By Abena Rockcliffe
Many are familiar with the quote from Martin Niemoller, “First they came for the communists…”. That quote highlights the danger of not standing for a cause as long as it doesn’t directly affect us. It also highlights the reality that by the time “they” get to taking us, it may be too late to stand up for ourselves and there may be no one there to do it for us.
The irony of this season is that even as the writing is clear, even as we see the possibility of aligned circumstances which can lead to a similar fate, many Guyanese are doing worse than not saying anything. We are rejoicing, supporting and endorsing flagrant violations of international law as “they” move in on our neighbour.
Some hours after Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores were captured by the United States, former President, Donald Ramotar took to Facebook to condemn the action. He said the bombing and “kidnapping” takes the world back to “gunboat diplomacy”. He pointed out the violation of international laws and predicted that many in the region may soon “have to” express support for US’ violation. Ramotar labelled the US action as a continuation to the US and Israel’s actions in Palestine. He issued one other prediction. Ramotar said that unless the peaceful and democratic forces of the world unite, “we will see some more of the same…”
That post attracted 122 comments. While some were supportive of his view, many condemned the former President, asking him to “stay out of it” and calling his post “useless.”
One commentator even said, “Any Guyanese supporting a man who threatened to take Essequibo by force is a traitor. I’ve lost all respect for you Donald.” Others labelled Ramotar “a relic” and an “idiot”.
But the public condemnation did not cause Ramotar to alter his position in any way. In fact, he doubled down, not on social media, with people who have no real insight into geopolitics or historical precedence, but during a panel-discussion facilitated by Caribbean Tea. Ramotar’s central point, in simple terms, was, wrong is wrong, across the board, even if it is perpetuated against an adversary.
Ramotar acknowledged the many negative comments about him under the post positing that they are the result of a conflation of Guyana’s border controversy with Venezuela and US’ violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Ramotar was keen to point out that Venezuela has been quite nefarious to Guyana in many instances, scaring off investors, even during his tenure. At no point did Ramotar shift from the position that Essequibo belongs to Guyana. His point was that the same international law that should protect Guyana from its bully, Venezuela, should also protect Venezuela from the US.
Ramotar said that any shift from the upholding of international laws will secure a return of “might it right” and “law of the jungle where sovereignty is meaningless…and international institutions disregarded and undermined.”
He said that the brute force exhibited by the US is meant to get rid of any type of opposition, displace China and own as much of the world as possible.
Even more frightening is Ramotar’s point that the US actions will create an impetus for an arms race as all countries with resources will have to find ways to protect themselves against big powers.
He said nuclear weapons will be more sought after, creating a proliferation of very dangerous weapons of mass destruction all over the world, “Iran must be thinking I am next and so preparing, North Korea must be thinking of increasing their stock pile instead of moving towards a reduction to create a safer world.” Ramotar noted that some countries may take the less expensive option to secure chemical weapons.
Beyond that, Ramotar said that if Guyana doesn’t take a stance rooted in principle, “we are subjecting ourselves to a lot of pressure.”
He said, “One of the good things about President Trump is that he doesn’t leave much to the imagination, he has been clear, his interest is oil.” The former President said that Trump’s categorization of Venezuelan oil as property of the US can eventually be used against Guyana.
He said Guyana is open to feeling the wrath of the US the day, “our government does something that they don’t like.”
I found this point particularly important because it reminded me that there are so many issues Guyanese must keep an eye on.
President Irfaan Ali has already sung high praises for President Trump following the capture of Maduro. In the spirit of compliance, are we to expect Guyana to categorize the Cuban medical brigade as “human trafficking” after decades of benefit?
Are we going to express outright support for the ethnic cleansing in Palestine?
What about our relationship with China? We love roads and bridges but we may love Trump more.
Will we be instructed on markets for our oil?
We know there is no renegotiation of the contract with ExxonMobil, but will we be allowed to police the operations and demand that we get all that the contract stipulates?
So much to look out for. In the meantime, the chickens laugh as the turkey is plucked.
