Duval Times

The ongoing crisis in Guyana is posing a significant challenge to President Biden's foreign policy priorities. The threat of Venezuelan narco-dictator Nicolás Maduro to seize Guyana's resource-rich Essequibo region has raised concerns about the stability of the region.

According to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, "Guyana could very well be the next global flashpoint." The discovery of the world's fourth-largest oil reserves in Guyana in 2015 has attracted significant attention. This development is not only good news for the people of Guyana but also presents a test for the Biden Administration's approach to foreign policy.

Senator Rubio highlights that the Biden Administration has been seeking to normalize relations with the criminal Maduro narco-regime for the past three years. Despite Maduro's continued detention of American citizens and support for narco-terrorist groups, the administration has granted concessions, sending a message that bad behavior will be rewarded. Rubio warns that if this approach continues, the consequences could be disastrous.

The Biden Administration has taken some steps to support Guyana in this crisis, as recommended by Senator Rubio after his meeting with Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. However, Rubio emphasizes that President Biden must articulate to the American public why these actions are in the national interest. The resources at stake in Guyana, including billions of barrels of oil, valuable gold reserves, and a rare supply chain of bauxite, are strategically important for the United States.

Rubio highlights the potential consequences of Maduro seizing the Essequibo region. If this were to happen, it would limit American access to these resources and make them more accessible to adversaries like Beijing. In order to maintain America's strength in the 21st century, Rubio stresses the importance of having allies like Guyana, deterring dictators like Maduro, and securing supply chains from mine to assembly line.

The situation in Guyana demands careful consideration and decisive action from the Biden Administration. The crisis not only tests the administration's foreign policy priorities but also poses a potential threat to America's national interest. It remains to be seen how the Biden Administration will respond to the challenges presented by the looming Guyana crisis.