Jagdeo betraying this country in his dealings with Venezuelans

Nov 04, 2023 Letters

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Dear Editor,

Bharrat Jagdeo is betraying Guyana and the Guyanese people with his backstabbing, undermining behaviour.  In a meeting with a section of the Venezuela community he reportedly gave assurance to this group that the PPP is comfortable having Venezuelans live within the borders of this country, but the Opposition and other forces would want to send them back to Venezuela and prevent others from coming. This fits perfectly in the narrative that Jagdeo is cutting a deal with the Venezuelans.

The discussion took place with the Venezuelans in Guyana in the environment of ongoing discussions on the territorial integrity of this country and particularly Venezuela’s continuous aggression against us as a nation. Jagdeo’s behaviour is anti-national and creates disharmony in the nation at its most critical juncture. Every elected member of the National Assembly has a responsibility to discharge their oath of office to protect and defend Guyana and where Jagdeo’s ongoing divisive behaviour threatens this on the global and national stages ought to be condemned by members of the National Assembly and public at large.

Our solidarity as a people, in pursuit of the defence of our territorial integrity, must not be taken for granted. Jagdeo must be called on to retract all statements attributed to him, unconditionally, or we must see him as existential threat to the nation. We have reached a critical point and while time is taken to address Jagdeo’s conduct, the Opposition equally must be told that theirs is under serious review as well, even as they sign and make agreements on behalf of the people of Guyana and not for the government.

The absence of the understanding of roles and/or ineptness has/have created the opportunity for the PPP to do as they like. Why must we accept the Opposition being invited to a meeting by the President to discuss the territorial integrity of this country, and Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton obediently turning up like a little dunce boy, leading the flock, feeding into the PPP’s narrative about him. You are smarter than this, Norton. They should not have turned without a plan to present to the regime to bargain on behalf of people.  Norton has the right to bargain and must exercise it. The idea that if we are to discuss the border/boundary or territorial integrity of this country, as a domestic issue which is likely to have an impact, must also see discussions of other issues.

If there is no country there cannot be borders or boundaries and for us to continue to talk about territorial integrity, we must protect the country, and the country is not only the land but the people in the land.  If the people are not satisfied the people cannot defend the border.

When Norton meets with Ali, Jagdeo and the rest, whatever he discusses must include and agreed on, in the shortest possible time, the undermentioned:

• Working conditions and remuneration benefits for our military and all workers and their families. For the military, paramilitary and all who are called to serve there must be insurance to guarantee the safety and security of their family, and I am not talking about the National Insurance Scheme benefits. This is the least an oil-rich country can do for those who will be called upon to serve and lay their lives down for this country. These workers, their children and family future must be assured now with no political skullduggery to prevent them from benefiting.
• Respect the right to collective bargaining in the public sector and commence engagement between the state and representatives of the Guyana Teachers Union and Guyana Public Service Union. There must be respect and fruitful engagement equally with representatives of all workers.
• Guyana’s share of the oil and gas revenue must be on the agenda for discussion and agreement as to how it must be distributed and accounted for.
• The appointment of the Chancellor and Chief Justice and the depoliticisation of the judiciary
• The framework for equal and equitable distribution of justice (social, economic and political) must be strengthened.

Let me advise Norton, not to get carried away by the messenger but pay keen attention to the message and remember that labour (past, present and potential) is equally the responsibility of the Opposition, the sitting government and the Labour Movement. Everything that has built this country succeeded on the back of labour and whatever plan the Government and Opposition have can only succeed with Labour.

Sincerely yours,

Lincoln Lewis

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• Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana, Lincoln Lewis, National Assembly, Venezuela

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