In another acknowledgment of Guyana’s oil-fuelled rising star in the world, Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar has come calling. Now, of course, Guyana has long had close relations with India – not least because a good chunk of its citizenry originated from that neck of the woods. But because of that selfsame fact, where ethnic origins have become the driving force of local politics, the expressions of those relations always come with a frisson of caution!! Point of the matter, whether India likes it or not, some locals always look to see whether India’s “taking sides” or not!
India has also loomed large during our colonial history, with its struggle for independence influencing us and all the other British colonies. Their independence in 1947 was a shot heard around the empire on which “the sun never set”. The moment the Brits suspended our constitution in 1953 and threw out the PPP Government, Jagan and Burnham headed out to India to meet Indian PM Nehru!! After the latter and some other leaders launched the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War, it provided a vehicle for most other “Third World” countries – including Guyana – to articulate their concerns.
In 1968, India’s PM Indira Gandhi visited Guyana for one of those Non-Aligned meetings, and struck up close relations with Guyana’s then PM, Forbes Burnham. Guyana received one of the earliest Indian Cultural Centers out of that visit. Their assistance in technical training soon started, and has never wavered since. There were some other high level Indian officials over the years – especially when a VP came in for the 150th anniversary of Indian Arrival. In 2007, they funded and built our National Stadium at Providence, and saved our blushes for the Cricket World Cup of that year. Since then, they’ve built that ferry to the North West and are constructing the Ogle-Diamond Bypass Road. So, all in all, the Indian Government’s been a good friend to Guyana.
But, as we know in the relations between nations, “there ain’t no permanent friends or enemies – just permanent interests”. So, what is India’s interest right now? There’s, of course, the not-too-inconsequential issue of our oil – for which India would love to have a contract from our 14,5% share. There’s also the matter of leveraging our rising influence in Caricom – which can deliver 15 votes in the UN towards any of India’s initiatives as it jockeys for influence in an emerging multipolar world.
But what’s the quid pro quo for us?? If nothing else, more of the help we’ve been getting in so many areas to fulfill our national goals, such as agriculture.
Can India save sugar?? They certainly have the experience, know-how and equipment!!
All in all, should be a good trip.
…in local politics??
Good politics also ought to be good theatre!! Think of it: wasn’t it always so?? Look at those ancient Greeks with their plays and games; that was their politics. In the former, everyday governance issues and morality were on display. And in the latter, the competition was sublimated! So, when the PPP and PNC strutted their stuff in their red and green garbs on Nomination Day, they were following a grand tradition. We now gotta figure out what exactly we saw on Monday.
For instance, what’s the significance of the switching of sides by former PNC Mayor Patricia Chase-Green?? It seemed to’ve been greeted as a “Charrandas” moment by PNC supporters. “No, Patricia! No! No!” was the wail reverberating across the land!! Is she gonna trigger a wave of green shirts morphing into red come June 2 – and deliver Georgetown to the PPP?? Which would be tantamount to Charrandas making the Government fall – this time in the capital city of Georgetown!
Or was it just one-upmanship??
…in shipping
We just got ourselves a new, fancy pilot boat – to guide ships up the Demerara River. Well, it’s about time, don’t you think?? So, maybe now they’ll hire some new pilots to avoid hitting the Harbour Bridge??
