Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, has stated that Nicolas Maduro’s presidency in Venezuela is advantageous for Guyana’s oil industry. He urges that choosing Maduro over a right-wing opposition is crucial for regional security and stability. Gonsalves also strongly supports peaceful dialogue regarding territorial disputes and has defended the legitimacy of Venezuela’s recent elections, while stressing the importance of a collaborative Caribbean response to maintaining peace and stability.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, has expressed the opinion that the presence of Nicolas Maduro as President of Venezuela is beneficial for the oil sector in Guyana. During his recent visit to Guyana for the funeral of the respected statesman Sir Shridath Ramphal, Gonsalves articulated his belief that the Venezuelan populace’s choice to reject the right-wing opposition has ensured greater stability for Guyana’s burgeoning oil industry. “If you have a choice between Maduro and the right wing in Venezuela, I advise you to choose Maduro,” Gonsalves remarked, cautioning that a right-wing administration might facilitate American control over Venezuela’s oil resources and subsequently impact Guyana’s oil sector. Gonsalves reaffirmed his commitment to peace and diplomacy, declaring his opposition to any military actions by Venezuela regarding Guyana’s Essequibo Region. “Anytime, if Venezuela attempts to do anything militarily, you’ll hear that I speak against it… Under anybody. No war. You have a problem, you talk about it, you solve it,” he stated, advocating for peaceful resolutions similar to his stances on global conflicts such as those in Taiwan and Ukraine. In promoting dialogue and peace, Gonsalves emphasized the collaborative efforts between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Brazil in facilitating discussions between Presidents Ali of Guyana and Maduro of Venezuela, highlighting the Argyle Declaration. He also criticized the aggressive tactics historically employed by Venezuela’s right wing against Guyana, especially concerning territorial claims over Essequibo. Regarding the elections held in Venezuela on July 28, 2024, Gonsalves defended his viewpoint that they were “fair and free,” referencing the United States’ complicated historical relationship with democratically elected governments in Latin America. He remarked, “America can’t teach me about elections and democracy. In my lifetime, I watched what has happened.” Amid Guyana and Suriname’s joint call for a verification of Venezuela’s electoral results, Gonsalves rejected any label of being anti-American, clarifying his strong relationship with the United States. He acknowledged the scientific achievements of American society while critiquing its historical interventions in Caribbean affairs, particularly referencing the Monroe Doctrine, which aimed to sustain American dominance in the region.
The ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the Caribbean are significantly influenced by the relationship between Venezuela and Guyana, particularly in light of the burgeoning oil industries in both countries. Nicolas Maduro’s leadership in Venezuela has been contentious, with concerns regarding his administration’s stability and the implications for neighboring nations. Guyana, in recent years, has attracted substantial investments in its oil sector and is keen on maintaining a stable regional environment to ensure its economic growth. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ public declarations reflect an effort to align Caribbean diplomacy with regional interests, emphasizing peace and dialogue over militaristic approaches to territorial disputes. The context of Gonsalves’ assertions also includes historical relations between the US and Latin America, underscoring the often controversial influence the United States has wielded in the region, particularly regarding democracy and governance. This backdrop informs current discussions on electoral legitimacy and international relations within the Caribbean.
In summary, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ statements advocate for continued support of Nicolas Maduro as a stabilizing factor for Guyana’s oil sector and call for diplomacy over conflict in the region. His commitment to peace is underscored by a historical critique of American influence in Caribbean affairs, alongside an emphasis on the need for open dialogue between Venezuela and Guyana regarding territorial and economic issues. As such, Gonsalves positions himself as a voice for regional stability amidst complex geopolitical challenges.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
