Guyana’s neutrality

Jul 31, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

Our position in the Guiana Shield and the planetary services we currently provide free of charge to help maintain a healthy planet, makes it necessary for Guyana to maintain a neutral position in the geopolitics of our planet. This becomes more important as we seek funding or payment to maintain this service for the benefit of all nations on our planet.

His Excellency was recently asked about our relationship with China and Venezuela during his visit to the USA. Those that provide funding do expect that as we take financial support from them that our position will become unquestionable when it comes to conflicts within our region. Our funding comes and will continue to come from all corners of the planet, especially when the maintaining of the lungs of the planet is involved. However, it is important to note that as a Nation that embraces the beauty of freedom for its people, we stand on the side of democracy and the principles upon which the free world is founded. We are also a country that works with others who may have different ways of developing their society. This is not only by choice but also by necessity, as we are a Nation made up of a very diverse population. As a previous colony of Spain, and as a country that has a significant Chinese population, one of whom was our first President, our ties run deep and are historical. We have enjoyed a peaceful and friendly diplomatic relationship for many years, during both times of peace and conflict. This has provided us with a unique opportunity to work between countries that have historical differed in their development approach to nation building.

The current geopolitical atmosphere is becoming more complex and the potential for conflict is increasing. However, Guyana continues to and must maintain our neutral geopolitical position in order to help preserve peace in the region. As a country whose history is socialist and currently undergoing a transition, our relationships with Russia and Cuba are also healthy and mutually beneficial. One of our previous Presidents has trained in Russia and our health infrastructure was supported by our friends in Cuba when our country underwent economic embargoes similar to what Venezuela is currently undergoing. Our relationship with the USA is also very strong, and the USA took in a large percent of our intellectuals during the economic embargoes. This has led to a substantial population of Guyanese in the USA and as His Excellency mentioned during his visit, we now have a place in New York called Little Guyana. Some have argued that in return for our intellectuals, we have received criminal deportees. The USA can continue to strengthen our countries alliance by helping us put in place a stronger system to manage the criminals that have been sent.

The complexity of our diplomatic relationships can be misleading to some, but with a clear communication strategy and consistency in our neutral, but principled approach to supporting our Allies where the opportunity for peace is maintained, we as a country can ensure that Guyana continues to be a destination where both formal and informal peaceful discussions can be had amongst those of differing nation building approaches. In addition, our religious make up is reflective of that of the planet, and with this added diversity, we have had opportunities to nurture mutually beneficial relationships around the world. Some of our partners may not have the best relationships amongst themselves, but Guyana continues to be that oasis of neutrality that allows for peaceful discourse and fruitful business relationships to occur. As we continue to develop our Nation, there will be many opportunities to fund projects and invite participants from the four corners of our planet. By ensuring that our country’s position reflects the principles of establishing and maintaining strong diplomatic ties rooted in peaceful neutrality, our Nation will be able to continue to develop upon a more sustainable path.

Best regards,
Mr. Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

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