The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has spoken out in support of Guyana, after a Venezuela vessel entered the ExxonMobil-operated Stabroek Block in Guyana’s maritime territory and approached oil-related ships.
“CARICOM calls on Venezuela to order the urgent removal of the vessel from Guyana’s waters and further, to refrain from engaging with the FPSO platforms, as has been reported,” the 15-member organization said.
CARICOM said any such interaction by Venezuela’s military vessels with the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) units in Guyana’s maritime territory are acts of aggression and provocation, contrary to international law.
The group also said the incursion is contrary to the Argyle Declaration, a 2023 agreement by the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela to keep the peace.
“This provocative incident of 1 March 2025 initiated by Venezuela runs counter to the agreed commitment of CARICOM and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to ensure that the Caribbean region remains a Zone of Peace. It is critical that there be a peaceful resolution of the border controversy as is expected under the International Court of Justice, which already has conduct over the dispute,” CARICOM stated.
It said patience, calm and non-provocation are required now on both sides, and that a resolution of the controversy remains possible without aggression.
CARICOM reiterated its unequivocal and unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.
