Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines claims that Nicolas Maduro’s presidency is beneficial for Guyana, especially concerning the oil sector. He criticizes the right wing in Venezuela, warns against military actions, and supports dialogue instead. Gonsalves defends the integrity of Venezuela’s elections and emphasizes his commitment to peace and fair relations in the region.
The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, recently asserted that the continuation of Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela’s president aligns with Guyana’s interests, particularly regarding the burgeoning oil sector. During his visit to Guyana, Gonsalves expressed that the Venezuelan populace’s decision to reject the right-wing opposition ultimately enhances the security of Guyana’s developing oil industry. “If you have a choice between Maduro and the right wing in Venezuela, I advise you to choose Maduro. The right wing will seek to allow the Americans to take the oil in Venezuela, to set up to take over PDVSA (State oil company) and try to run Guyana’s oil industry from Caracas,” Gonsalves argued. He emphasized his commitment to peace, vowing that he would openly oppose any military action by Venezuela against Guyana, advocating instead for dialogue to resolve issues between the two nations. Furthermore, Gonsalves highlighted the historical antagonism of Venezuela’s right-wing factions towards Guyana, particularly concerning territorial disputes over the Essequibo Region. He defended his assertion that the July 28, 2024 elections in Venezuela were “fair and free,” citing the U.S.’s historical actions against various democracies in Latin America. In contrast to Gonsalves, Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud criticized nations that justify election rigging. Notably, U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot expressed disappointment that fewer regional partners supported a joint statement advocating for a verification of the Venezuelan election results. Nevertheless, Gonsalves firmly stated his positive relations with the United States while recognizing the persistent influence of the Monroe Doctrine in the region.
The article discusses the political dynamics between Venezuela and Guyana, focusing on the implications of Nicolas Maduro’s presidency for Guyana’s oil sector. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves argues that Maduro’s government is more favorable compared to a potential right-wing leadership, which could endanger Guyana’s interests, particularly in oil resource management. The historical context regarding Venezuelan territorial claims and the significance of regional alliances in Caribbean politics is also addressed, along with Gonsalves’ defense of the Venezuelan elections. Moreover, the article touches upon the interplay between regional geopolitics and U.S. interests in the Caribbean.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves posits that Maduro’s presidency serves Guyana’s oil sector strategically while rejecting the threats posed by Venezuelan right-wing factions. Gonsalves underscores the importance of dialogue for peace and stability in the region, asserting a commitment to fairness in elections and against militaristic approaches. His remarks point to significant ongoing ideological divides in Caribbean geopolitics that may affect future relations and developments among neighboring countries.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
