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By Dr. Richard A. Byron-Cox
Regime change became unbridled popular lexicon of imperialism with the arrival of George Bush Sr. as occupant of the US Whitehouse. It was then aggressively implemented by his son, “Little Bush” -to borrow from Fidel Castro-, and Obama with the connivance of Western Europe. These world gendarmes now arrogantly police the globe, removing Heads of states/governments at will. History testifies that there is nothing novel in this, as from Haiti’s Toussaint and Guatemala’s Árbenz, to Congo’s Lumumba and Chile’s Allende were summarily removed. The difference now is these masters of mankind, recklessly disdainful of international law and morality, see no need to be clandestine with their evil. Whoever refuses to follow their dictates is crucified by any means necessary, regardless of the consequences for the nations concerned, and indeed all humanity. Terrified by their brutality and heartlessness, the world looks on. With the victims bearing untold suffering, reason must ask: was/is it worth it?
Iraq was an organised society, prosperous thanks to its oil wealth. It is the home of one of the world’s most ancient civilisation. Sadam Houssine, once a US servant, fell out of favour, was declared a dictator, given his marching orders, and finally murdered. Today, Iraq lies in ruins with 6 million internally displaced, and about 4 million having fled the country. This is the largest displacement of people in that region’s history. Thanks to the chaos resulting for this regime change, ISIS all but overran Iraq, causing incalculable deaths and destruction. All this horror was created to settle scores with one man!! Was it worth it?
Sadam destroyed, the US/Western Europe regime-change laser spotlighted Bashar al-Assad. Even though they have been unable to dislodge him thus far, Syria epitomises totally national tragedy and suffering on an incomprehensible scale. It’s a permanent war zone, not worthy to be called a functioning state. These imperialist “good Samaritans” then decided that Muammar Gaddafi must go! The price tag is a death toll of more than 30,000; Libya disembowelled and dismembered, with 400,000 internally displaced, and at least seven different militia groups on the rampage! Was it worth it for the Libyans?
Ukraine’s leader was downright foolish to have joined these gendarmes in efforts to topple Vladimir Putin. Russia is going to reduce that country to dust if Zelensky does not give up this idiotic pursuit. With approximately 35,000 dead, its physical infrastructure and economy in ruins, and with no end in sight to this catastrophe, the Ukrainians must come to their senses and ask, is it worth it?
Our Caribbean has not been spared. They went to Haiti, removed the elected Aristid, -the first promise for moving that country “from desperation to poverty with dignity.” Now, this mother of black nationhood and independence is haemorrhaging from every tissue! Removing/murdering Fidel was their preoccupation from 1960 until he joined Che, Cabral, Sankara and many more that made up a noble vanguard for universal justice, but all murdered by these said imperialists. They continue to try to starve Cuba to death in a futile mission to erase Fidel’s legacy. Pure insanity! I must mention Grenada, where Bernard Coard and his murderous gang were imperialists handmaidens in the demise of Bishop and the revolution, turning a beautiful vision into an historical nightmare!
What’s the practical significance of all supra dictum to SVG today? The answer: Aren’t some here doing the same thing as regards this land? Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is celebrating 23 years as Prime Minister. In that time there are those who have done, are doing, and will do anything to destroy this man regardless of the cost to our nation. By their words and actions, they demonstrate daily a determination to see SVG perish, for in their sick minds, that is necessary if they are to see the back of Gonsalves. They never stopped to consider that he brought us the education revolution, AIA, a health revolution complete with smart hospitals, MRI and dialysis services; housing and tourism revolutions, internation recognition and prestige, with abundant material/financial assistance; transformation of the physical and sporting infrastructures, a golden age in social welfare; the development of our human resources to hitherto unimaginable heights; a construction boom historically unmatched. The list goes on and on….. Regardless of your opposing political persuasion, whether you have some personal beef with him, or if you simply hate him because he is an exception leader; is it not nonsensical to destroy SVG just to get even with him? Will your personal and political vendetta against one man always trump reason and patriotism and blind you to the bigger picture? And, is it worth it?
