Guyana may soon find itself in a similar situation to Venezuela — a target of economic sanctions, with a government not recognized as legitimate by the international community.
After discovering massive oil reserves in the past five years, Guyana, one of the poorest countries in South America, was poised to become one of the richest nations in the world. Also noteworthy is the fact that, since Guyana’s independence from Great Britain in 1966, Venezuela claims nearly 70% of its territory. Reminiscent of the People’s Republic of China, the government of Nicolas Maduro started claiming a large maritime area with significant oil resources and has routinely hindered international freedom of navigation in the area.
On February 16, at almost the same time as Guyana’s first oil shipments were taking place, Venezuela’s navy conducted its first live-fire missile test since 2013, firing at a retired oil tanker. The message was clearly aimed at its neighbor and the oil companies operating in Guyana’s offshore area claimed by Venezuela.
Historic Election
With this going on in the background, on March 2 Guyana saw perhaps its most historically significant election. The polls were to decide what party will be able to reap the benefits of the coming oil boom, change the country for the better and, therefore, potentially stay in power for a long time. Traditionally, the Guyanese have been voting largely in accordance with their racial backgrounds. The two largest groups are the descendants of former African slaves and those whose ancestors were brought to the country as indentured laborers by the British during colonial times.
The last election had been lost narrowly by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), carried mainly by Indo-Guyanese against the now ruling party coalition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) that is supported mainly by Afro-Guyanese.
The recent general election started out as a promising manifestation of democracy, peacefully conducted and overlooked by international observers. However, the result was anything but reassuring for Guyana’s democratic and successful economic future. After accusations of election fraud and without the entirety of ballots counted, the ruling coalition was declared the winner by the voting commission. Guyana’s highest court intervened, ordering a count of the remaining ballots.
After tensions with the police that left one anti-government demonstrator dead, an agreement between President David Granger and the opposition was negotiated to accept a recount overseen by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). But a member of the president’s party then objected that this was unconstitutional, and the count was stopped. Consequently, the CARICOM commission left the country without being able to conduct an election recount. Citing concerns about the democratic process in Guyana, international observers of the Organization of American States, the Carter Center, the Commonwealth Observer Group and the European Union left the country as well. Diplomats from the United States, Britain, Canada and the EU stated in unison that the results of the election were not credible, and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned about severe repercussions for persons benefiting from electoral fraud and illegitimate government.
It is possible that Guyana will soon be in a similar situation to Venezuela — a target of economic sanctions, with a government not recognized as legitimate by the international community.
Criminal Connections
With US and international sanctions looming, Georgetown could be likely turning more to China, which already has a substantial presence both in Guyana and the wider region. In the past, President Granger has tried a balancing act between China and the West with the goal of benefiting economically from both. Militarily, Guyana has had training cooperation with the US military and is a state partner of the Florida National Guard. US military personnel conducted several medical events and constructed community centers and shelters.
At the same time, Guyanese officers receive scholarships to attend training courses in China, with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army donating military equipment to Guyana. China has further cemented its presence in Guyana with various infrastructure projects, like the renovation of the main airport and the construction of a conference center.
Politically closer Guyana-China relations will potentially squeeze US influence even further from the northern corridor of South America, where Beijing remains one of Maduro’s staunch supporters. In addition, Guyana’s neighbor to the east, Suriname, is an ally of both Maduro and China. Last year, Beijing and Paramaribo established a strategic partnership when President Desi Bouterse, wanted by Interpol on charges of murder and drug trafficking, was hosted by President Xi Jinping. During the visit, Bouterse was convicted for executing political opponents in the 1980s and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The Surinamese president is believed to have been able to return to power with financial help from Maduro and has ties to Guyanese, Colombian and Venezuelan drug kingpins. He is also suspected of being involved in smuggling arms to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. His son, Dino Bouterse, is currently in a US jail for his involvement in conspiring with narcotics organizations, arms smuggling and supplying a fraudulent Surinamese passport to a US Drug Enforcement Administration undercover operative, who he thought was a member of Hezbollah. Dino Bouterse planned to arrange for Hezbollah training camps in Suriname in the return of financial bribes.
Isolation Corridor
With the ongoing developments, it is the realm of possibility that a corridor of states, from Venezuela over Guyana to Suriname, becomes isolated from its neighbors in South America, the Caribbean and the United States. However, these states would likely receive full recognition from China, which is not concerned with the internal politics of its partner nations. The influence in such a corridor would also not only be limited to CHina’s economic interests.
The entire corridor in all probability would open up to the same players as in Venezuela: Russia, Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah. Suriname signed a military cooperation agreement with Russia, a first for a CARICOM nation since the 1979-83 pro-Soviet government of Grenada. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited the small South American nation last year to declare, together with the Surinamese foreign minister, his solidarity with Venezuela.
