Relations… internationally

Once again, Cuba’s on Caricom’s agenda – and forcing Guyana to “take a stand” on the Trump-led American intensification of its six-decade economic pressure for them to change their political “ways”! It all began so long ago that most folks can’t even remember what it’s all about!! Or they can’t understand why it’s still in place!! After all, Cuba’s sin was cosying up to the Ruskies when the latter were challenging the Yanks for global bragging rights!!
But that spat – dubbed the Cold War – has long fizzled out, and in fact, the Yanks under Trump and the Ruskies under Putin seem to have a bromance going on right now!! So why are the Cubans still on the US’ bullseye? They were then hell-bent on “exporting” revolution to countries in Africa and the Americas – directly confronting the Yanks!! But they ain’t doin’ that no mo’ are they?? Or did their guarding Mad Maduro when he was snatched – for which they were all killed – tee off the Yanks?? After all, the Venezuelans themselves didn’t seem to have put up a struggle!
Maybe it’s just inertia?? You know…institutions are like ponderous ships that take their own sweet time to be turned from their old course? Maybe it’s due to Florida’s Cuban community who’d fled back then?? Especially with their boy Rubio as Secretary of State – taking revenge?? Anyhow, the Yanks have imposed sanctions on oil shipments to the island, and matters have inevitably taken a grim turn. COFCOR – the Council for Foreign and Community Relations of Caricom – just issued a strongly worded denunciation of the American action which they claim “threatens the status of the Caribbean as a zone of peace”.
They issued the statement after Pres Trump signalled that while past US presidents had CONSIDERED intervening in Cuba, “it looks like I’ll be the one that does it.” His statement followed a US grand jury indictment of former Cuban President Raul Castro – a move Cuban President Rodriguez condemned as “a violation of international law”. Guyana under Pres Ali and Trinidad under PM Kamla refused to endorse COFOR’s statement and abstained!! Notably, they’re the only two Caricom states that were part of the recent Trump-led “Shield of the Americas” initiative that accepts hegemony in the Western Hemisphere.
Some have sharply criticised the two leaders for abandoning five decades of “friendship” with Cuba – during which Cuba has been very helpful in a number of ways. Former LOO Norton also criticises the Government. So, what’s your Eyewitness’ take? As a political realist he follows the maxim in international affairs – “There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies – just permanent interests.”
The leaders believe at this juncture it’s in their countries’ interest not to criticise the Yanks!

…in a democracy
Now that we’ve clocked in 60 YEARS as a DEMOCRACY – maybe it’s time we have a discussion about what that really means for relations between “we the people” and those in charge of the Government?? The essential point being that about two hundred years ago, folks literally lopped off the heads of those who ruled them as “Kings and Queens” – and decided power was actually in THEIR HANDS!!
They set up this way of running a country called democracy – with THEM selecting their REPRESENTATIVES to govern on their behalf – since they had to make a living!! The representatives would do what it took to establish conditions that facilitated the “good life”!! But somewhere along the way, some of these representatives seemed to’ve lost the plot!! They behave as if they’re the kings and queens of old – who could throw their weight around!!
Have you seen and heard the flashing of lights and wailing of sirens on the clogged roads that COMMAND us to GET OUT THE WAY??

…with diaspora
Pressie announced the launching of a Diaspora Bond to fund some of the mega development projects in the pipeline. Sadly, your Eyewitness sees our diaspora more interested in exploiting schemes to collect pensions and cash grants!
Let’s see.