Gya: Wiping the slobber from the Chavez-Jagdeo kiss

The Government appears reluctant to place the visit of President Chavez in perspective, both in terms of what was actually achieved, as well as in terms of the current situation and what has happened in the past. While the governing party has hailed a "breakthrough" in Guyana-Venezuela relations, fundamentally nothing much has changed. Mr Chavez was not disposed to move towards relinquishing the claim to Essequibo, and neither, as it transpires, was he of a mind to allow any investment there involving foreign companies - including oil companies.

All of this was made very clear after he returned to Caracas, and a hostile opposition accused him of 'giving away' Essequibo following his ambiguous remarks here regarding development projects in Guyana's largest county. The Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Mr Jesus Arnaldo Perez hastened to deny that the territorial claim had been "retired," and insisted that the Government of Venezuela would not recognize any concession granted by Guyana in Essequibo if it involved a transnational company, not excluding an oil company. So much for not opposing development.

Say one thing to Guyana's face, and another thing behind Guyana's back.