In a Statement VPAC Wrote | History teaches us a hard lesson: power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. What is unfolding in Venezuela serves as a critical warning to small, oil-producing nations like Guyana. As corruption weakens a country from within, it becomes vulnerable to external pressures and manipulation, making it susceptible to decisions imposed by others. What happens to one nation today can easily happen to another tomorrow if corruption is allowed to flourish unchecked.
VPAC does not place blame on the United States, nor do we condone corruption or abuses of power anywhere in the world. Every nation has the right to enforce its laws. However, smaller countries must confront a harsh reality: powerful nations act decisively when their interests are threatened. Weak governance and pervasive corruption create an environment where outside forces can easily shape our future.
Guyana is now on the path of oil production, which should ideally bring opportunities and stability for our people. Yet history shows us that when corruption takes hold, oil can quickly transform from a blessing into a risk. Corruption is not merely the misappropriation of funds; it undermines institutions, erodes trust, and weakens national sovereignty.
This current moment also serves as a cautionary tale for both the government and the opposition in Guyana. Sanctions, extradition battles, and legal disputes should never be seen as political trophies to be flaunted. The Venezuelan crisis teaches us that when corruption reaches a critical threshold, global powers may not rely solely on legal processes and paperwork.
The issue transcends who is resisting extradition or who currently holds office; it is about the pervasive nature of corruption itself. Venezuela, despite being an older and more resource-rich nation, has experienced a leadership upheaval under extraordinary circumstances. Guyana, as a newer oil nation, should take heed and learn from this scenario rather than pretend it is immune to similar challenges.
There exists an unsettling truth that many Guyanese already recognize: some leaders may be willing to sell the country for a profit, prioritizing personal gain over national welfare. When such beliefs take root, trust erodes, unity dissipates, and a nation becomes increasingly vulnerable.
VPAC urges a collective call for honesty, responsibility, and principled leadership. Guyana must prioritize strengthening its institutions, rejecting corruption, and pursuing a foreign policy grounded in dignity, law, and national interest.
This message serves as a plea for integrity—not just to ourselves but to the people of Guyana. It is about safeguarding the future of our nation.
