Recently, a large number of global leaders have visited the Caribbean region. In the normal scheme of things, the country with the most lucrative oil and gas reserves ought not to escape the attention of these leaders.
In the grand scheme of geopolitics, it is a no-brainer to visit Guyana once a head of state is in the region. However, Credible Sources has observed the visits of several global leaders to the region. We have noted two incidents of the aforementioned. Beginning on May 15, the President of India, Nath Kovind will embark on a week-long visit to Jamaica and St. Vincent.
On his first-ever tour of the Caribbean, Guyana was not included. Now, Guyana/India relations are significant and certainly outshine any relations with Jamaica and St. Vincent. Guyana and India boast of a long track record of relations.
Ever since its independence in May 1966, Guyana and India relations have been close and cordial, the late Shrimati Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, visited Guyana in 1968; the late Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, the then Vice President of India, visited Guyana in 1988; and Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the then Vice President of India, came on a state visit to Guyana in 2006.
The High Commission of India was established in Georgetown in May 1965. The Commission was made into a full-fledged High Commission of India in 1968. The Indian Cultural Centre was set up in 1972. There are numerous medical students in Guyana enrolled at Texila American University (TAU). It is almost basic that if a head of state of India visits this region, Guyana is a certain designation.
In April, the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame arrived in Jamaica for a three-day visit. Energy security is at the heart of all priorities of the Rwandan state. Yet, the President did not find it necessary to step over to the world’s hottest Oil and Gas spot, Guyana.
These notable visits did not include Guyana on the roster. Therefore, the questions are begged: is Guyana being snubbed? If so, what could be the reason?
In an attempt to answer these questions, this publication sought to enquire. As result, we made several contacts with persons who are familiar with these affairs. One source informed us that Guyana’s five months imbroglio which ended in the installation of the Jagdeo/Ali did not escape the attention of numerous world capitals.
As a consequence, some global leaders are not in the practice of visiting countries where regimes have been installed. Once the legitimacy of the sitting government cannot be ascertained, protocols do not allow some leaders to visit. It is evident that the lack of legitimacy of the Jagdeo/Ali regime is affecting Guyana standing in the world and that might explain the signs of possible snap elections. Legitimacy is badly needed by the government.
More, In The Ring.
