Spare no one the rod, for no one is above the law

Dear Editor,
The newly elected President of the Dutch-speaking eastern neighbouring country of Suriname, President Chandrikapersaud Santokhi, hit the nail on the head when he called on our own contributing companies to invest in the economy, rather than foreigners.
An essential point to note, one that is idealistically outstanding, is that he was referring to his Caricom sisters and brothers, especially those from Guyana, as “our own”, and he did not categorise them as foreigners. This underling statement is both very sentimental and pertinent when we reflect on how a handful of some confused people got their politics and policies all mixed up when differentiating between domestic and foreign relationships.
As usual, we in Guyana always need someone from outside of our land to teach us when we unnecessarily debate about basic affairs by losing sight of the identity of oneness and being unable to pinpoint the demarcation of where the boundary of our border truly ends in any given field.
His idea is multi-fold with economic, social and diplomatic benefits, with a mainstream of keeping the wealth within the extended family. It opens up opportunities to secure priorities with multinational companies, increasing domestic cash flow, and investing money lying idle. Socially, it broadens the horizon and allows more and better interaction with people, and increased and strengthened relationship between neighbours.
With strong and close family bonds, in event of any problem arising, the matter can be dealt with efficiently, expeditiously and effectively from inception, and be resolved quickly and amicably before it gets out of hand and escalates in any volcanic repercussion. Trading opportunities may be potentially unlimited from a wider exposure, and the appreciation of diversified culture forges better understanding and acceptance of another ethnicity.
Thinking outside of the box and reneging on “to each his own” solidifies Tradewinds’ lyrics, “The more we are together, the merrier we will be,” and adds another flavour and dimension to the calypsonian’s “Open de door let the man come in, all a-we a one family.”
President Santoki’s call is welcoming and timely, especially coming immediately from his return visit to Guyana to grace the occasion of President Ali’s inauguration in the heat of COVID-19 exposure. But above socialising and politicising is the sensitive issue of the bigger picture of Suriname’s economic development enhancing its offshore oil exploration on the border of Guyana and Suriname.
The companies granted concession are Apache and Total, and so far, they have discovered three major fields that are not too far behind Guyana’s capacity, and well within range of Guyana’s interest also. Sharing common location within close approximation is another valid reason why the two neighbouring countries should consolidate cooperation for closer deliberation, so that they may avoid future potential altercation.
Luckily, the two friendly states do not endure any type of “Cold War,” despite a reserved border indifference that is being diplomatically shelved in the background, and is not an area of public conflict or immediate concern that can provoke a degree of animosity.
With a new president in each country, a relationship can be forged based on brotherhood, because neither bear any baggage on either, and both are visionary with open minds and modern thoughts for future development for their respective country, desiring to work in the real interest of the people, and not in their personal interest. What a difference in bargaining and negotiating skills displayed by these two oil green nations. Both are relatively new to oil exploration and are dependent on outside sources to conduct and guide them in managing the oil industry.
Whose interests are prioritised was never a question for Suriname, and they put people and economy over party and politics. Not surprisingly, they were successful and instrumental in capturing maximum returns for their country’s resources. They captured US$100M signing bonus and raked in 36 percent of the revenue share.
Still wondering and pondering on Guyana’s take? Why not haul the legendary legal luminary, the talented and specialist Trotman, to walk barefoot over a hot, burning field of coals, enflamed with suspicion, conspiracy, collusion and contradiction?
With lowered eyes and hidden pockets, feasted from a fiesta, he ignored the professional advice and sold the birthright of an impoverished nation while remaining dumbstruck and aloof, hiding behind secrecy and mystery.
Guyana needs answers, and answers Guyanese must have.
No one should be spared the rod, no one is above the law, and this Government must not settle for less, nor take matters lying down from all the past performers. Contracts must be renegotiated, and future signing agreements must incorporate remedial and recovery content as a recourse for compensation.
This PPP/C government really has its work cut out, and has to be intricately involved in so much “damage control” in order to remove shame from the face of Guyana, painted in a tainted colour and besmirched by the callous and ruthless previous Government. Guyanese must now remain vigilant at all times.

Respectfully,
Jai Lall