‘Guyana continues to do what’s right’ – President tells soldiers

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s stance on protecting its territorial integrity and addressed concerns over Venezuela’s construction of a bridge across its territory.

“Today, as one of our neighbours seek to further their illegitimate claim to our territory, we will continue to do what is right, follow the international course of law, follow diplomacy,” the Commander-in-Chief stated on Thursday.

He revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also been instructed to formally communicate Guyana’s objections to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and international partners “that we do not take lightly and we condemn the bridge that they would have built on territory or crossing, accessing territory that is not theirs.”

In May, Guyanese authorities raised concerns about Venezuelan troops building a bridge on the Ankoko Island. The Ankoko Island forms part of the border between Guyana and Venezuela.

The Guyanese President is against any effort to take control of Guyana’s territory.

He also highlighted the collective responsibility of all Guyanese in safeguarding the nation.

“We will continue to engage our friends and allies, we will continue to build our resilience and we promise all of Guyana one thing – all of Guyana belongs to all of us and all of Guyana will and must be protected by all of us and that is the resolve of you, the men and women in uniform,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

On December 9, Guyana submitted its final written argument to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the border controversy case against Venezuela.

The case, which started in March 2018, was referred to the ICJ by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to resolve the long-standing border controversy.

Guyana is asking the ICJ to confirm that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which set the boundary between the two countries, is legally valid and binding.

For over 60 years, Venezuela accepted the boundary, but just before Guyana’s independence, Venezuela rejected the Award and claimed more than two-thirds of Guyana’s Essequibo Region. Since then, Guyana has sought legal resolution.

Venezuela tried twice to dismiss the case in 2019 and 2022.

In December 2023, after Venezuela threatened to seize Guyanese territory, the ICJ ordered both countries not to interfere with Guyana’s control of the area until the case is resolved.

In the current phase, both sides exchange written arguments. Guyana submitted its first brief in April 2023, and Venezuela responded in April 2024. Guyana’s latest filing on December 9 replies to Venezuela’s arguments. Venezuela can respond with a Rejoinder by August 8, 2025. After that, the ICJ will schedule oral hearings.