Learning from the recent referendum held in Ecuador

Dear Editor,
Ecuador recently held a referendum on whether to allow an American Military Base to be established in its country to help combat drug trafficking and violent gangs. Although significant economic development would result, voters have chosen to reject the establishment of an American Military Base. A surprising development, especially given that Ecuador has had such a base in the past. This begs the question, why?. The President of Ecuador estimates that 70% of global cocaine flows through the country. (Reference: NPR news, Ecuador rejects U.S. military bases in major defeat for President Noboa, November 17th 2025).
This recent event presents two important considerations for Guyana:
Should we embrace having an American Military Base along our Western Border?
When will we hold a referendum on renegotiating the oil contract with Exxon?
Given the current pending military conflict with Venezuela over Essequibo and the strong agreed to position with our American ally to prevent drug trafficking and the strengthening of the violent gangs from Venezuela, the answer to allowing an American Military Base should result in an easy “yes” answer in our government. The economic development that will also result along our western border will help boost and sustain the growth of our economy. Regime change will eventually come to Venezuela, but their position on Essequibo will most likely remain the same. However, with the presence of the American Military our nation will be assured of improved national security and the prevention of any future dispute over our sovereignty. In addition, the resulting economic development along the border will increase safe and beneficial trade and commerce with the new Venezuelan government.
As for the second consideration, this was a political promise made by the PPP to have a referendum on the oil contract with Exxon after the elections. The elections have been successfully completed, and the United Nations has for the most part given its stamp of approval. This should be encouraging and make it easier to have a national referendum held on whether to renegotiate the oil contract with Exxon. Ecuador was able to quickly have such a referendum and Guyana is no less capable of doing the same. CRG looks forward to hearing the announcement of the date for such an important referendum to take place.

Yours sincerely,
Jamil Changlee