Guyana’s Strategic Relations with USA

Jul 19, 2024 Letters

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Dear Editor,

The Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it held a historic strategic dialogue with officials from the US government” (Jul 17). This is one of the best news for Guyana, and it is welcomed by the diaspora in America.  It comes at a critical juncture for Guyana’s strategic defense against those who have claims on Guyana’s territory. This dialogue may commence a deep and growing strategic partnership. Having USA on your side in the Americas is a blessing. Excluding the extreme left, which constitute a couple percent of the population, the diaspora and Guyanese at home have long advocated for a comprehensive partnership, including a defense pact, with America. The left has always been resistant to such an idea, preferring to team up with Russia and China. Those in the know of how Washington operates and have studied foreign policy have been aware that USA would not allow a state to threaten America’s interests in the region. It was never permitted since the Monroe Doctrine (1823). The many interventions in the region from then to now including in Guyana in 1953, 1964, 1992, 2015, and 2020 are illustrative of this argument.

This writer recalls recent history on advocacy (lobbying) by a handful of Guyanese diaspora nationalists for friendly relations and strategic dialogue by the Government of Guyana with Washington. There were hardly any takers in government. Following the restoration of democracy in 1992, a small group of Guyanese in USA, inclusive of Ravi Dev, Baytoram Ramharack, this writer, among others, championed the idea of a strategic partnership between Georgetown and Washington to deter threats to Guyana’s territory and to consolidate democratic gains. It was never embraced in Guyana and neither was the earlier call to repudiate communism and to partner with America. The group pleaded for years especially in the new millennium to tone down the anti-American rhetoric. It fell on deaf ear. Worse, America was attacked for ‘interference’ in the affairs of Guyana; all the US was doing was promoting democracy and free and fair elections in Guyana. Recall the ‘feral blast’ of 2014 against America on US independence celebrations at the residence of US Ambassador!

A group of intellectuals in USA affiliated with the then opposition in Guyana prepared a ‘Report on Strategic Culture’ as pertains happenings in Guyana and its potential impact on USA, advocating a partnership between Guyana and USA; it was funded by grants from American government agencies. It was welcomed by American policymakers. Not unexpected, there was political change in Guyana in May 2015.

The US quickly began showing signs of displeasure with the policy of the new regime, including honouring a known terrorist who was planning to blow up JFK, among other places. In 2016, Ravi Dev and a group of Guyanese, including this writer, met in New York and discussed the idea of preparing a dossier on “Guyana’s Strategic Culture and Ties with America” to strengthen the relationship. There were several follow up sessions, including phone discussions, in 2017 and 2018. A report was completed in 2018 with this writer contributing a lengthy chapter on Strategic Importance of US-Guyana ties. It was shared with important political people in Guyana and influential organizations in USA.  The political behaviour of the then opposition changed considerably from hostility towards Washington to praises for and embrace of America. The rhetoric of anti-imperialism disappeared from the vocabulary of the radical left. Political change came in 2020.

Since then, this writer and several other academics and community leaders were approached by a former UG lecturer in New York to prepare a follow up report on Strategic Culture on USA-Guyana Relations; multiple monthly Zoom discussions followed chaired by the UG lecturer. The report was completed in 2021; this writer contributed a chapter on need for cementing ties between Washington and Georgetown and away from the Middle east, China, and Russia. The policy of the government in its first two and a half years was contrarian to the recommendations made by this writer.  However, over the last year and a half, there seems to be a warming of ties between USA and Guyana. The government seems to recognize the importance of a strategic dialogue with Washington. This can only redound to the benefit of Guyana and by extension her diaspora.

Washington has committed to supporting Guyana’s defence and protection of territory claimed by a neighbour. Washington and western powers have made it known they will not allow Guyana to be bullied.

It is hoped that the dialogue between Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and officials of the US Administration on energy and food security will lead to a further elevation of bilateral relationship and to a comprehensive strategic partnership including on territorial security and defence, bilateral economic cooperation on trade and investment, cooperation in the field of justice and equality, strengthening people-to-people relationships, and interconnectivity in other areas. American policymakers will appreciate any contribution Guyana makes in promoting American security in the region which by definition also improves our security.

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram (Doctorate in Pol)

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• Government, Guyana, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relations, Vishnu Bisram (Doctorate in Pol)

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