Guyana’s foreign policy contradictions and sovereignty — Hemdutt Kumar — Opinion

Guyana’s foreign policy contradictions and sovereignty

Hemdutt Kumar

March 5, 2026·2 min read

Thread

Mar 5, 2026

Hemdutt Kumar

Apr 3, 2026Maximise and receive “real” compensation and not charityTerence M. Yhip

Dear Editor,

When a government’s foreign policy speaks in two voices, the world listens carefully to both—and judges the credibility of neither. That is precisely the predicament Guyana now finds itself in after the disturbing discord between the Foreign Ministry’s official statement and President Ali’s subsequent soft-pedalled remark at a Phagwah celebration. One was diplomatic doctrine, the other political theatre. Together, they revealed more than intended: a country caught between projection and subordination.

A Foreign Ministry pronouncement represents the studied will of a sovereign state. It is meant to carry weight, consistency, and consequence. A president’s offhand commentary at a social event, however well-meaning, cannot offset or overturn it. Yet, by allowing these contradictory signals to coexist—without clarification or correction—the administration has effectively told the world that Guyana now speaks from two scripts, unsure which to stand by when real pressure mounts.

The sequence tells its own story. First came the Ministry’s statement, unusually synchronized with Washington’s framing of events in the Middle East—out of step with CARICOM’s cautious neutrality. The backlash was immediate and fierce. Then, almost as if on cue, the President appeared amid the colour and camaraderie of Phagwah to mellow the tone. But symbolic contrition at a lawn party cannot substitute for formal correction. It was politics performing empathy—without policy accepting accountability.

Our neighbours and partners have noticed. For the region, Guyana’s tone-deaf diplomacy now registers as capitulation wrapped in carnival. CARICOM states, long accustomed to balancing Western influence with Southern solidarity, will see this episode as evidence that Georgetown’s independence is bending under the heavy hand of American interest. For Venezuela and Brazil—strategic, mighty, and watching closely—it will appear as confirmation that Guyana’s foreign policy script is increasingly drafted elsewhere, in offices far from Takuba Lodge.

The tragedy here transcends this one misstep. It speaks to a deeper structural ailment—a sovereignty addicted to validation from power blocs. A nation endowed with oil wealth, human capital, and moral history should not be whispering in borrowed tones. When external partners define your diplomatic reflexes, it is no longer partnership—it is patronage. Guyana’s leaders, sitting atop leverage unseen in our post-independence history, have no excuse for timidity. The capacity to assert one’s own position, even amid competing pressures, is the true test of both sovereignty and statesmanship.

This episode, therefore, is not merely about a policy contradiction—it is about identity. It is about whether Guyana will continue to rehearse the language of independence while living in the shadow of obedience. For a government that claims visionary leadership, the real measure lies not in how it pleases its allies, but in how firmly it stands by its people’s conscience. Diplomacy is not a dance to another’s drumbeat; it is the music of a nation sure of itself. And until Guyana learns to sing its own tune without awaiting approval from afar, every declaration of sovereignty will sound hollow—every whisper of independence, a borrowed voice.

Sincerely,
Hemdutt Kumar

Source

Did Guyana’s recent foreign policy contradictions expose it as subordinated to America’s interest? in Stabroek News, March 5, 2026

Other references

Guyana condemns Iran’s “unprovoked” attack on Gulf States – Demerara Waves Online News- Guyana

