The Jagan & Jagdeo Doctrines

Feb 01, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

I inadvertently penned (Jan 28) that the Jagan foreign policy Doctrine could be labeled as “New International Eco Order”. As pointed out by Prof Randy Persaud in a response in another paper, that concept emerged from the Non-Aligned Movement of 1973. The mistake is regretted! I believe the correct date it was effected was May 1974 – the date is unimportant, the concept is of significance but got no traction.

Dr. Jagan’s foreign policy doctrine, if it can be called that, was “The New Global Human Order”. Dr. Jagan was a most compassionate leader who cared for the poor and ordinary folks like the working class at the bottom of society globally. He did improve working conditions in Guyana and lifted many out of poverty on a very tight budget. He did not waste resources – opposed cadillac lifestyle in a donkey cart economy. Regrettably, his doctrine did not get much traction internationally. A book with same title was published (1999) under his and Janet’s name. Nothing came of that doctrine as indeed the doctrines of almost every Third World leader. Academics and world leaders pay attention to doctrines emerging out of Washington on foreign policy or military matters.

In contrast to Cheddi, Bharrat Jagdeo’s foreign policy doctrine on Climate Change has attracted much traction globally. Even Washington and the western governments pay heed to the effects of climate change and have taken measures to reduce use of oil and gas that produce emissions that raise the earth’s temperature. The whole world has been paying attention to the heating of the globe!

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram

Doctrines, New International Eco Order, Prof Randy Persaud, The New Global Human Order, unimportant

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