The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, posits that Nicolas Maduro’s presidency favors Guyana’s oil industry. Gonsalves warns against the political right in Venezuela, which he believes would jeopardize Guyana’s resources. He advocates for peace between the two nations and defends the integrity of recent Venezuelan elections despite criticism from the U.S.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, has expressed his belief that Nicolas Maduro’s presidency is beneficial for Guyana, particularly for its burgeoning oil industry. Speaking during a visit to Guyana to attend the funeral of Sir Shridath Ramphal, a prominent Guyanese statesman, Gonsalves asserted that by electing Maduro, the Venezuelan populace has contributed to the stability and security of Guyana’s oil sector. He stated, “If you have a choice between Maduro and the right wing in Venezuela, I advise you to choose Maduro. The right wing will seek to allow the Americans to take the oil in Venezuela, to set up to take over PDVSA (State oil company) and try to run Guyana’s oil industry from Caracas.” Gonsalves emphasized his commitment to peace and condemned any military actions from Venezuela regarding the Essequibo Region, asserting that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue. Gonsalves has historically been a supporter of Venezuela and has worked to foster dialogue between Presidents Ali and Maduro in efforts to bring about stability in the region. He also defended his assertion that Venezuela’s recent elections were conducted fairly, referencing the United States’ historical actions in Latin America that undermine its standing in discussions on democracy. While Guyana and Suriname have called for the verification of votes from the Venezuelan elections in a joint statement, the U.S. Ambassador to Guyana expressed her dissatisfaction with the lack of unity among regional nations on this matter. Gonsalves reiterated that he holds good relations with the United States but acknowledged their ongoing desire for influence in the region, referencing the Monroe Doctrine to illustrate this point.
This article discusses the political dynamics between Venezuela and Guyana, particularly in light of the recent Venezuelan elections and their implications for Guyana’s oil sector. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, a seasoned Caribbean leader, emphasizes the importance of Maduro’s presidency for Guyanese interests and advocates for a peaceful resolution to any territorial disputes. The commentary sheds light on the broader geopolitical context, including U.S. interests in the region and the historical patterns of American intervention in Latin American politics.
In conclusion, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ remarks reflect a nuanced understanding of the interplay between Venezuelan politics and Guyana’s economic aspirations, particularly regarding its oil industry. His advocacy for Maduro over a right-wing opposition highlights the perceived threats posed by external influences and the historical context of U.S. involvement in Latin American politics. The call for peaceful dialogue underscores the importance of regional stability amidst contentious territorial claims.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
