Dear Editor,
To hear on the news that young Gouveia wants to take advantage of the current situation in Venezuela to make money, which was the result of the breaking of international law and the killing of dozens of Cubans and Venezuelans diminishes the respectability of the Private Sector Commission under his leadership. Even the President of Germany spoke out against the robbing of other countries and has voiced concern over the rise of a “den of robbers” “where the unscrupulous take what they want”. (Reference: Reuters and Yahoo!news). The German President’s comment resulted from the actions being taken by Russia in Ukraine and the U.S. in Venezuela.
If the taking of our country’s resources in Essequibo had occurred in this manner and such an inconsiderate proposal was made, what would be the reaction of the PSC which young Gouveia leads? To turn a blind eye to injustice just to benefit financially is a path to ruthlessness, dishonour, and unscrupulous behaviour. Our businesses must not lose their moral compass just to earn a fleeting dollar. Young Gouveia’s comment lacks decency and shows no regard for the families of those who lost their lives during the kidnapping/capture of the Venezuelan President. Maduro may not be a favourite of Guyana, but international law and order must be followed. Otherwise, as President Ramotar has correctly pointed out, imperialism via military force will rise amongst the strong nations. This will leave small nations such as ours at risk of losing our independence.
Pursuing money making opportunities in Venezuela during a period of significant uncertainty, conflict and instability will also increase the risk to our own national security. Venezuelans will not look favourably on Guyanese if we help those who they perceive as invaders that are forcibly taking their resources. It was only recently that a Venezuelan national allegedly bombed a gas station that took an innocent young Guyanese life. The risk of such terrorist acts taking place will increase if we go down the path suggested by young Gouveia at this stage of the controversy between Venezuela and the United States. Timing is everything and we must be careful which path we take and who we assist in our business endeavours. If the opportunity is rooted in honesty and honest gains then we should pursue it, but if the path to riches is covered in blood and ill-gotten gain, we must reject it.
The leader of the opposition in Venezuela has been sidelined and the U.S. is still in the process of stabilizing the current situation. Once a democratically elected government has taken the presidency of Venezuela many opportunities to work together will be welcomed on both sides of the border. Remember, what we sow so shall we reap. We must therefore prepare to do so in a business environment that does not bring about bad consequences for either party.