I want to use this letter to comment on allegations made by people like Tarron Khemraj that the President is undiplomatic. I will now address the issue of the use of diplomatic language, and say that the years of imperialism are over. President Jagdeo may be undiplomatic, but diplomacy supportive of sustainable imperialism certainly has had its day. In Iran, President Jagdeo sent a strong message to the Washington Consensus, the power elite in America, and all those who believe that the American Flag should be hoisted in every land around the world, inclusive of imperialist nations. It is important that we, the developing world, tell the imperialists that the days of imperialism are over. International relations are no longer characterised by a dependence on these imperial powers, but by an interdependence among all countries in the world. As such, it is of extreme importance that these developing countries stand up for themselves and send a clear signal that we will no longer settle for less than we deserve. I firmly believe in the power of diplomacy, but diplomacy must not be employed solely for the purpose of being diplomatic, certainly not in the face of international disrespect from imperial powers.
On another front, diplomacy became an issue at the Cancun Summit. Hence, President Jagdeo made remarks that were declared inappropriate. Here again, we have to ask, is following diplomatic protocols mechanically more important than a country standing up for itself? And do not give me the standard response that says that Jagdeo should have used a better approach. It is important that small countries make their voices heard in every way. The principle of diplomacy is based on mutual respect and on honouring agreements made. Hence, President Bharrat Jagdeo’s approach at the Cancun Climate Summit and in Iran ware justifiable and appropriate. Diplomacy has had its day.
The agreement made between Norway and Guyana is one of mutual benefit to both countries, as well as to the rest of the world, and is not a charitable donation that Guyana is begging of Norway. For years, Guyana and other developing countries have employed their forests to fight against climate change. This service has traditionally been rendered free to the developed world which to date has done nothing of consequence to reverse the climate change phenomenon induced by their indulgent and wasteful ways of life. Recognizing their significant anti-climate change contributions, developing countries need to be more assertive in their international approach. President Jagdeo has been instrumental in securing the respect that these countries fittingly deserve and yes, developing countries should rightfully and uncompromisingly demand to be compensated for the role they play in reversing climate change through the use of their forests. The developing world needs a more proactive front in securing their funding for the contributions they make to the developed world, since preserving their forests forfeits much needed foreign investment and export revenue in these countries. Guyana is not the only country that Norway has relations with in regard to their international climate and forest initiative, it partners with Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico and Tanzania. 
President Jagdeo is not asking that we should be paid for all the previous years that our forests have provided the world this service; he is insisting that the REDD agreement that was reached between Norway and Guyana more than a year ago be finally honoured. After more than a year of being railroaded by empty promises and ‘technicalities’, it is of course time to be blunt. Clearly, the time for diplomacy is no more.