Charles to Rowley: Diplomacy Beats Badjohnism

Mr. Rodney Charles
Member of Parliament
Naparima

Our Prime Minister must at all times remember that, as our main negotiator on the international scene, he must be more nuanced, circumspect and sophisticated in his utterances. Pavement diplomacy, ‘bad john’ behavior and vitriol are extremely unhelpful to the advancement of our global interests.

This is the advice Naparima MP has for Dr Rowley as our PM joins his CARICOM colleagues in discussions in Washington next week with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the deepening Venezuelan crisis.

“You do not, prior to the meeting, describe your host country’s position on Venezuela especially the sanctions imposed by the US as ‘belligerent’ as you did yesterday on your return from the 30th CARICOM meeting in St Kitts and Nevis.

PM Rowley also has taken a firm position against US attempts to provide food aid to starving Venezuelans. He preemptively criticized the US’ position on providing food aid. He could have been more diplomatic.

You cannot pretend to act as an honest broker in hopes of promoting dialogue among contending parties to the Venezuelan conflict when you repeatedly and publicly take positions that support one side”, says Charles.

Minister Moses’ presence at the recent inauguration ceremony in Caracas signaled TT’s recognition of the Maduro regime on the heels of an election described by Guaido’s supporters as neither free nor fair.

Charles was also concerned about TT’s attack on the EU given its blacklisting of our country since 2017. The UNC holds the view that quiet diplomacy is called for in the circumstances. At the same time this administration needs to bring to Parliament all the legislation dealing with the various blacklists. We need a full ventilation of the issues in Parliament

You cannot one day criticize the UNC for raising legitimate concerns against FATCA and the next day you voice the same UNC’s position against similar legislation by the OECD/EU. Are you serious PM?

Our party reiterates its position that the principles of free and fair elections, democracy, the rule of law and the well being of citizens trump that of non intervention. This is why we welcomed the intervention of those against the evils of apartheid in South Africa. This is why TT championed the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the UN which said that the world community must intervene when national leaders perpetrate genocide and other crimes against humanity in their respective countries.

This administration has this unfortunate habit, common to dictators, of denigrating, insulting and holding in utter contempt those who hold different views. We witness it repeatedly in parliament when PNM childish venom is on display by their spokespersons. But the UNC will never be bullied. Under Kamla Persad Bissessar’s leadership we will be true to our oath. We stand ready to rescue our country.

The PNM may believe that they can get away with their uncouth behavior in TT and in Parliament but certainly not on the world stage.

We can only hope that they do not do permanent damage to our international image and our economic well being

Rodney Charles
MP for Naparima