It is heartening that Guyana is not being plunged into chaos, with no protests and violent clashes occurring on Georgetown’s streets between supporters of the government and opposition, following the uncertainty that came with the December 21 no-confidence vote that saw the constitutional downfall of the APNU+AFC administration.
That such a recurrence of past destructive behaviour has not occurred is a promising sign of maturity, not only by Guyanese supporters of the APNU+AFC and the PPP/Civic not rioting on the streets of Georgetown, but with its political leaders not setting poor examples by triggering violent partisan politics.
Such political maturity as a guiding light and a point of stability for Guyanese nationals, at home and abroad, was evident on January 9, when President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo met to resolve issues surrounding the constitutional crisis that developed days after the December 21 no-confidence vote.
It is reassuring that both leaders remained calm during discussion on how the constitution of Guyana will be respected regarding the holding of a general election within 90 days following December 21, or for a longer time as the Assembly agrees; also, to discuss appeals to the court on the validity on how the no-confidence vote will proceed, and for an expedited decision with which the parties would abide; and finally, that the parties would meet the Electoral Commission to determine its readiness to hold a general election, and to agree on measures advancing the process.
That both leaders are now focused on these issues fundamental to Guyana’s national interest, rather than viewing the present troubles through a narrow lens is a remarkable and positive development. It is worthwhile to note that one of the reasons given by Charrandass Persaud, the now former AFC member whose deciding no-confidence vote led to the government’s downfall, was his dismay over the partisan support given to the Minister of Public Health and PNC Chairwoman, Volda Lawrence, following her declaration of an unfair intention to reward only party supporters and friends with employment.
Perhaps the nation’s political leaders have recognised the need for sound judgement given that the stakes for Guyana’s future wealth and well-being are high at this time, and it would not do for either party to jeopardise this potentiality. Guyana no longer needs a heightening of tensions and the triggering of political violence. For its leaders to encourage turmoil so street marches and protests impact on the nation’s businesses causing owners to shutter storefronts, and its promising climate of future investment darkly impacted with unease abroad, would harm the prospects developing in its burgeoning oil exploration, and the imminence of forthcoming petroleum wealth.
As we know, ExxonMobil’s successful offshore oil exploration has put Guyana on the path to becoming a powerful player in the hemisphere. Last month, ExxonMobil announced an increase in the Stabroek Block of more than five billion barrels of oil. With the Liza Complex on the way to producing a million barrels, experts are comparing this capacity to Brazil's Lula-Iracema, which is one of the world's largest deep-water discoveries. According to international experts, if Venezuela and Mexico are unable to address production declines, the totality of Guyana’s crude oil potential could give this nation an upward, competitive advantage over both nations.
Also, Guyanese at home and abroad are well aware that should turmoil and political instability boil over in Guyana, becoming violent protests as have occurred in the past, these episodes of unrest could serve as motivation for Venezuela furthering its interests. Given the growing aggression by this nation to advance its geographical and resource ambitions in Guyana through territorial intervention, the Guyanese people maintaining unity and calm are crucial to political, social, and economic stability, and to their sovereign claim to the benefits accruing from exploration and exploitation of its oil resources.
Now, more than ever, Guyana needs calm heads and mature leadership.