US Secretary of State says: “Let’s celebrate and fight for democracy”

Dear Editor,
The manoeuvres of the PNCR party over the post-NCM period (December 18, 2018 to August 2, 2020), and in particular the five months following the declaration of the regional and national elections, has sharpened the exponential rise of conspiracy theories in some quarters. These theories find expression in the assumed motives ascribed to the United States’ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s 2-day visit to Guyana on September 17, 2020.
One such theory is that the United States is planning an “October Surprise,” that is, an invasion of Venezuela, to happen before the US Presidential election in November, 2020. According to this theory, Mr Pompeo’s visit is to lay out the groundwork, including staging operations, and to persuade the Guyana Government to allow the country to become a launching pad.
This theory has no foundation, and it illustrates our Guyanese penchant for unleashing speculation and political platitudes. Why would President Donald Trump want to invade Venezuela in order to secure a Presidential electoral victory, and at such an exceptionally phenomenal price? To crush a huge nation and create massive human misery, property destruction and anarchy?
The world would never tolerate such debased action. Remember, China and Russia would not stand by idly to allow such an invasion to happen.
Trump knows that he could not order the invasion of Venezuela. He also knows that he has to obtain congressional approval first, should he ever think about that. Trump sees himself as a historical figure of some significance, and would spurn the notion of going down in history as a colossal disgrace.
And Mr Pompeo would not want to be associated with such a sinister project, as he (Mr Pompeo) wants to keep his reputation untarnished as a brilliant statesman, if only for one reason, that is, for a possible Presidential run in 2024.
The press release of September 15, 2020 from the US State Department indicates that Mr Pompeo’s visit will highlight the US commitment to “defend democracy, combat COVID-19 pandemic, while revitalising our economies, and strengthen security against regional threats.” In Guyana, Secretary Pompeo will highlight “opportunities for more responsible and transparent private sector investment”, and adherence to democratic norms and principles.
Mr Pompeo knows that both Guyana and Suriname were recently governed by ex-military men, who have been known to be democracy busters. Suriname’s previous President, Desi Bouterse, was convicted of murder perpetrated as part of his campaign to liquidate his political opponents. In Guyana, the role of David Granger in the 1973 killing of the two Ballot Box Martyrs has not been settled. But additionally, Granger’s reluctance to give up power after his party lost the March 2nd elections has caused great concern in the US and other countries. This helps to explain why Mr Pompeo will emphasise a strengthening of democracy, transparency and accountability.
Another popular theory is that the US wants to obtain Guyana’s permission to use its medium wave radio broadcasting frequencies to beam Voice of America (VoA) programmes from Guyana to Venezuela. Such a request for permission was made in early 2020 to the Granger Administration, and it was rejected. The reason for rejection is not known. However, the establishment of VoA is a plausible theory, and might be on the table for discussion. PNCR advocate Mark Kirton says he would not object to a favourable outcome on this matter.
While the majority of Guyanese are happy with Mr Pompeo’s visit, the PNCR does not seem to be enthusiastic. They remember how Mr Pompeo forced them out of office, and slapped many of them with sanctions for undermining democracy. One would therefore expect a cold response from the PNCR to Mr Pompeo’s visit. This was the man (Pompeo) who literally robbed the PNCR cabal of their lavish lifestyle, opulence, and exalted power status.
What Pompeo did (forced Granger to step down), no other leader had been able to accomplish. Many observers believe that had it not been for Mr Pompeo’s direct intervention, Granger and his PNCR cohorts would have succeeded with their electoral coup, and would have remained in power; and there was nothing much (other than protests) that the PPPC and other political parties could have done to express their anger and disenchantment.
Conspiracy theories were not so prevalent when the same PNCR cabal welcomed a 25-member US Congressional delegation and military personnel on August 23, 2018. They were on a four-country official visit to Guyana, Suriname, Honduras, and Brazil. Joseph Harmon said the visit was a “testimony of growing confidence in Guyana on the international scene, as well as strengthening of US/Guyana relations.” It was reported in the local media that both the Government and the US Embassy were tight-lipped on the visit. The popular theory then was that the US was concerned about the influx of Venezuelans into Guyana, and its implications for security.
It was not until after the conclusion of that visit that Guyanese were informed by David Granger and Representative Peters (CA) about the purpose of the delegation. Rep Peters said that they focused principally on climate change, immigration, and national defence. David Granger said they also discussed the energy sector, as well as assured the delegation that Guyana is a “stable country” and that “the three branches of Government function separately” and that the “executive does not interfere in the judiciary and autonomous commissions.”
Mr Pompeo would have soon discovered that those were just nice words and phrases, but they were far removed from reality.
The first Guyana Government official that the US Congressional delegation met was the then Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. Why? Was it to thank him for offering Exxon a super sweetheart contract deal? For what other reason(s) did they meet Trotman? While they also met with President David Granger, they never met with the Leader of the Opposition.
What theory was applied there? Wouldn’t normal protocol have allowed for the delegation to meet with Mr Bharrat Jagdeo? This failure to include the Leader of the Opposition was even more perplexing when Joseph Harmon stated that it was a “familiarisation” visit.
The PNCR continually proclaim that they observe the rule of law and adhere to the Constitution, but everyone knows otherwise. The recent 5-month post-election saga alone offered deep insights into their political posturing. They have been exposed for their Constitution-busting by several local and international organisations as well as governments.
Should they believe now in the defence of democracy, as Granger had articulated to the Congressional Delegation, then they would have nothing to fear from Mr Pompeo’s visit, and should therefore welcome it.

Regards,
Dr Tara Singh