Carl Greenidge, Guyana’s agent in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case on the border controversy with Venezuela, has raised concerns about the increasing risks of conflict if Caracas increases its activities in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Speaking to OilNOW this week, Greenidge described the situation as volatile, emphasizing the importance of international perception in determining the consequences of Venezuela’s actions.
“Any action Venezuela takes in relation to the EEZ could be seen by the world, especially the United States, as an attack on U.S. assets,” he warned.
‘We’re not going to let our guards down’ on Venezuela – says Guyana VP | OilNOW
The stakes are high due to the presence of significant U.S. interests in the disputed maritime area. “The United States has clear interests in the region. No one believes that threatening areas where the U.S. has strategic interests will go without consequences,” Greenidge stated.
He cautioned that Venezuela’s actions could trigger sharp retaliation beyond diplomatic measures. “If Venezuela attempts to seize the EEZ or block resource exploitation, they risk severe consequences,” he said.
Greenidge urged international scrutiny of Venezuela’s behavior, stressing that further provocations could lead to heightened regional instability. “If they go too far, it’s not just Guyana they have to answer to,” he stated.
Also this week, Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, assured citizens that the government is not “sitting back” despite taking a diplomatic stance against Venezuela’s aggressive posture.
“I want to assure you and all Guyanese that the Guyana Defence Force, the government and every stakeholder, we are putting everything in place to ensure that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana is always protected and safeguarded,” he told the media in an invited comment at a recent public forum. Ali’s comments relate to Venezuela’s proposed election in Guyana’s Essequibo region this May 25.
Earlier this year, a Venezuelan Coast Guard patrol vessel approached oil installations in Guyana’s EEZ. This marked its most easterly incursion into Guyana’s waters where ExxonMobil operates one of the world’s fastest-growing oil developments in the Stabroek Block.
Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of State, said at the time that a conflict with Guyana or an attack on Exxon’s assets would lead to dire consequences for Venezuela.
The border controversy dates back to the 19th century and has been a source of tension between the two neighboring countries. Guyana has maintained that the 1899 arbitral award, which established the current border, is valid.
