Jamaica, Venezuela and the US
THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT WAS very encouraging to see the treatment in the two major newspapers on Friday, March 22, 2019, of the struggle in Venezuela between that country and the US administration, which is bent on removing Maduro from office, perhaps even by armed invasion if they think that may be necessary.
The response in the Observer from Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley to not meeting with US President Trump at his home in Florida should be read by every Caribbean national, especially Jamaicans.
The Gleaner’s editorial was right on target, supported by an excellent critical perspective from Dr Doreen Gordon of the UWI and other news articles.
It was, of course, very disappointing to see the continued dismal response from the Government of Jamaica on this almost unbelievable situation, whereby the world’s so-called greatest democracy is determined to try and destroy Venezuela, as it did earlier in the case of Libya and Iraq, for the control of oil and the removal of non-compliant world leaders.
The current situation started over three years ago – from Obama’s presidency and differences with Chávez, who unexpectedly died and left Maduro to manage the world’s single-largest deposit of oil, which the USA considers to be a threat to their power and control of the region.
Earlier, when the signs of the destabilisation of Venezuela arose, the last government, through then Minister Paulwell, assured us that the PetroCaribe agreement would be maintained. That was an unfortunate and mistaken response. Now, the present Government has become involved in supporting the US government’s policy towards Venezuela and is making the mistake of their lives, thinking that this will redound to our benefit.
Why is the GOJ turning its back on the Caribbean region and its interests, and fraternising with governments around the world that will negate our outstanding reputation in foreign policy for justice and rights for all people? Why is the GOJ inadvertently trapping us in the world of unlawful international activity which can only put our country, people and economic development at risk?
In life there is a thing called honour, karma, war and peace. In politics, there is an adage that says do unto others as you would have them do unto you – the foundation of equal rights and justice, and the path to peace and prosperity.
RICHARD CRAWFORD Kingston 8 richard.dickie.crawford@gmail.com