GOVERNMENT detractors and critics question the motive behind the formation of UNASUR.  They note that similar formations, to which Guyana belongs, already exists and much benefits don’t redound to Guyana.  I recall a similar summit being held in Guyana for South American or Latin leaders three years ago.  Nothing much came out of that forum. So critics may have a point. But UNASUR is likely to be different from other international or regional bodies and with a somewhat more direct goal.
As I read in the media, UNASUR is the creation of outgoing Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva and he would have been the ideal choice for SG but he has declined the position. Guyanese in NY salute President Jagdeo for having the honour to serve as rotating President for a year and are proud of the achievement of our nation to serve as hosts for so many leaders who graced our country.
It is not clear whether UNASUR is formalised in treaty and I too have my doubts whether it will be a long-term institution. But I salute the initiators and President Jagdeo for their vision in conceiving the body. If and when it is formally structured with a Secretary General and begins to carry out its mission, Guyana stands to benefit.
There are other similar groupings that include the 12 South American nations – OAS, ACS, etc.  And some among the 12 member nations also belong to other groupings like the Ibero group, LAFTA, etc.  It is not clear how UNASUR would be different from the others and why the member nations see it as necessary.  Perhaps they feel that since the European Union has been a success, they should emulate a similar super state.
The member states have committed themselves to creating a union patterned on the lines of the European Union. And like the EU, the leaders hope to establish a bank of the south, a fund of common reserves, creation of a council of human rights, and councils on the fight against drug trafficking, infrastructure and planning, a court, etc. – all modeled after the EU. If this is done, all the countries will benefit especially if customs and immigration become amalgamated.
In an increasingly globalised world of emerging economic and political blocs, a unified South American entity would promote trade to compete against other regional blocs that have been formed around the globe.  It is in South America’s interest to promote the idea because through UNASUR, the region can gain advantage in trade on the world stage. In addition, the region, Brazil really, is seeking a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. UNASUR could help its cause by rallying member states as well as having Guyana rally her CARICOM partners to deliver a permanent SC seat to Latin America.
Guyana is a member of CARICOM and being a member of UNASUR will not damage relations with members of our other regional grouping. Instead it will bolster relations. And at any rate, CARICOM is a small entity, just a drop in the bucket compared with UNASUR. If UNASUR is formalised, CARICOM will also benefit through Guyana. Guyana is too small to exist in isolation and it cannot rely on CARICOM for much trade because member countries prefer to purchase products from North America. The fact is the Caribbean economies are too small and the region is underdeveloped to be significant in promoting development for member nations. On the other hand, UNASUR is wealthy comprising of nations that can be considered second world with fairly high GDPs and a lot of resources. UNASUR is a much more powerful grouping and Guyana will have access to free trade and to hopefully soft loans from member states to carry out development goals. UNASUR has a population of 400 million people and its combined GDP reaches approximately US 2.3 trillion dollars compared with CARICOM’s $20 billion and five million people. UNASUR may be a way to help Guyana to develop and hopefully by extension be an engine for development elsewhere. Thanks Mr. President for promoting Guyana internationally.