demerarawaves.com · 2026-03-01

Demerara Waves Online News- Guyana**Demerara Waves Online News- Guyana Riding on the Crest of Truth** ] # Guyana condemns Iran’s “unprovoked” attack on Gulf States Posted by: Denis Chabrol in News, Politics, Security Saturday, 28 February 2026, 22:34 0 Last Updated on Saturday, 28 February 2026, 22:34 by Denis Chabrol The Guyana government Saturday condemned Iran’s “unjustified” attack on Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait in response to the United States’ (US) pummelling of Tehran. “The unprovoked attack by Iran on the Kingdom of Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait is unjustified and in breach of international law,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The Guyana government stayed clear of commenting on Israel and the US’ attack on Iran that killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ending his almost 40-year iron-fisted rule. Prior to the attack, US President Donald Trump hoped that Iranians would take advantage of the removal of the Iranian government to pave the way for democratic ... Reiterating the need for sustained pursuit of lasting peace and stability for the Middle East, the Guyana government condemned Iran’s missile attack on those countries. “The Government of Guyana condemns the attacks on these Sovereign States and call upon all parties to de-escalate in the interest of peace and stability in the region,” the Foreign Ministry said. Guyana said it expressed “full solidarity” with the government and peoples of the Bahrain, United Arab ... ### Discover more from Demerara Waves Online News- Guyana Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe 2026-02-28 **Denis Chabrol** Previous: Suspect escaped after fish vendor shot, robbed #### Archives February 2026|S|M|T|W|T|F|S| |1|2|3|4|5|6|7| |8|9|10|11|12|13|14| |15|16|17|18|19|20|21| ... Demerara Waves Media Inc. © 2026 |

Pres. Ali urges unity as Guyana celebrates Phagwah 2026 - INews Guyana

inewsguyana.com · 2026-03-03

Piper] - Letters Search Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - Contact - Advertise - Home - Gallery Facebook Mail RSS Youtube Sign in Welcome! Log into your account ... Home latest news Pres. Ali urges unity as Guyana celebrates Phagwah 2026 - Local News - latest news - Gallery As Guyanese especially Hindus across Guyana celebrate the festival of colours, President Dr Irfaan Ali has called on the nation to celebrate as ‘one’ reiterating that despite the many colours that will fill the air and cover the skin, we must stand united as ‘one people’. “This year, as we celebrate, let us carry that invitation forward into every day that follows. Let us build a Guyana where the colour of a child’s skin matters less than the colour of their dreams. Where the texture of their hair is not a measure of their worth, but simply part of the infinite variety of human beauty. Where their religion is a path they ... Let us work to build a Guyana where every single person, whether they worship in a mandir, a mosque, a church, or only in the cathedral of their own quiet heart, can stand in the sunlight and say: “Here, I belong. Here, I can become.” This is not a small dream. It is the largest dream there is. It is the dream for which our ancestors struggled, for which they laboured and wept and hoped,” the Head of State in his Phagwah message stated. In his message to the nation, he stated that there is a moment, just before dawn breaks over Guyana, when the world holds its breath. “The cane fields whisper in the darkness, the rivers glide silently toward the sea, and somewhere in the distance, the first sounds of life’s rustling begin to stir. This is the threshold between night and morning, between darkness and light, between the old self and the new… On this sacred morning of Phagwah, I stand with you at that threshold.” He commended the Hindu community for keeping the festival exuberant, colourful, and alive across generations. “I offer more than greetings; I offer gratitude. You have taught us that Holi is not merely a celebration but a revelation: that good shall always triumph over evil, that the soul, like the earth itself, must be renewed and reborn ... Further, he welcomes Guyanese retuning home and visitors who have journeyed from distant shores to the land of cultural ... He added that the colours of Phagwah remain rich in meaning. “Is it not the same red that runs through every human vein, whether Hindu or Christian, Muslim or Indigenous, African or Indian or Chinese or Portuguese?” “The blue that clings to our skin—is it not the same blue that arches over every Guyanese head, from the Rupununi savannahs to the Atlaantic shore? The yellow, the green, the pink, the purple—they are not divisions. They are ... President Ali further stated, “When we gather in the streets to celebrate this joyous festival, when we chase each ... playing.” Instead, he noted that the nation is performing a sacred truth – that beneath the powder, beneath the skin, beneath every label the world has taught us to wear, we are one. That, he noted is the significance of Holi. “It does not ask for your beliefs. It simply invites you to belong.” “Happy Phagwah to all. May your lives be drenched in joy, may your hearts be filled with love, and may the Guyana we ... --- --- ### Discover more from INews Guyana Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Subscribe #### RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR latest news ### Phagwah Messages! Court ... © 2025 INEWS Guyana. Website Solution/Maintenance by GxMedia. MORE STORIES ### Phagwah Messages! March 3, 2026

Framing international conflicts: Media coverage of fighting in the ...

