Dear Editor,
The Opposition is on a campaign of hysteria as it relates to the Venezuela issue. This hyped-up excitement in our public space is fast becoming an annoyance for all right-thinking people in this country. Not only is their “hyper-tension” becoming an irritation, it also has the potential to drive fear and instability in the public domain.
The border dispute is in the hands of the highest court in the world, the ICJ, yet the Opposition is contending that the Government is not doing enough to settle the border issue. What do they mean by the term the Government is not doing enough? Are they suggesting that we take up arms and lead a military attack against Venezuela? Certainly not the way we would go!
Their latest panic attack comes through the use of the term “enhanced defence diplomacy”, whatever that nonsensical term entails, but the point is this: no defence by Guyana can or will be in the form of military confrontation, because that would be:
(1) Playing into the hands of the Venezuelans, because we have no military might to match that of Venezuela. But even as it is, Maduro is not that stupid to ever risk an invasion, because with so many investments by the A, B, C and EU States in our economy, that mighty force undoubtedly would knock the “mad” out of Maduro. So, he should be mindful of this.
(2) Any move to go the military route would certainly undermine our case at the International Court. It would be foolish, if not weaken our case, to pick a fight with Venezuela at a time when the matter is being adjudicated at the ICJ.
(3) Further, to engage Venezuela in a military encounter would certainly give the PNC a leg up on the local scene. The PNC would gloat over the fact that our defence force would be humiliated in the face of the Venezuelan military aggression; and then, as deceitful as they are, they will turn again and say, “We told you so.” Sadly, in that imbroglio, they would like to turn out to be the “good guys,” the only party that cares for the nation. That sympathetic Judas of a situation cannot find favour with a thinking Guyanese public.
So, in either of the three scenarios listed above, let it be made pellucid that it will not happen, because we would not be goaded along that path. Ours is a peaceful struggle that would ultimately result in a peaceful and lasting solution. We have done it before in circumstances of extreme provocation and came out peacefully victorious, so there is no need to panic now. Let the legal process take its course.
Respectfully,
Neil Adams
