Dear Editor,
Recently unsealed court documents in the United States have brought to light a series of interactions between Venezuelan officials and American political figures that merit thoughtful consideration.
According to these records, in 2017, prior to the first Trump inauguration, Citgo—a US subsidiary of Venezuela’s state-owned oil company PDVSA—contributed US$500,000 to the inaugural committee for the first Trump inauguration ceremony. Around the same period, a former Trump campaign manager was retained as a lobbyist for Citgo, reportedly as part of initial efforts by Delcy Rodríguez, then Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, to explore improved relations between the Venezuelan government and the incoming US administration.
The court documents further indicate that in March 2017, David Rivera, a former US Congressman from Florida, received a draft consulting contract from Citgo valued at approximately US$50 million for a three-month engagement. Subsequently, a meeting took place in New York involving Ms. Rodríguez and Congressman Pete Sessions of Texas, who has served in various leadership capacities on behalf of the Republican Party including Chairman of the House Rules Committee and Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee.
In July 2017, according to these records, Mr. Rivera met with Senator Marco Rubio and reportedly indicated that he had encouraged Venezuelan leadership toward holding free and fair elections—a development that did not materialize. A year later, Mr. Rivera traveled to Caracas where he and Congressman Sessions met with then-President Nicolás Maduro, who entrusted them with a communication for President Trump expressing interest in normalized relations.
These events invite reflection on the complex interplay between US foreign policy objectives and regional dynamics in the Caribbean. As we observe developments in 2026, one might consider how strategic interests shape international relationships. The trajectory of Venezuelan leadership and its implications for regional stability raise legitimate questions about self-determination and the influence of external powers.
These considerations extend naturally to Guyana. The country finds itself navigating a complex geopolitical landscape as its oil resources attract significant international interest. Recent reports indicate that American investment has accounted for approximately 96% of Guyana’s foreign direct investment between 2020 and 2024, with ExxonMobil leading this investment push. Meanwhile, Guyana’s longstanding relationship with Cuba has evolved, where today, we have “thru wey our friend” reflecting the shifting priorities of a nation managing newfound resource wealth. This is a lesson in common political interest; we in the PPP are all MAGA, all Rubio, all Trump – now baby.
The recent capture of Nicolás Maduro has introduced new dynamics to the region, potentially reducing immediate territorial tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region. However, Guyanese leadership must carefully balance relationships with multiple international partners, including the United States, China, and India, each with their own interests in the region. We must understand that the USA is not a friend unless there is cash on the table for them; they are a money friend only and that is the most dangerous friend.
What emerges from this complex picture is a reminder that smaller nations often navigate competing external pressures while pursuing their own development aspirations. The people of both Venezuela and Guyana deserve leaders who prioritize their welfare above geopolitical calculations.
As regional dynamics continue to evolve, citizens would be well-served by remaining informed and engaged with the forces shaping their future. Guyanese in particular, must start to challenge the Guyanese authorities on this cost of living crisis, the total breakdown of the rule of law and the open theft of the funds from the treasury by the political elites with all these useless contracts.
But where is Jagdeo in all of this; I was told that the Americans told him to sit this one out and let Irfaan and his new best friend Rubio run things in Guyana.
Farewell Stabroek News. You did a fine job.