Why remain silent on Venezuela?

THE EDITOR, Sir: 

It isn’t surprising that Jamaica is now silent on the situation in Venezuela, an ally with close ties to Jamaica spanning decades. The opposition leader in Venezuela, Juan Guaido, ‘declared’ himself interim president of that country, having been endorsed by US President Donald Trump, who appears ready to take economic and diplomatic sanctions to force the removal of leftist Nicolas Maduro from power, and ‘replace’ him with the more centrist Guaido. 

America has a history of forceful interference to align power in its best interests.  Maduro has since severed diplomatic ties with the US and ordered American diplomats to leave the country within 72 hours, obviously concerned that their presence could lead to increased support of Guaido, and possibly aid a US-led military invasion.

Although Jamaica proclaimed that our foreign policy is based on non-interference, Jamaica sided with the US and others in the Organization of American States (OAS) vote not to recognise Maduro as legitimate. If we stand by the vote, then we should at least have a position. Had we abstained, our silence would be justified.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith made a compelling case justifying the buy-back of Petrojam shares from Venezuela. I don’t believe any Jamaican would oppose this move, in the best interest of Jamaica. But it is the timing of the move that concerns many, and how they are going about it, introducing new legislation to force the takeover and sever a signed bilateral agreement with a friendly partner. 

Other foreign investors might be reluctant to do business with Jamaica if we are perceived as a country that uses legislation to break agreements. There might be counter lawsuits. 

It would be great if most of our assets were owned by Jamaicans. However, foreign investment is a part of life, and in our best interest economically. 

We encourage foreign investments to foster economic growth, employment and increase net income and trade. We also develop strong partnerships and friendships, as a result, which benefit us in other ways. How we do business, however, affects how we are perceived and, of course, this is also linked to foreign policy.

P. Chin
chin_p@yahoo.com