PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is scheduled to hold an emergency session on Friday to discuss the latest developments between Venezuela and Guyana in the dispute over the Essequibo region.
This comes as several CARICOM member states, including the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, reinforced their call for respect of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) jurisdiction, for peace to be preserved, and for full consideration for Guyana’s territorial integrity.
Plans for a meeting of the regional body were revealed by Trinidad’s Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Dr. Amery Browne, who told the Trinidad Guardian that Caricom was currently in the process of convening an emergency session of Heads of Government via video conference for Friday.
“And will make additional pronouncements at such time,” Browne added.
Caricom recently upheld the ICJ’s ruling that Venezuela refrains from any action that would modify the situation where Guyana exercises control over the Essequibo.
After last Sunday’s referendum, Browne said the ministry had received updates and exchanged information with Guyana and Venezuela.
The ministry also maintained constant contact with Guyana’s Foreign Ministry, its team in Caracas, Venezuela’s Ambassador to Port-of-Spain, and all Caricom counterparts and key external partners.
Browne added, “Caricom speaks with one voice on this border issue, that voice as always fully includes T&T, and we continue to call for respect for international law and the jurisdiction of the ICJ for peace to be maintained and preserved, and for full respect for the territorial integrity of Guyana and all member states.”
In addition, the main opposition, the United National Congress (UNC), has also called on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to prioritize a diplomatic solution to the present imbroglio with Guyana.
Meanwhile, UNC Foreign Affairs spokesman Rodney Charles noted the various developments, including Maduro’s latest move on Essequibo.
“We also note the US has sent military advisers and that Guyana has taken the matter to the UN Security Council for appropriate action. We again call on President Maduro to prioritize a diplomatic solution to the present imbroglio.”
Charles added, “One of the positives to emerge from this ongoing dispute is the forged unity among the disparate political and other forces in Guyana with the Guyanese Government and opposition standing firmly in defense of their homeland.
“There are many lessons for Trinidad and Tobago in this Essequibo conflict. Unfortunately, it took an external crisis to forge a measure of Guyanese unity. But now is the time for our Government to put our country first, set aside PNM paramountcy, and work assiduously and genuinely towards a united T&T as our country faces many intractable challenges.”
This follows measures instituted by Maduro on Tuesday to enforce the decisions of last Sunday’s Venezuelan referendum, where voters reportedly heavily backed Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region.
The measures included reconfiguring Venezuela’s map to include the Essequibo and other immediate steps to emphasize Venezuela’s foothold there.
In response, the President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali, said, “This is a direct threat to Guyana’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence, and in violation of fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations and OAS Charter.”
“By defying the (ICJ), Venezuela has rejected international law, the rule of law generally, fundamental justice and morality, and the preservation of international peace and security. They have declared themselves an outlaw nation.
“Nothing they do, however, will stop Guyana from proceeding with the case in the ICJ or stop the ICJ from ultimately issuing its final judgment on the case’s merits. We will not allow our territory to be violated nor the development of our country to be deterred by this desperate threat.”
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