President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s unwavering stance on safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against the backdrop of heightened aggression from Venezuela and its intent to proceed with an illegal referendum on Guyana’s Essequibo region on December 3, 2023, was detailed during a comprehensive press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
The President, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, left no room for ambiguity when he declared that no effort would be spared in defending the nation’s interests. This commitment was made palpable through his explicit warning against the dissemination of misinformation and fear-mongering. This cautionary note resonated strongly as Guyana braces itself against potential external threats. President Ali emphasized the importance of relying on official, verified sources such as the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation to counteract the potential influence of false narratives.
In his address, President Ali reassured the public that Guyana is actively pursuing diplomatic avenues, engaging with foreign partners to garner support in the face of Venezuela’s aggression. This multifaceted approach includes diplomatic channels to solidify alliances and active communication with military counterparts both within the region and beyond. The President’s confidence in the support of strategic allies was palpable as he underscored the collective effort to prevent any encroachment on Guyana’s territorial sovereignty.
The President’s discourse addressed concerns surrounding the proliferation of fear on social media platforms. President Ali acknowledged the efforts of the Guyana Defence Force, commending their work in ensuring domain awareness and instilling confidence in the nation’s readiness to confront potential challenges. He urged citizens to exercise caution in not succumbing to sensationalism, reinforcing the need for a measured response to the situation.
President Ali delved into the historical timeline to provide context to the ongoing Guyana/Venezuela dispute, referencing the arbitral tribunal’s decision in 1899 that delineated the border between the two nations. This historical background served as a foundation for understanding the complexity of the issue at hand. Notably, he highlighted the imminent ruling expected from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Guyana’s request for provisional measures. These measures aim to prevent Venezuela from proceeding with the planned referendum on the Essequibo region and include an order to refrain from any actions that could assert sovereignty over Guyana’s national territory.
President Ali’s comprehensive address covered the diplomatic and military fronts and addressed concerns about the potential displacement of residents in border communities. He unequivocally stated that there was no valid reason for such displacement, debunking what he characterized as fear-mongering propagated on social media.
In conclusion, President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s detailed and comprehensive articulation of the government’s approach showcased a multifaceted strategy encompassing diplomacy, military preparedness, and a concerted effort to counteract misinformation. This approach, he believes, will not only protect Guyana’s sovereignty but also contribute to regional peace and stability.
Special Reporter, Georgetown, Guyana