Guyana again updates CARICOM on Venezuela’s ‘complete disregard for the Argyle Declaration’

During a recent meeting of (Caribbean Community) CARICOM heads, President Irfaan Ali provided updates to regional leaders on Venezuela’s continued acts of aggression against Guyana.

“Of course, CARICOM reiterated its strong support for Guyana, our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“I had the opportunity to update CARICOM on all aspects of the matter not only in relation to the latest incursion but the complete disregard for the Argyle Declaration for Guyana,” President Ali said at the sidelines of an event on Saturday in Campbellville, Georgetown.

The Head of State spoke about aggressions such as the recent naval incursion in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the building of a bridge into Guyana’s territory, and the latest plans to hold elections in the Essequibo region on May 25, one day before Guyana’s 59th Independence anniversary. Guyana has since filed a request for provisional measures at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In recent days, the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC), which represents Guyana’s Indigenous peoples, has also rejected claims that Indigenous communities in Essequibo were involved in Venezuela’s election preparations.

In a statement, the NTC dismissed reports that Indigenous representatives had gathered for the presentation of candidates.

Meanwhile, President Ali has made it clear that he will not engage in bilateral talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro regarding the border controversy.

Earlier this week, St. Vincent’s Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who previously facilitated the December 2023 Argyle peace deal, traveled to Venezuela for talks with Maduro.

In a statement issued by St. Vincent’s Agency for Public Information, Gonsalves urged “calm and restraint” while encouraging both Guyana and Venezuela to return to diplomatic discussions.