Border controversy: US says will stand ‘shoulder to shoulder with Guyana’

US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot on Thursday reaffirmed the US government’s strong support for Guyana following a recent Venezuelan naval incursion and Venezuela’s continued aggression towards Guyana’s Essequibo region.

“We support Guyana 100 per cent against this aggression; it is unacceptable and we won’t allow Venezuela to threaten Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and so we are standing with many other international partners,” Theriot stated.

Adding: “We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Guyana in supporting you and defending you.”

The incursion on March 1, 2025, had drawn widespread condemnation from Guyana’s regional and international partners.

In response to escalating tensions, Guyana has filed a request for provisional measures at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) following Venezuela’s announcement to hold elections on May 25, just one day before Guyana’s 59th Independence celebrations.

The elections aim to appoint a governor and other officials for the Essequibo region, a move widely viewed as a direct challenge to Guyana’s territorial claims.

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn on Wednesday said authorities are aware of Venezuelan ‘sleepers’ (or secret agents) in Guyana as he warned that there will be treason charges for any who support Venezuela’s election to appoint a governor and other officials for the Essequibo region.