GUYANA | Foreign Policy Under Fire: Walton-Desir Proposes Urgent Reforms

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, January 23, 2024 - In a scathing critique of the government's foreign policy, Opposition Member of Parliament Amanza Walton Desir has accused the Guyanese administration of failing to adequately protect the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking during the National Budget Debate, Walton Desir lambasted the government for its passive stance on CARICOM relationships at a time when Guyana faces increasing territorial threats.

"A sober, steady, and well-studied approach is what Guyana desperately needs," Walton Desir argued. "Our foreign policy is not just about promoting national interests; it's about the very preservation of our sovereignty." In her five-point proposal, she emphasized the need for Guyana to reinforce its diplomatic presence, particularly in countries like Brazil, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and other nations where Venezuela has been actively forging ties.

The Opposition MP's plan calls for immediate action in several key areas:

1. Defining and articulating a clear foreign policy focused on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
2. Reinforcing and enhancing relationships within CARICOM.
3. Implementing astute diplomacy.
4. Prioritizing education and training for Guyana’s diplomatic corps.
5. Monitoring international migration, with a focus on the Venezuelan crisis.

Walton Desir's critique extends to the government's handling of diplomatic relations. "The downgrading of the High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago from a strategic perspective is not just regrettable; it's a direct threat to our national security," she emphasized. This sentiment echoes broader concerns about Guyana's diminishing influence in the Caribbean region and its inadequate response to Venezuela's aggressive territorial claims.

Additionally, Walton Desir pointed out the failure to appoint a new High Commissioner to India and the lack of Guyanese missions in Africa, a region where Venezuela is rapidly expanding its influence. "Our foreign policy needs to be proactive, not reactive," she stressed, "Especially in a time when our country is transitioning into a significant petro-state."

Astute Diplomacy and International Relations:

Walton-Desir's call for "astute diplomacy" resonated deeply in the Assembly. She critiqued the government's sluggishness in appointing ambassadors to critical allies like Brazil, highlighting the strategic oversight in failing to reinforce ties with a major continental player. The absence of Guyanese diplomatic missions in Africa was also noted, a stark contrast to Venezuela's active engagement in the region.

"Our foreign policy must be dynamic and proactive, not a reactive afterthought," Walton-Desir emphasized, pointing out the significant gap in high-level representation in key countries such as Russia, Switzerland, Belgium, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Suriname. Her remarks underlined the critical need for Guyana to fortify its global presence and alliances.

Focus on Education and Training:

A major component of Walton-Desir's plan involves strengthening the country's diplomatic corps through education and training. She underscored the importance of a well-funded, resource-rich Foreign Services Institute, capable of providing world-class education to Guyanese diplomats. The Opposition MP lamented the current government's insufficient allocation for training within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressing that a knowledgeable and committed diplomatic team is essential for effective foreign policy.

Addressing the Venezuelan Migration Crisis:

The Venezuelan migration crisis formed a critical point in Walton-Desir's address. She highlighted the challenges posed by the influx of Venezuelan migrants, including the strain on Guyana's social and economic infrastructure. "This crisis demands a sound, comprehensive migration policy, one that safeguards the interests of Guyanese citizens while being humane and law-abiding towards migrants," she stated. The Opposition MP accused the current administration of using the crisis for political gain rather than addressing the long-term implications for the country's territorial integrity.

Walton-Desir's address in the National Assembly painted a picture of a foreign policy which was short-sighted and inadequate in the face of escalating regional tensions and internal challenges. Her five-point plan offers a roadmap for Guyana to assert its sovereignty, enhance its international standing, and prioritize the well-being of its citizens in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Economic Considerations and Trade Relations:

A significant part of Walton-Desir's address was dedicated to Guyana's trade and economic policies. She expressed concern over the heavy reliance on oil and gold for foreign earnings, warning of the potential pitfalls of such dependence. "While we bask in the financial glow of the oil industry, we must not lose sight of the broader economic picture," Walton-Desir cautioned. She highlighted the need for a diversified economy and better management of foreign-generated earnings to ensure broader access to foreign currency for the business community and society at large.

Food Security and Domestic Priorities:

Shifting focus to domestic issues, Walton-Desir underscored the importance of food security in Guyana. Citing a Caribbean Food Security & Livelihoods Survey, she pointed out that a significant portion of the Guyanese population is facing food insecurity. "A nation aiming to be the breadbasket of the Caribbean must first feed its own," she stated emphatically. This remark was a direct challenge to the government's strategy, urging them to prioritize the needs of the Guyanese people above regional ambitions.

In her concluding remarks, Walton-Desir emphasized the need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to foreign policy and domestic governance. She called on the government to recognize the urgency of the situation and take immediate action to address the deficiencies in Guyana's foreign policy, economic management, and internal development. "Only with a robust, proactive, and people-centered approach can Guyana truly realize its potential on the world stage and at home," she concluded.

As Guyana stands at a crossroads, facing both regional challenges and internal pressures, the words of Amanza Walton-Desir in the National Assembly serve as a stark reminder of the need for astute leadership and visionary policies. The path forward for Guyana, according to Walton-Desir, lies in a comprehensive reassessment and overhaul of its foreign policy, economic strategies, and commitment to its citizens' welfare.

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