Iran has tried to make inroads into Guyana in the past and donated funds to build an institution to train doctors, as well as sending a team of scientists to help map possible uranium deposits when the current opposition party, PPP/C, was in power. To the current Guyanese government Iran has offered collaboration in the area of infrastructure. Notable is also the case of Abdul Kadir, a chemical engineer by profession and former Guyanese politician who had at one point been a member of parliament and the mayor of Guyana’s second-largest city, Linden, with the current government party. He was originally born as Michael Seaforth and changed his name to Abdul Kadir after converting to Islam.
In 2007, Abdul Kadir was arrested in Trinidad in connection with a bomb plot at New York’s JFK airport and extradited to the United States. He was en route to Caracas from where he planned to travel to Iran. Kadir was sentenced to life in prison and died in a US jail in 2018. According to US court documents, he had also been in contact with an Iranian diplomat who is believed to be one of the planners of the 1994 terrorist bombing of the Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires.
Reminiscent of the so-called Shia crescent in the Middle East, we may find a similar South American crescent in the future. If this happens, the tensions between Venezuela and Guyana may likely decrease as they both will find themselves in the same political camp. Indicative hereof are the remarks made a few days ago by Guyana’s foreign minister that Guyana never recognized Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela.
Nonetheless, if an amicable, peaceful and fair solution for the current political situation in Guyana is not found soon, it could have dire consequences for the entire region and, most of all, a bright future for the Guyanese will be placed on hold.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.
We have a large database of Guyanese worldwide. Most of our readers are in the USA, Canada, and the UK. Our Blog and Newsletter would not only carry articles and videos on Guyana, but also other articles on a wide range of subjects that may be of interest to our readers in over 200 countries, many of them non-Guyanese We hope that you like our selections.
It is estimated that over one million Guyanese, when counting their dependents, live outside of Guyana. This exceeds the population of Guyana, which is now about 750,000. Many left early in the 50’s and 60’s while others went with the next wave in the 70’s and 80’s. The latest wave left over the last 20 years. This outflow of Guyanese, therefore, covers some three generations. This outflow still continues today, where over 80 % of U.G. graduates now leave after graduating. We hope this changes, and soon.
Guyanese, like most others, try to keep their culture and pass it on to their children and grandchildren. The problem has been that many Guyanese have not looked back, or if they did it was only fleetingly. This means that the younger generations and those who left at an early age know very little about Guyana since many have not visited the country. Also, if they do get information about Guyana, it is usually negative and thus the cycle of non-interest is cultivated.
This Guyana Diaspora Online Forum , along with its monthly newsletter, aims at bringing Guyanese together to support positive news, increase travel and tourism in Guyana and, in general, foster the birth of a new Guyana, which has already begun notwithstanding the negative news that grabs the headlines. As the editor and manager of the publication, I am committed to delivering Blog entries and Newsletters that are politically balanced, and focused on the positive ideas we wish to share and foster among Guyanese.
Rachel
why captcha is taking too much time????
(22.11.2024, 10:33)(10:33)
0
Annabella
?Motie the batsman!? Its becoming a habit. He came in at117/8 and left at 166/9
Motie smashed 33(14)
He is world Number 2 bowler but probably wants a promotion to Motie the all rounder.
Breaking: Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is planning to undergo season-ending surgery on his partially torn hamstring, pending the opinion of one final specialist, sources told Adam Schefter.
(09.11.2024, 17:56)(17:56)
0
Annabella
Alzarri Joseph ban for two matches
(07.11.2024, 18:41)(18:41)
0
Annabella
Why New Zealand & South Africa don't play more test matches like Australia, England and India?
(03.11.2024, 14:06)(14:06)
0
Sawyer
President Ali lauds QC as symbol of excellence at 180th anniversary event
(22.10.2024, 05:15)(05:15)
0
Ellie
Serious Comment! Guyana lost because GAW forgot to switch off the stadium lights!
(07.10.2024, 19:33)(19:33)
0
Ellie
They have more astronauts in the Hubble Space Telescope than attendees in Nigel Latrine meeting.
(06.10.2024, 15:48)(15:48)
0
Johanna
Pollard: We need to produce next batches of Bravos, Pollards, Narines
(27.09.2024, 16:47)(16:47)
0
Johanna
Dwayne Bravo parts ways with CSK, joins KKR as mentor for IPL 2025
(27.09.2024, 16:38)(16:38)
0
Ellie
Do you recall the famous Village Umpires. The ball only touch the pad Or wicket keeper appeal. Is OUT!
(12.09.2024, 14:51)(14:51)
0
Ellie
Statement from CPL: "Sherfane Rutherford is leaving the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots squad due to personal reasons and will take no further part in the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The Patriots will name a replacement in due course."
Rutherford has not had the best of seasons, with scores of 1, 0, 34 and 1.