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k>Academia.edu] * Log In * Sign Up * more ... First page of “Framing international conflicts: Media coverage of fighting in the Middle East”![PDF ... download Download Free PDF Download Free PDF # Framing international conflicts: Media coverage of fighting in the Middle East Profile image of matt evansmatt evans 2010, International Journal of Media and Cultural Politics https://doi.org/10.1386/MCP.6.2.209\_1 visibility …description 28 pages descriptionSee full PDFdownloadDownload PDF bookmarkSave to LibraryshareShare close ... checkTrack your impact ## Abstract Media framing of foreign conflicts determines the way in which the public and policy-makers perceive the causes, consequences and importance of those conflicts and where diplomatic and material resources are committed. Framing is manifested in, among other... ... 1. Media framing significantly influences public perception and policy-making on international conflicts. 2. The NY Times provided 50 articles on Jenin during 12 days, versus only 26 on Nahr al-Bared over 107 days. ... 4. Reports characterized Israeli forces in Jenin as brutal, while framing Lebanese forces in Nahr al-Bared as ... 5. Disproportionate media coverage leads to inconsistent foreign policy priorities, neglecting numerous global ... Framing The Iran-Israel Conflict: A Comparative Analysis of Al-Jazeera and BBC News Coverage in April 2024 ... The Iran-Israel conflict in April 2024 attracted extensive global media coverage, with outlets like Al-Jazeera and BBC ... Fikret Güven MASS MEDIA'S ROLE IN CONFLICTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE WESTERN MEDIA'S PORTRAYAL OF TERRORISM SINCE SEPTEMBER 11, 2018 All around the world, various groups resort to acts of violence against civilians to foster fear and suspicion. ... purposes. As such, in the post-September world the media has become the biggest handicap to achieve peace and dialogue ... Islam and the West. The present study analyzes the Western media's coverage of Terrorism since September 11 ... 2. Asserson, T. (2002), 'The BBC and the Middle East: An Analysis', BBC Watch, www.bbcwatch.com. Accessed 28 ... 10. Cordesman, A. (2005), 'The Middle East Military Balance: Definition, Regional Developments and Trends', Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies. ... 12. Dimitrova, D., Kaid, L., Williams, A. and Trammell, K. (2005), 'War on the Web: The Immediate News Framing of ... 17. Edwards, G. and Wood, B. (1999), 'Who Influences Whom? The President, Congress, and the Media', The American Political Science Review, 93: 2, pp. 327-44. 18. Entman, R. (2000), 'Declaration of Independence: The Growth of the Media after the Cold War', in B. Nacos, ... 33. Peake, J. (2001), 'Presidential Agenda Setting in Foreign Policy', Political Research Quarterly, 54: 1, pp. ... 43. UN, (United Nations) (2002), 'Report of the Secretary-General prepared pursuant to General Assembly resolution ES-10/10', http://www.un.org/ peace/jenin/. Accessed 28 June 2010. 44. UNRWA, (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) (2007a), http://www.un. org/unrwa. Accessed 28 June 2010. ... Review, 92: 1, pp. 173-84. 78. World Briefing | Middle East; Lebanon: 3 Soldiers Killed at Refugee Camp June 19, 2007 ... 84. Evans, M. (2010), ''Framing international conflicts: Media coverage of fight- ing in the Middle ... How does media framing influence public perception of international conflicts?add The study shows that media framing significantly shapes public empathy and understanding, directly affecting opinions on conflicts. In cases like Jenin and Nahr al-Bared, different narratives fostered contrasting connections with the ... Amélie Godefroidt The emergence of the revolutionary movements of the ‘Arab Spring’ surprised the world. The often violent reaction of ... International Journal of Advanced Academic Studies, 2021 Framing as a concept and theoretical perspective is well ... perspectives.

