When the unequivocal adherence to the protocols of acceptable diplomacy inhibits, quite detrimentally, the fullest development of one’s country, it becomes infuriating to all true nationalists to the extent that severe hatred simmer against the source that is perceived to be responsible, for holding back our development.

This is a current, true-life situation as a result of what can only be described as flagrant economic aggression being relentlessly pursued by Venezuela against our still-fledgling state of Guyana. What we desperately need is the freedom to exploit every square inch of our God given wealth for the benefit of our entire population, but the fabrication of an engineered claim to five rights of our sovereignty and from recent history appears prepared to resort to force of arms to enforce this ingenious absurdity. Our feebleness in adopting a strong and uninhibiting diplomatic offensive against these unfriendly neighbours with their crass disrespect for basic equanimity has strengthened the determination of Venezuela to continue to harass this country.

Strong evidence exists when Venezuela has openly and deliberately threatened prospective investors from entering any agreement with the government for development of any project in the Essequibo region. Indeed, this malicious aggravation started way back in the late 70s or earlier, but Clousseau urges that a more spirited offensive by Guyana should be now adopted. Indeed, a new determined review should be mounted in order to direct a meaningful prosecution of our undoubted impeccable case and to cease for all time this eye-pass by a powerful neighbour who professes well being towards Guyana.

It is noted that the recent Head of Government Meeting of CARICOM held in Antigua & Barbuda resolved to support the position of Guyana against any diminution of our sovereignty and Clousseau is observing with keen interest this country’s entry into the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) under which provisions preclude member states from encroachment in each other’s territory. Surely, here again we will be favourably position to prosecute the case against Venezuela.

This country, despite the aggravation, has always supported President Hugo Chavez and Clousseau remains confident that should we press our case to have the ill-founded campaign by Venezuela abandoned, we will prevail through the sheer strength and justness of our cause. We must demonstrate the necessary confidence and assume an aggressive policy to bring this bogus fabrication of an engineered claim to a satisfactory closure. It must be clearly understood by these who are intimately involved in prosecuting the assertion of this policy to diligently and steadfastly oppose the slightest effort on Venezuelan behest to reopen the 1899 arbitral award. This has been their principle aim since the mid-60s and which led to the Geneva Agreement in 1966 being signed by Great Britain, Venezuela and the then British Guiana. This Geneva agreement did not reopen or affect the 1899 Arbitral Award, it merely established the protocols to be followed in facilitating Venezuela to show proof of their contention that a conspiracy was involved in the 1899 award.

Henceforth, Clousseau will be following every move by Venezuela in their vulgar determination of impeding the full development of our land. Clousseau urges eternal vigilance in our relations with this neighbour.