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A call to deepen ties with Washington

Jul 21, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

In the face of shared regional threat posed by Venezuela, it is in Guyana’s interest to strengthen cooperation with and build a bilateral alliance with America – to strengthen trade, investment and security as well as enter into a defence pact.  The Diaspora praises USA for substantive military and financial assistance to Guyana and for increased economic ties. The Guyana government is commended for bolstering ties with Washington. Trade and investment between the two countries has expanded significantly over the last few years – American importation of oil and Guyana’s use of American services in the energy sector.  But there is enormous potential for more trade in oil and gas and in other sectors as well as for a military tie up against Venezuela’s aggression. Guyana must build on ongoing developments in order to take economic cooperation to its full potential while lessening economic dependence on non-democratic powers from the east.

The US underlined Venezuela’s aggression against Guyana and the security threat posed to its neighbours and to the USA by millions of migrants escaping economic deprivation. The United States recognizes the threat posed by Venezuela, especially that it is in alliance with non-regional powers that threaten American interests. The US also recognizes the strategic importance of Guyana, as Venezuela’s neighbour, to regional security.  With the challenges the USA face in the region from hostile governments and external powers from the east threatening America’s interests, Washington would welcome overtures from Georgetown to enter into an alliance. The government and civil society, including the Diaspora, need to work together to bolster the resilience of Guyana as it faces hybrid threats from Venezuela.

The OAS and CARICOM reaffirmed unwavering support for Guyana from the threats of Venezuela. But if attacked, regional powers may not take actions. Only the USA has the capacity and wherewithal to deter threats against Guyana. Only America can defend Guyana if Venezuela attacks or invades, making a military pact critical for survival.

Thus, the threat posed by Venezuela makes American support for Guyana more relevant than ever.  The US repeatedly announced that it is strongly committed to strengthening efforts to ensure a secure, stable, and prosperous Guyana and Caribbean region, with the implementation of the US strategy on Venezuela being an integral part of its policy.  Thus, Guyana needs a defence cooperation pact to defend Guyana’s territory against threats.  It will bring important security and economic benefits to our partnership.

Strengthening military ties will inevitably result in an increase in trade. This will improve the economy, raise income, help to boost GDP while eliminating poverty. This would help the country to meet requirements (such as high income and low poverty rates) for accession to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program so that Guyanese can visit USA without need for a pre-arranged stamped visa and without restrictions.

Guyana must deepen the bilateral strategic partnership with Washington.

Yours sincerely,

Vishnu Bisram

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