I am quite taken back to note that a famous Caribbean newspaper, the Jamaica Gleaner, is calling for the suspension/boycott of Suriname because The Honourable Desi Bouterse has been elected to be President of Suriname.
I always find it amazing how some people like to call for suspensions or boycotts in a democratic process.  One has to consider how adversely this would affect the citizens of Suriname, A real beautiful, multi-cultural and multi-lingual (I say even with appreciative/respectful jealousy) people, not found anywhere else in the Caribbean. Suriname is one of the countries where Guyanese are not only welcomed to visit and live but encouraged by the authorities because of our industriousness.  This writer grew up in Corriverton, Upper Corentyne, Corriverton and Nickerians are like families, and had numerous marriages between our peoples.    Suriname is not only a neighbour, but Nickerie, the closest town in Suriname, is like a territory of Guyana and vice- versa.  During the economic crises and shortages in this country during the1970’s, Suriname provided us with many ingredients and materials, while our money and barter goods, kept Suriname alive, particularly rice from us and flour from them.  Our people in Nickerie and Corriverton prospered as a result.  Many Guyanese live healthy lives in Suriname and built families and businesses.  It is one country in the Caribbean Guyanese can call home.  The last Government of Suriname was encouraging Guyanese to migrate there, during the last elections, when some expected violence in Guyana, and people were scared.  I had written a letter criticising that President for saying so, but my point is how much they respect us.  In other Caribbean territories Guyanese are not so respected.
Then there is this thing called democracy. Is the Jamaica Gleaner calling the electorate of Suriname idiots?  They voted for the man, he was selected by the parties in Parliament, comprising great leaders and intellectuals.  In the same way, the western world boycotted Hamas, the Palestinian faction fighting for an independent Palestine.  I think they made a huge mistake, and made things worse for Israel and for the Palestinian people.  Israel might have thought it was good, but I think they erred.
As the protectors of democracy, how can the USA, England and EU decide to boycott a nation because of whom the people vote for?  They encouraged democracy, and the will of the people spoke.  It shows dangerous double standards.  In my opinion it was an excellent opportunity to try and bring them into the world, to get Israel and the Palestinians, including of Hamas to chart a new course.  Definitely the hardliners of both sides would use their diversionary tactics, but the world should have given Hamas the opportunity, as the world need to recognise and work with Suriname.  Why must a nation suffer because of one person or a party, and because some have economic power and might.   Nations with power and might must never use their clout to control minds and destiny.
As far as Hamas is concerned, there exists a fringe committed to end the reign of Israel, as I learn by reading certain articles by English and American writers, and a fringe which wants to work for peace without violence, but will use violence if necessary.  It is also known that Israel has its fanatics and hardliners who want nothing to do with Palestine and it might be best that they be denigrated to inhuman levels, and probably destroyed.  But  I have beautiful Jewish friends of Israel of the Bramakumaris Peace Organization, and of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), and I have met some of the most humane and good people of the Jewish faith and of Israel.  I met some Palestinians who yearn for peace but feel an alliance to Hamas because it takes care of their needs.
I think the world made an enormous mistake by not recognising the will of the electorate of Gaza, and for not trying to give it a chance and see if in governance of Democracy, they would change course.  Their hands should have been held to help them walk over the muddy waters.  As a human being, it is difficult to fulfill all demands of recognition and disavowing certain styles, without commitments from the other sides as well.  It is difficult to come to an understanding of ceasefire, when leaders are targeted and killed during agreements.  I think it is difficult hang a noose around one’s neck, when the other has not publicly committed.
Both cousins must be prepared to make painful sacrifices to end the suffering of each other.  It is also wrong to keep a people down in dust to enjoy peace and protection.  Such people will protest and do all possible to raise and reclaim their lands and their human rights.
Israel is there, it is a reality, and it has nowhere to go, so Hamas and Palestine, and the Arab world must accept this.  And Israel must also stop being so hard-line and unaccommodating.  As an Ambassador of Peace of the Universal Peace Federation (an organisation respected by both the Israelis and the Palestinian), I always strive to be just.  I believe that all peoples are good, and that all have rights to success, peace and ambition.  They need to craft a new pathway to peace.  I also believe that the late Yasser Arafat made a tremendous error in not allowing the initiative of the former President Clinton to take fruit; the Palestinians would have lost only 3%, a token amount of land.  Now they have nothing.  I pray than another great Israeli rises, like Shimon Peres, and the one who worked with Arafat and Clinton to broker the deal that Arafat refused in error with the Dove of Peace, our beloved President Barrack Obama (fulfiller of prophesy) , who has peace written in his blood and genes. No people (Palestinians) will sit and be emasculated by another, they will raise and fight and use any means at their disposal even their bodies, and none like to feel threatened (Israel), they will do all they can to protect their people.  This is the epicentre of the problem that needs to be faced and worked upon, by the peace makers.
I encourage the CARICOM partners, in particularly Guyana, to work closely with the new Administration of Suriname.  The past should stay right there.  We need no isolation and must not isolate anyone.  I personally believe that the President Desi Bouterse Government would be good for CARICOM, and in particular Guyana.