…friends in Venezuela
The recent agreement struck between Venezuela’s Government of Maduro and the “Opposition-cum-government” – depending on who you speak to ! – of Guaidó shouldn’t surprise anyone. Just illustrates one of your Eyewitness’s favourite maxims – “there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies – just permanent interests.” And it’s the golden rule of International Relations! Some folks would have us believe that it was just “low hanging fruits” for Mexico to get the two warring sides to agree on something. And maybe it was – but THAT’s the point, ain’t it??
Venezuelan politics has always been fractious – that “hot-blooded” Latin temperament?!! But for ALL Venezuelans, the ONE issue that unites them is that “Essequibo belongs to us and we wuz robbed!!” This has been so long before they brought their claim in the UN in 1962 – when they were encouraged by a US trying to remove the “red” PPP from office. And since that time, it’s been beaten into the hearts and minds of Venezuelans in their schools, in their homes, and in the army and navy. They even altered their Constitution to declare their “ownership”!!
So, all those who though that when Chavez was around, he and his “red” successor Maduro would be “fair” to us in some sort of “socialist solidarity” and abandon their claim — were just smoking something!! No Venezuelan leader will flex on the Essequibo issue and we should never forget this! So let’s move on to our reaction and compliment the Government for coming out swinging and rejecting their posturing in no holds-barred statement!
The Govt knows that as far as settling their manufactured “controversy”, we’ve already scored the critical victory to have the World Court accept the recommendation of the Secretary General of the United Nations to adjudicate the matter!! That’s it, folks – CHECKMATE – since this position was arrived at by the relevant bodies’ interpretation of the 1966 Geneva Agreement – which Venezuela signed!! It’s not for them to now say they don’t accept the jurisdiction of the World Court!! Too late shall be the cry!!
We just have to wait for that decision, which is a foregone conclusion – hence Venezuela’s refusal to participate! Your Eyewitness sees that the PNC Opposition has now risen to the occasion and supported the Government’s rebuke of the Venezuelan perfidy. Back in the seventies, even though Cheddi Jagan had objected to Burnham’s rigging the elections, he offered his party’s support unequivocally! All Guyanese sang along with Dave Martins and the Trade Winds: “We ain’t giving up no mountains, we ain’t giving up no river that belongs to we…not one rice grain…not a blade of grass”.
…leader?
But the question is, “Where is Harmon?” Your Eyewitness can understand Granger’s move: to play possum and let his supporters like Amna Ally smoke out the challengers to his leadership of the PNC. He knows the infighting – even between the wannabe leaders will be fierce — there’s gonna be blood flowing! Maybe even literally!! And then at the end…when it all ends up with fistfights at Congress, he’ll be summoned back as the “Knight in Shining Armour”!! Could be as Don Quixote, …but what the heck?!
But why would Harmon drop out of sight and have Roysdale Forde “act” as Opposition Leader? Wasn’t Forde one of the “young’uns” Granger had hand-picked because they had no base and were his “creatures”?? So Harmon wouldn’t have to worry about his back? Has the forbidden fruit already entered the garden that Granger has pruned and planted so carefully?
So is Harmon “doing a Granger” to suss out challengers?
And is Forde the goat tied to the stake to bring out the tigers??
…strategy
What’s this “boots on the ground” we’re hearing about from the Teachers Union before they call a strike?? Is this a trial balloon? Listen, this isn’t the PNC way.
They always act first and think afterwards!!
