Addressing a captivated audience in Anna Regina on a balmy Sunday, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo resolutely underscored the enduring futility of Venezuela’s persistent and baseless claims regarding Guyana’s Essequibo region. In a public meeting at the expansive Anna Regina car park in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Dr. Jagdeo, amidst a sea of Essequibians, eloquently expressed his unwavering conviction that the annals of history would remain unaltered, steadfastly asserting that Venezuela’s aspirations to reshape Guyana’s boundaries would never come to fruition.
Taking a stand against the pernicious propaganda emanating from the Spanish-speaking neighbour, Dr. Jagdeo vehemently repudiated Venezuela’s imperialistic designs on Guyana. He implored fellow Guyanese not to succumb to the siren call of misleading narratives, urging the nation to fortify itself against the insidious rumour mills perpetuated by Venezuela.
The Vice-President delved into the intricacies of Venezuela’s impending referendum, dissecting the intent behind the audacious move to annex Guyana’s Essequibo region. In a categorical rejection of Venezuela’s attempts to impose their ID cards, Dr. Jagdeo dismissed them as utterly useless, asserting that such actions were contrary to established international law. He exuded confidence in Guyana’s standing within the global community, emphasizing the unwavering support garnered, especially from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
With surgical precision, Dr. Jagdeo dissected Venezuela’s case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), contending that the referendum was a desperate gambit born out of a weak position. He confidently declared that Venezuela stood isolated in its pursuit, facing worldwide condemnation. He masterfully unwrapped the layers of Venezuela’s ulterior motives, asserting that the referendum served as a smokescreen for internal political upheavals and economic mismanagement under the Maduro administration.
With a keen eye on the international stage, Dr. Jagdeo drew attention to the duplicitous nature of Venezuela’s Vice-President, Delcy Rodríguez, unmasking her purported concern for her people as a mere facade. Disputing claims of the mistreatment of Venezuelan refugees in Guyana, Dr. Jagdeo pointed to the adherence to international laws and the United Nations’ acknowledgment of Guyana’s commendable treatment of migrants.
The intricate backdrop of the ongoing border controversy, dating back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, provided a historical context to Dr. Jagdeo’s discourse. Despite the award’s historical significance, tensions persisted, prompting Guyana to seek affirmation of its legitimacy from the ICJ in 2018. The recent unveiling of Venezuela’s “Consultative Referendum” on December 3 added a layer of geopolitical complexity, with Guyana interpreting it as a thinly veiled attempt to garner support for circumventing ICJ proceedings.
In the face of Venezuela’s disregard for the ICJ’s authority, the substantive case, encapsulating the historical nuances and the 1899 Arbitral Award, continued to unfold before the World Court. Dr. Jagdeo’s elaborate exposition not only elucidated the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play but also served as a rallying cry for national unity in the face of external challenges.
Special Reporter, Georgetown, Guyana