Hostile neighbours
Editorial
Guyanese are increasingly bitter, as our letter columns show, about Suriname sending gun boats to order away an oil rig preparing to drill for oil pursuant to a licence granted to a Canadian company by Guyana. This treacherous act by an ostensibly friendly neighbour has caused us considerable potential loss, at least in the short term. It was based on the perceived military weakness of Guyana, at least in its maritime arm. In retrospect, though it may be possible to excuse the government for not preparing adequately before sending in the oil rig for eventualities, which could arguably not have been foreseen given earlier exploitation in this area, it signally failed afterwards to mobilize a swift diplomatic campaign to isolate Suriname and secure the return of the rig. Our position at the Caricom summit was weak and did not suggest that there had been adequate prior briefing of our colleagues. No other visible diplomatic initiatives were taken and the offer to work together with Suriname even temporarily was weak and equivocal. We did not play our hand well though even if we had it may well have been the case that Suriname would not have been willing to make any concessions. It is also ironic that not having exercised our veto (given the unanimity rule) to keep Suriname out of Caricom when it sought admission the same rule could now in principle be used by Suriname against our interests. As if to compound our problems Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who faces an imminent election which he is likely to win, is talking about granting oil concessions in the maritime border zone, as he says Guyana has done in areas that have not been demarcated. He said Venezuela wants to consolidate its exclusive economic zone. Foreign Minister Rangel talked of undertaking a seismic study to locate hydrocarbons on the continental shelf. The project would be executed by the state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, with the assistance of the navy. This is bellicose talk by any reckoning. These are therefore perilous times. There is no evidence so far that the Minister of Foreign Affairs has crafted a vibrant strategy to deal with the two threats. What is needed urgently are credible and detailed contingency plans. All relevant local skills should be mobilised. Mr Rashleigh Jackson and Dr Barton Scotland are already on board. Sir Shridath Ramphal and Dr Mohamed Shahabuddeen are two other names that come immediately to mind. Their urgent help and advice should be sought. There should also be an initiative to brief fully and involve the parliamentary opposition parties. Mr Rohee has a major task on his hands. He must move swiftly and give the public as much information on what he is doing as is feasible. So far, the government's foreign policy has been found sadly wanting.
 Follow the goings-on in Guyana
|