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“We say, clearly and unambiguously, that this relationship has helped us to overcome several of the difficulties and the difficult times that we have had. However, I must say that, sometimes, I get the feeling that boundaries are often overstepped,” His Excellency stated.
The Head of State said that, very often, positions, which appear to be partisan, are taken by other countries without prior consultations.
Alluding to the situation with regard to trafficking persons in Guyana, he emphasised that such positions should be avoided and said that this issue needs to be dealt with in partnerships.
UNFAIR POSITIONS
Pointing to the United States (U.S.) yearly issuance of its International Trafficking in Persons Report, he said it can, again, be seen how subjective and unfair positions can harm the reputation of a country.
He agreed that reputation is very important in attracting investment.
Mr. Ramotar remarked: “Year after year, the report fails to take account of Guyana’s realities. Year after year, the report is inconsistent in its method of ranking our country. Year after year, the report fails to take account of the report and facts Guyana has to submit.”
He said when one country seeks to pass judgement on another without being fair and just, it can lead to undermining useful partnerships and, in the long run, affects the benefits of people.
He asserted that Guyana is being unfairly judged and ranked in the State Department’s report and said he has had cause to examine the compilation, by the department, on the U.S. itself.
He said, according to that compendium, the U.S. has far worse versions of the same challenges faced in Guyana. However, that is expected because the U.S. is a bigger country with bigger problems.
Ramotar pointed out that it is reported that trafficking victims in the U.S., including children, were reportedly detained and prosecuted during the reporting period.
WATCH LIST
“Can you imagine, if this were happening in Guyana, what would be said about us?” he asked, adding: “Yet the U.S. is ranked at tier one and Guyana at tier two watch list.”
He pointed out that, last year, Guyana was ranked at tier two and, although the efforts to fight trafficking in persons have been stepped up, the country is still being downgraded this year.
The President observed that such things have an impact on the investment climate and reiterated the country’s readiness to work with its international partners in these areas.
He said those issues must be highlighted at such forums, because they do have an impact on investment.
Nevertheless, he pledged: “Guyana is open for investment; we are ready to work with investors. All the ministries responsible in the various areas, we are ready to concentrate, to ensure that not only are we a good destination for investment, but also that the investments are used generally to help building not only the economy, but the social welfare of our people to have a better life, to end poverty and to take us to another level.”
