The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on April 28 maintained its support for Guyana’s sovereignty while warning against the use of regional engagements to advance Venezuela’s claim over the Essequibo region, as the matter remains before the International Court of Justice. (ICJ).
The statement followed concerns raised by Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, over the display of material promoting Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region during recent CARICOM engagements, where Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez was seen wearing a brooch depicting a map of the area as part of Venezuela.
“The Community’s longstanding and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and for the peaceful resolution of the controversy through the Court remains firm and unchanged,” the statement said.
CARICOM also pointed to its commitment to “unity, to the rule of law, and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.”
The Community stated that while member states have the right to conduct bilateral relations, these must align with shared obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
“In the exercise of their sovereign rights, Member States remain mindful of their collective responsibilities to the Treaty and to uphold the principles of international law, respect for judicial processes and good neighbourly relations.”
CARICOM also cautioned that its platforms must not be used in ways that could affect the ongoing case before the Court.
It said “CARICOM underscores that Community platforms and engagements should not be used, whether directly or indirectly, to advance or appear to legitimize claims that are the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings before the International Court of Justice.”
The controversy over the Essequibo region, which makes up about two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, is longstanding. Guyana maintains that the boundary was definitively settled by an 1899 Arbitral Award, while Venezuela has revived its claim in recent decades.
The matter is now before the ICJ for final adjudication, and Venezuela’s actions, including the use of maps, symbols, and official displays, amounted to a “provocative assertion” of a claim Guyana has consistently rejected.
The Court will begin oral hearings on May 4 in the border controversy, with proceedings expected to last at least a week and possibly extend further.