Joint Statement - CARICOM

caricom.org

]News and MediaNewsletters[Statements and ... # Joint Statement February 27, 2026 1,808 1 minute read Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest Reddit Skype WhatsApp Share via Email Print The Heads of State and Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community met on 25 February with the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Marco Rubio. The engagement was a highly constructive one with a frank conversation regarding the essential interests of all parties. Given the strong historical, diplomatic, familial and economic ties and cooperation over the years in matters of security, there was a clear platform for all to continue to work together to build a stronger, safer, more secure and ... neighbourhood. It was agreed that it was appropriate to conclude a Cooperation Framework appropriate to the 21st century to support the needs and interests of the Caribbean Community and the USA. This framework should address a structured Migration Programme, security cooperation, trade and investment, disaster recovery, human development and technical assistance. It was recognised that the last serious and coherent engagement between members of the Caribbean Community and the USA was almost 50 years ago under President Reagan. The matter of the challenging situation in Cuba was also discussed. All parties recognised that there should be efforts to address the growing humanitarian crisis. The Caribbean Community, cognisant of its very close relationship with both Cuba and the USA, and mindful of the extent to which the Region can be negatively affected, is willing to participate ... 50 HGC 50 HGC 50HGC 50HGC [50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads ... #### News Letter ### Subscribe to our mailing list to get the new updates! Enter your Email address ### Related Photo of Key Outcomes and Agreements | Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government | 24-27 February 2026 ### Key Outcomes and Agreements | Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government | 24-27 February 2026 March 4, 2026 Photo of COMMUNIQUE – Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM |24 -27 February 2026 ### COMMUNIQUE – Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM |24 -27 February 2026 March 1, 2026 Photo of CARICOM to provide humanitarian support to Cuba, Prime Minister Terrance Drew says ### CARICOM to provide humanitarian support to Cuba, Prime Minister Terrance Drew says February 27, 2026 Photo of CARICOM Heads endorse Community Industrial Policy Strategy and Framework ### CARICOM Heads endorse Community Industrial Policy Strategy and Framework February 27, 2026 Check Also Close * 50 HGCPhoto of CARICOM Leaders Strengthen Reparations Agenda ### CARICOM Leaders Strengthen Reparations Agenda February 27, 2026 ... Search for

Venezuela border controversy: Caricom reaffirms unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity - Guyana Times