(Photo: CPL/Getty Images)
#sport #news #newsroom #newsroomguyana #guyana
(11.09.2024, 19:05)(19:05)
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Aldo
Joe Root has never been featured in any Test XI Greatest. Maybe because his publicity profile is low. But it would be difficult not to include him!
(03.09.2024, 10:22)(10:22)
0
Isla
GTT enters three-year endorsement partnership with cricketer, Shamar Joseph
(30.08.2024, 17:17)(17:17)
0
Isla
west indies winn
(27.08.2024, 18:21)(18:21)
0
Isla
West Indies need 13 runs in 26 balls
(27.08.2024, 18:17)(18:17)
0
Isla
Hetmyer, FOUR, only 18 now.
(27.08.2024, 18:16)(18:16)
0
Jericho
Who the hell send shamar Joseph to bat at number 11
(16.08.2024, 11:32)(11:32)
0
Jericho
Happy Athanaze made runs, but in my opinion he could have been out anytime.
(12.08.2024, 09:29)(09:29)
0
Jericho
Bally Khaman The Caribbean fans asking for more test series per a year but WI can't put together a proper test team eh ?
(03.08.2024, 18:48)(18:48)
0
Marco
Riley Gaines laid into Brittney Griner for kneeling during the National Anthem. “You don’t have to sing or anything, but you need to show some respect for the country that saved you from a Russian Gulag.” ???
(03.08.2024, 12:41)(12:41)
0
Marleigh
Looking for PM...
(20.07.2024, 20:51)(20:51)
0
Abdullah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes surprise Gaza visit
(20.07.2024, 17:06)(17:06)
0
ketchim
hopefully day 3 goes as well as day 2 !
(19.07.2024, 15:25)(15:25)
0
Sylvia
rally
(18.07.2024, 18:00)(18:00)
0
Braxton
e
(18.07.2024, 08:08)(08:08)
0
Santino
Shamar Joseph & Gudakesh Motie Late Tour Arrival
(05.07.2024, 15:23)(15:23)
0
Gabriel
30 from 30 balls and lost. I have no respect for South africa!!!
(29.06.2024, 13:18)(13:18)
0
Aldo
I'm confused on how a funeral home can raise the price of a funeral service and blame it on the cost of living.
(27.06.2024, 19:35)(19:35)
0
Brynlee
Shaheen Afridi has signed for Toronto Nationals in the Global T20 Canada, weeks after withdrawing from a £100,000 contract with Welsh Fire in the Hundred
Short-form leagues need better regulation: this should be enough for the ECB to ban Shaheen for the 2025 edition, for example
(22.06.2024, 13:48)(13:48)
0
Gabriel
I guess all west indies fans will be rooting for England this morning how ironic
(21.06.2024, 09:54)(09:54)
0
Gabriel
Former India fast bowler David Johnson has passed away at the age of 52 after falling from his balcony, as per reports.
(20.06.2024, 06:07)(06:07)
0
Gabriel
Can usa win the cup
(19.06.2024, 08:32)(08:32)
0
Nasir
Pakistan's nervy run-chase condemns Ireland to a winless World Cup campaign
(16.06.2024, 14:18)(14:18)
0
Gabriel
Usa goes to super8
(14.06.2024, 13:15)(13:15)
0
Nasir
Saurabh Netravalkar and Harmeet Singh: two Mumbai boys living the American cricket dream
(13.06.2024, 17:18)(17:18)
0
Nasir
Motie among contenders for ICC Player of the Month
(11.06.2024, 16:52)(16:52)
0
ketchim
USA created History with a Super Over Victory !
(07.06.2024, 09:20)(09:20)
0
Nasir
usa vs pakistan
(06.06.2024, 10:31)(10:31)
0
Warren
Icc may have to ban worldcup matches in barbados too much rain
(04.06.2024, 18:51)(18:51)
0
Saul
Chase rescues West Indies for a winning start
(02.06.2024, 17:46)(17:46)
0
ketchim
137 - after 19 : WIN
(02.06.2024, 13:45)(13:45)
0
ketchim
PNG : 136 - 8 after 20
(02.06.2024, 11:05)(11:05)
0
Warren
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No reservations required—walk-ins are always welcome! Whether you're looking to unwind with refreshing drinks or indulge in delicious food, our rooftop offers stunning views that promise unforgettable evenings.
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(01.06.2024, 10:18)(10:18)
0
Warren
I heard Australia played with 9 players v WI in the warm up match again Players still absent
(31.05.2024, 16:23)(16:23)
0
Aldo
Windies move into 4th place on T20i rankings. Let's keep climbing
(29.05.2024, 12:34)(12:34)
0
Aldo
? BREAKING ?
Former Australia opener Joe Burns will now play for Italy, aiming to help them qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 in honor of his late brother and grandparents. ????
Burns' brother, Dominic, passed away in February this year. With the 34-year-old not receiving a contract from Queensland for 2024-25, he decided to make the switch.
He will wear the number 85 jersey to honor his brother. ❤️