President Dr. Irfaan Ali has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to representing the people of Essequibo and all Guyanese amid the ongoing border dispute with Venezuela. During his address at the launch of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual Agro and Trade Expo at the Anna Regina Secondary School grounds, President Ali declared, “The Government and Opposition recently issued a joint statement in which we made it clear that no one should make a single mistake this Essequibo is ours, every square inch of it.”
In discussions concerning Venezuela’s spurious claim to the Essequibo region of Guyana, President Ali, and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton have emphasised Guyana’s sovereignty as paramount, a unifying concern for the Guyanese people. They strongly condemned Venezuela’s flagrant disregard for the Rule of Law and noted the need to resist Venezuela’s persistent attempts to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing judicial process under the International Court of Justice (ICJ). They expressed their belief that this would ultimately settle Venezuela’s challenge to the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.
Both the government and opposition recalled that for over six decades after the 1899 Arbitral Award, Venezuela treated it as the final settlement of the border between the two nations, consistently recognizing, affirming, and relying on it as such.
President Ali reiterated the importance of respecting international law and the role of the ICJ in resolving the controversy raised by Venezuela. He stressed the peaceful and lawful nature of Guyana and emphasised that the ICJ is the only appropriate venue for resolving this issue.
President Ali underscored Guyana’s commitment to peace and the defense of its territory, and he expressed gratitude to international partners, particularly those in CARICOM, for their support in advocating for the ICJ process. He urged Venezuela to participate in the ICJ process and respect its outcome.
Amid the controversy, President Ali expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Guyana Defence Force and all uniformed personnel in ensuring the safety and protection of Guyanese citizens and their land.
He also highlighted the potential of Guyana and Essequibo, where tourism is on the rise. The upcoming completion of a stadium in Anna Regina is set to make Essequibo an even more attractive destination, with plans to host world-class cricket, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 women’s tournament. These initiatives are expected to create new opportunities for the region’s residents, with the government collaborating with the private sector to capitalize on these prospects.
President Ali emphasized the country’s commitment to building a stronger and more resilient Guyana, where neighbours can feel the love and care for the people.
Special Reporter, Georgetown, Guyana