‘Venezuela is in a weak position’ – Jagdeo says Guyana still pursuing all diplomatic channels

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said Venezuela is in a weak position, making “infantile” statements but affirmed that Guyana remains relentless in its engagement with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its international partners.

Jagdeo spoke about Venezuela’s recent actions that have escalated tensions with Guyana and threatened peace in the region at his weekly press conference on Thursday.

According to the Vice President, Venezuela has breached a December 2023 ICJ ruling and the Argyle Declaration with its recent actions and a plan to hold elections for Guyana’s Essequibo region which it claims.

The Venezuelan election plan, scheduled for May 25, 2025, is seen by Guyana as a direct violation of the Court’s Order and international law.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation explained that the electoral plans would result in “preparatory acts” that would directly affect both the people of Essequibo and Guyana’s territorial integrity.

As such, the government is asking the ICJ to urgently intervene and order Venezuela to cease any actions to further claim Essequibo, as well as refrain from any activities that might alter the current status of the area.

Jagdeo, however, said, “Venezuela is in a weak position.”

He added, “We will continue with all of our partners. We have strong support from the United State State Department, the United Kingdom Government, the French Government, and the Caribbean Community.”

Meanwhile, the Vice President also described statements from Venezuelan officials about Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali as “infantile.” In recent written statements, Venezuela officials have referred to President Ali as the “Caribbean Zelenskyy,” comparing him to the Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The government’s current engagement with the ICJ marks the second time Guyana has sought provisional measures from the World Court. In its first request, filed in late 2023, the Court ruled in Guyana’s favour, ordering Venezuela to “refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute.” The country believes that Venezuela’s planned elections would directly breach this order, as they would result in a clear and unjustified alteration of the status quo.

The Guyanese government has expressed serious concern that any further delay in court intervention could cause irreparable harm to its sovereignty and the rights of its citizens living in the Essequibo region.