Dear Editor,
Namaste (the divinity in me salutes the divinity in you).
Welcome to Guyana, a hospitable country where some are wise and others are otherwise. You have indicated that you wished to learn as much as possible about the country in which you arrived a few weeks ago so this is our contribution.
Your recent press conference cleared up some issues but also led to other questions and more speculation.
Before investing in Guyana, ExxonMobil (E) must have done a lot of research into oil and gas exploration, the political, social and economic systems here. However, it is doubtful if its researchers provided you with information about the cultural values that guide large sections of the populace.
Guyana is a land of a thousand rivers with people of many races and religions. Long before Columbus got lost and thought he found a “new world” there existed in Guyana nine tribes of First Nation peoples who lived in harmony with the environment and saw no need to exploit or conquer it. They are celebrating this month so a lot can be learnt about their attachment to nature during this period.
The European explorers eventually came with the intent of “civilising” this part of the world as part of the “white man’s burden”. This meant exploiting its resources and then imposing on the descendants of slaves and indentured servants “superior” social and economic systems, particularly a religion that found state support ever since the Roman Emperor Constantine was converted.
One unique group, Indian workers, came as indentured servants commencing May 5, 1838, and have made this land their home. Fast forward to post-independence in the 1960s and they started to flee to foreign lands in a second migration across the Atlantic. They settled around the globe where they are involved in business, academia, government and all aspects of the societies in which they live. Earlier this year tens of thousands of them woke up from their material slumber and with their government representatives played an active role for five months until the winner of the March 2 election was declared on August 2.
Then they learnt about events that reminded them of the days of colonialism. A foreign company, very much like the East India Company, with resources greater than some governments, makes secret deals resulting in an unconscionable exploitation of their natural wealth with significant risks to the environment.
They were consoled temporarily when the new Government stated that it is not comfortable with certain aspects of the oil deal and will be seeking technical support before issuing further permits. Many petitions, letters in the press and discussions in other media supported a review of the situation. Our central concern in this letter is restricted to environmental issues.
HINDUISM
A large section of the population is Hindus who trace their ancestry to India, one of the oldest enduring civilisations on earth. More significant is that a greater number live outside Guyana are well educated, established, retired and with the help of technology can use social media to reach those with common interests across the globe. They are about one-sixth of the world population today.
Their leaders are also paying special interest to the people of Indian origin and the countries in which they live. Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi expressed great pride when recently elected Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santoki took his oath in Sanskrit on the most ancient of texts, the Vedas. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF.ORG) an advocacy group wrote to Mike Pompeo pleading for personal sanctions against those who attempt to thwart the wishes of the voters in Guyana. The unintentional fallout of the recent attempt to rig the election results has put the country in the international spotlight.
Guyana was discussed on the Rajiv Malhotra Infinity Foundation media when Vishnu Bisram urged the viewers in India to establish closer links with Hindus in places like Guyana.
What is so special about this group and the environment?
It is the unique Vedic value system they observed for thousands of years and which they brought to the countries where the Imperial masters sent them.
Protection of and respect for the environment is not a recent concern for them. The natural forces that govern their daily lives are considered manifestations of the creator Brahman, a divine force that sustains all living creatures and organic things. Therefore they must live in harmony with nature not separate from it. Plants, trees, rivers, mountains all are included in what they consider sacred. Even when a new foundation for a building is being dug a priest performs Bhoomi Pooja in order to appease Mother Earth and seeking her forgiveness. We confess that some Hindus, including those who were converted by unethical means, have adopted the Western lifestyle with an exploitative attitude towards nature and have contributed to the present threat to the earth. You see both conversion and pollution has long term deleterious effects on the planet.
This, however, is changing. With the help of the internet more are learning about the spiritual foundation of their culture, their connection with nature and the duty to serve others (Seva). Decisions and actions that increase poverty among the masses and destroys nature may unintentionally help unite over one billion of them plus other nature worshippers across the globe.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Even non-religious groups which do not look upon your actions with favour can reach environmental movements, activists and supporters all across the planet.
E has lost and will continue to lose in the public forum.
You have recently speculated that it is best to have an out of court settlement regarding a small fine for violating environmental regulations because the Government has limited resources.
Be advised that there are Guyanese abroad who worked for free or for $1 a year post-1992 when the foreign debt was about 90 per cent of every dollar earned. Then President Cheddi Jagan had a special touch and ability in reaching out to the thousands in the Diaspora to get their support.
Today there are many more willing to help without being wined and dined before they sign. On special occasions they still eat with their hands and in leaves, a practice appreciated by their taste buds and the environment. They also have weddings lasting several days but they pay for it themselves. They are retirees with comfortable pensions and live in stable economies. They are calling for the formation of a Diaspora Department so their skills can be used to help their country of birth.
However, there are very good reasons why everyone may wish to avoid unpredictable and expensive litigation. Unlike trial in the media, the judicial system has rules regarding admissibility, relevance, weight of credible and trustworthy evidence. All the secret dealings with Ministers and members of the Executive branch may be exposed. It is wise to follow the practice of the head of the most powerful nation on earth that ignores all advice except “do not testify under oath.”
There are legal grounds on which contracts can be set aside but it is definitely an uphill battle to prove non-compliance with the applicable laws of USA or Guyana. Yes, we must respect the terms agreed to between the parties if they signed knowing all the relevant facts, and without undue haste or influence. Assuming the agreement is above board in the final analysis, what has to be weighted and balanced are sanctity of human contracts verses the divinity of nature. Here again, Exxon will have a weaker case.
The Prime Minister states Exxon will be in Guyana for a long time and he must have reliable up to date information.
Demonstrate that you are serious about a long-term equal partnership. Settle the dust and reduce the noise by making the Government a more reasonable offer they cannot refuse.
2 per cent is not enough and flaring which releases over 200 toxins in the air since December 2019 cannot go on indefinitely. This cannot be considered a start-up issue, not for a company with so much experience and wealth.
PITRI PAKSH
Hindus all over the world show respect for their ancestors with special services call Pitri Paksh from September 2 to 16. Their fore-parents in Guyana served the plantation owners when the minimum wage was 25 cents per day. This remained unchanged for one hundred years. Yet they survived and flourished by living off the land by farming.
If Exxon is perceived to be a continuation of a neocolonial movement to exploit Guyana’s resources, it will never be able to repair its image here or abroad.
Please sit down with the Government and review or whatever R word is acceptable to you. Negotiate if you do not want to litigate. The world is watching.
It would be a memorable day if your next press conference is a joint one with the Government, announcing that both sides have reached an agreement on the most important issues as equal partners. The country can then move forward to a new era of prosperity and stability.
If this can be achieved on or before Oct 2, we can all join the world in celebrating the birthday of the greatest mediator/negotiator/environmentalist in or outside of court. He was appropriately called the Mahatma.
Peace and best of luck.
Sincerely,
Ramnarine Sahadeo
Kishore Prasad
Mohan Sookdeo
John Peters
Adit Kumar
Omesh Sharma
Pt B Benimadhu
Pt Chandan Persaud
Soma Shekar
Fred Stella – Hindu
American Foundation
Hari Singh – Indian
Horizon of Florida
Indo Caribbean
Chamber of Commerce
Harold Ragnauth
Bern Singh
Rick Persaud
Ravin Sankar
Raj Singh
