Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has written to the chairman of CARICOM, urging regional leaders to remain vigilant after Venezuela’s acting President was seen displaying a symbol asserting Caracas’ claim over Guyana’s Essequibo region during engagements in Caribbean member states.
In a letter dated April 28 to St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, who currently chairs the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ali expressed “grave concern” over the public display by Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez of a map depicting the Essequibo as part of Venezuela.
Ali said Guyana respects the sovereign right of CARICOM states to maintain bilateral relations, including with Venezuela, but described it as “deeply regrettable” that such engagements were accompanied by symbols promoting Venezuela’s territorial claim.
“The use of CARICOM engagements to project or promote a territorial claim against a member state risks being interpreted as acquiescence or tolerance,” Ali wrote, warning that no action should create the impression that the regional bloc’s platforms can be used to advance a matter currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
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.
Ali emphasized that the matter is now before the ICJ for final adjudication and said Venezuela’s actions, including the use of maps, symbols and official displays, amounted to a “provocative assertion” of a claim Guyana has consistently rejected.
He also referenced a December 2023 order by the ICJ requiring Venezuela not to take actions that would alter the status quo in the territory in question or aggravate the controversy.
Guyana, he said, remains committed to a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law and continues to place confidence in the court’s process.
“At the same time, Guyana expects all states, including Venezuela, to act consistently with the principles of the United Nations Charter, refrain from provocation, and respect the ongoing judicial process,” Ali wrote.CARICOM has repeatedly voiced support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
