. Government.  Both of them were summoned, as in commanded to turn up immediately.  It is not a red-carpet reception in mind for the two local travelers, who had to be wondering (and sweating profusely) as to what was up for such overnight urgency.  I say overnight because there was nary a whisper before on something that would had much fanfare; and I don’t think that either the President or Vice President saw this so-called invitation coming.  The American Ambassador didn’t give them any notice, for she had cautioned them.

I am not surprised given the veiled warning language that Her Excellency has employed in her official and public communications repeatedly.  Her words and postures have been insistent: transparency and inclusion at the top of the heap, and some business that covers procurement and benefits for all locals.  The State Department has to have coded cables from her as to what is really happening here and the implications of those (to be addressed later).  Of course, it didn’t help at all that the Chinese threw that monkey into the mix that goes under the name of money laundering.  This is trouble upon crisis that threatens a catastrophe.  That is, for the same two Guyanese leaders now compelled to hurry over to Washington, DC in answer to an imperial call.  It was the equivalent of show up or else…

It is a nice cover story to have as part of the waiting reception committee those United States Congressmen who have been very vocal in highlighting the woes of Afro Guyanese, and the ugly nature of the now chronic discriminations meted against them in an array of public service areas.  One of the other crucial areas of concern has to be the suspicious killings by agents of the State of African Guyanese civilians. As much as the agenda on the American side is long and alarming, I still have not gone anywhere near to what is the biggest concern for the Yanks.  Before going further, I must make it clear that it is my strong belief that the two PPP Government leaders (and delegation) were not allowed the courtesy and luxury of their own agenda.  It is really a sit down for a dressing down.  It should be clear by now where I stand with that piece of officialese that tried valiantly to convey something about “bilateral”, and current releases brimming with good fellowship. There is nothing bilateral about the gatherings or conversations.  Our guys are going to be handed their heads on a platter and then hauled over the coals.  It is now the proper time to visit what is most important to America’s heart.

In the plainest language, the Americans summoned Guyana’s President and Vice President to make it clear that they are in power, and will only remain in power, as long as the interests of Exxon are protected.  Nothing and no one must be allowed to menace to the giant American oil presence here.  If ostracizing and marginalizing Afro Guyanese is developing to a worrying degree of restlessness, then the President and Vice President have to get off their thrones and fix the problem.  So, we are right back to what the U.S. Ambassador has made one of the centerpieces of her public presentations, which is that dirty word (to the PPP) inclusion.  If the peace and stability of Guyana are stressed, then the United States is most interested in those stress points being banished.  This is where all roads terminate.  In a word, it is Exxon!  Exxon!  Exxon!  And both of them better not forget any of that.  Do whatever it takes.  Be up to the job and deliver, even if lines have to be crossed.

The unspoken two-way street of understanding is best summed up tautly: America put the PPP back in power.  And just as surely, America can put the PPP right back out of power just like that, no kidding. This is what this abrupt departure for Washington s is all about, and of that let there be no mistake, notwithstanding the soothing words from Washington now.

Wrapping up, it is to ensure that the two humbled Guyanese leaders know who really is boss, and this is not the bush leagues of Guyana.  Last, the Guyanese delegation will be thrown some bone about meager assistance here and there to keep up appearances with this farce about “bilateral” talks, and give them something to boast about on returning to the boondocks of Guyana.

Sincerely,

GHK Lall

---

---