guyanatimesgy.com · 2026-02-28

** 25 C Georgetown, Guyana Friday, March 6, 2026 * Home * Advertise * AUP * About Us * Career Opportunities ** [ ... Home ** Top Stories ** Venezuela border controversy: Caricom reaffirms unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity * Top Stories # Venezuela border controversy: Caricom reaffirms unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity February 28, 2026 #### Guyana continues to enjoy the unequivocal and unwavering support of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) as the regional bloc reaffirmed its calls for the judicial settlement of the decades-long border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. This commitment by regional leaders was one of the outcomes of the recently concluded 50th Meeting of the Caricom Heads ... Regional Leaders at the 50th Caricom Head of States Meeting in St Kitts and Nevis earlier this week #### At a closing press conference on Friday, Caricom Chairman, Prime Minister Terrence Drew of St Kitts, described the ... renewed support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Heads of Government received an update on the latest developments regarding the Guyana-Venezuela controversy pending before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Heads of Government reaffirmed their full support for the ongoing judicial process as the means of resolving the controversy. Finally, and in accordance with international law, they reiterated their unequivocal and unwavering support for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of ... Venezuela is laying claims to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass – the entire Essequibo region and a portion of ... oil operations are currently ongoing offshore. Over the years, the Spanish-speaking nation has been increasing its aggression towards Guyana, including as recently as ... Back in 2018, Guyana approached the ICJ, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which ... The world had first established its jurisdiction to hear the border case in December 2020. The written phase of the ... two – the last being in August 2025. It was revealed earlier this month that the ICJ has set May 4 for the commencement of oral arguments on the merits of ... Guyana has already declared its steadfast commitment to the peaceful resolution of this border controversy with ... in a favourable ruling, likely for some time this year. In addition to Caricom, Guyana’s defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity has similarly enjoyed the ... “I want to recognise members of the diplomatic community, and I want to thank them for their steadfast support for our ... According to President Ali, Guyana is backed by history and international law as it continues to defend its sovereignty ... “On the world stage, when it comes to the defence of our territory, we’ve assembled an able and capable team to argue ... **** Recent News * Americas Counter-Cartel Conference: “Addressing narco-terrorism, trafficking requires strong cooperation among nations” – PM Phillips March 6, 2026 * Father, teen daughter die in crash at Mandela Ave roundabout March 6, 2026 * High Court rejects US-indicted Mohameds’ application to reinstate cambio licence March 6, 2026 * “The boat was taking in water” – Captain recounts ordeal as fisherman still missing March 6, 2026 ... ### Read More Interesting Content Search Site Archives March 2026|M|T|W|T|F|S|S| ||1| |2|3|4|5|6|7|8| |9|10|11|12|13|14|15| ... Guyana Times is your news,

GN&I (Remigrant's Information Manual)

www.guyananews.org

"Takuba Lodge" South Road & New Garden Street Georgetown, Guyana Tel: 592-2-61607-9 Fax: 592-2-59192 minfor@sdnp.org.gy TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Foreword Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Clement Rohee 2. Introduction 3. Who is a Remigrant? ... The prospective remigrant should visit the Remigration Officer, at the Protocol and Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in New Garden Street, Georgetown, within three months of his/her resettlement in Guyana for an ... A person who has been approved as a remigrant by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must then visit the Ministry of Finance on Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, to be granted duty free concessions. ... Remigration Officer at the Protocol & Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Georgetown, or the Remigrant�s Information Desk at the nearest overseas Mission of the Republic of Guyana. ... **6. REMIGRANT�S INFORMATION DESKS** Over the past four decades, significant numbers of Guyanese have made their homes in other countries. As a result, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established Remigrants� Information Desks at its overseas Missions (see Appendix IV). At each Mission an officer is designated to assist prospective remigrants. You are invited to visit the nearest Mission ... If there is no Guyanese diplomatic or consular Mission in the country where you reside, please feel free to contact by ... Forms may be uplifted from and returned to GUYWA's Head Office, which is located at 10 Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown, or any of GUYWA'S offices countrywide. ... appropriate school. Placement in secondary schools is determined by the Ministry of Education. The Guyana Office for Investment (GO-INVEST) located at 190 Camp Street, Georgetown, is the one-stop agency which assists investors to launch enterprises in Guyana. The agency articulates Government's policies on investment and promotes Guyana as an attractive ... taxes on the items not listed. **APPENDIX IV** **REMIGRANTS� INFORMATION DESKS** **REMIGRATION OFFICER** Protocol and Consular Department "Ramphal House" Ministry of Foreign Affairs Takuba Lodge, South Road & New Garden Street Georgetown GUYANA Telephone No.:(02-58683, 61607-9, 57055, 57069, 56467, 54151) Fax No.:(02-59192) **EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA-BELGIUM** 12 Avenue du Bresil 1050 Brussels, Belgium Tel:(32)2-675-6312 /6216 Fax:(32)2-675-6331 **EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA-BRAZIL** SBN - Quadra 2, Bloco \`J' Ed Paulo Mauvicio ... **GUYANA HIGH COMMISSION-CANADA** 151 Slater Street, Suite 305 Ottawa, CANADA KIP 5H3 Telephone No.:(613-235-7249) Fax No.:(613-235-1447) **[GUYANA CONSULATE GENERAL-TORONTO