SVG Prime Minister Advocates Maduro’s Leadership for Guyana’s Oil Sector Security

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines asserted that Nicolas Maduro’s presidency in Venezuela is advantageous for Guyana’s oil sector. He emphasized choosing Maduro over the right-wing opposition, which he claims would jeopardize Guyana’s oil interests. Gonsalves condemned military action between Venezuela and Guyana, advocating for peaceful dialogue, while defending the electoral integrity of Venezuela’s recent elections against U.S. critiques.

In a recent statement made by Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, he expressed that the re-election of Nicolas Maduro as the President of Venezuela has significant implications for the stability and growth of Guyana’s burgeoning oil sector. Dr. Gonsalves, who attended the funeral of esteemed statesman Sir Shridath Ramphal in Guyana, contended that the Venezuelan populace’s choice to reject the right-wing opposition strengthens Guyana’s oil industry security. He articulated, “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 and try to run Guyana’s oil industry from Caracas.” Notably, he took a firm stance against any potential military action between Venezuela and Guyana, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over conflict. “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.” Dr. Gonsalves has been a longstanding ally of the Venezuelan government and has historically engaged in fostering dialogue between President Maduro and President Ali of Guyana through agreements such as the Argyle Declaration for Dialogue and Peace. He noted the historical aggressiveness of the Venezuelan right wing towards Guyana, particularly concerning territorial claims over the Essequibo Region. On the matter of Venezuela’s electoral integrity, Dr. Gonsalves defended his assertion that the recent elections were conducted “fair and free” based on the U.S.’s troubled history of foreign interventions including the disruption of democratic processes in Latin America. He stated, “America can’t teach me about elections and democracy. In my lifetime, I watched what has happened.” Despite some regional lack of support for the claim of fairness in the Venezuelan elections, Dr. Gonsalves maintained that he cherishes strong relationships with the United States, praising its advancements in science and technology, but expressed concern about historical American interventionism in the region, particularly through the Monroe Doctrine. In conclusion, Gonsalves is clear in his supportive stance for Maduro, arguing it relies on keeping the oil sector of Guyana secure, free from perceived American exploitation, and advocating for peaceful resolutions over military confrontations.

The statement by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves reflects a significant geopolitical stance within the Caribbean and Latin America, particularly concerning relations between Guyana and Venezuela amidst the rapid development of Guyana’s oil resources. Gonsalves’ remarks underscore the complex interplay between domestic affairs and international relations, especially the historical influence of the United States in the region. His insistence on diplomatic solutions rather than military action highlights a broader call for stability and peace in Caribbean politics, reflective of longstanding tensions surrounding oil resources and territorial claims.

In light of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ declarations, it is evident that the acceptance of Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela’s head of state is posited as strategically beneficial for Guyana’s oil industry. With a firm commitment to promote peaceful dialogue and reject any military ambitions from Venezuela, Gonsalves highlights the importance of maintaining regional stability. Furthermore, his critical view of U.S. influence reverberates throughout the discourse on elections and democracy in Latin America, suggesting a need for careful navigation of both international relations and domestic sovereignty.

Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com