WHAT a difference in the way America’s birthday was celebrated in Guyana this year, as contrasted with last year at the reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy! Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, acting as President in David Granger’s absence, demonstrated “class” doing the honours at the reception for the 239th Anniversary since the U.S. was founded in 1776.
There was a proper toast as normally happens at such receptions. The PM did not cuss out anyone. In contrast with last year, when a hard-working, decent minister was instructed to read a nasty Government message to the then U.S. Ambassador.
It was a most awkward moment for that minister. Opinion polls, conducted by this writer and published in the media, consistently revealed that Guyanese wanted friendly relations with the U.S. and collaboration on various matters, including on the LEAD project.
Instead of heeding national opinion as well as the overwhelming view of the Guyanese-American diaspora, the then Government proceeded on a self-destructive course of attacking the U.S. and the ambassador for unjustified reasons. Guyanese were most unhappy with the then Government in its handling of relations with the U.S., but the ruling party was unwilling to pull back from its collision course and ultimately paid the price in the May 11 Elections.
Guyanese-Americans are most grateful to be welcomed and allowed to make their home in the great USA. There are as many Guyanese-Americans (first, second and third generations) living in the U.S. as Guyanese living at home. Guyanese-Americans support their loved ones back home, sending cash remittances of over $200 Million dollars annually, plus sending tens of millions more in material goods and supplies.
Some 150,000 Guyanese-Americans visit their homeland every year, adding hundreds of millions of American dollars to the economy; Guyanese- Americans help prop up the economy. Clearly, Guyana’s survival is tied up with the U.S.
So why would any Government “cuss out” America? What is the gain from such abuse? Why pick a fight with the most powerful country and on whose generosity you were in office?
The new Government has only positive comments for the U.S. and the embassy in Georgetown. “Naga” is saluted for demonstrating class at the most significant reception by a foreign mission in Guyana.

VISHNU BISRAM