Latest update September 14th, 2026 10:20 AM
Dec 06, 2023 News
Kaieteur News – Statement by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana following Venezuela’s appointment of a governor of the Essequibo Region as well as plans to issue licences in that area:
Fellow Guyanese,
I address you on an unsettling development in relation to the unlawful claim by Venezuela to Guyana’s Essequibo Region, which constitutes more than two-thirds of Guyana’s national territory.
Tonight, President Maduro announced several measures which his Government intends to take in enforcing the outcome of the referendum held on December 3, 2023.
As I made clear from the date the referendum was first announced, 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 UN and OAS Charters.
The measures announced are in blatant disregard of the order given by the International Court of Justice on December 1, 2023. Guyana views this as an imminent threat to its territorial integrity and will intensify precautionary measures to safeguard its territory.
I have tonight spoken to the Secretary General of the United Nations and several leaders alerting them of these dangerous developments and the desperate actions of President Maduro that fly in the face of international law and constitute a grave threat to international peace and security.
Also, Guyana will tomorrow, bring this matter to the United Nations Security Council for appropriate action to be taken by that body.
Further, we have engaged CARICOM, the OAS, the Commonwealth and many of our bilateral partners including the United States of America, Brazil, the United Kingdom and France. The Guyana Defence Force is on full alert and has engaged its military counterparts including the US Southern Command.
By defying the Court, Venezuela has rejected international law, the rule of law generally, fundamental justice and morality, and the preservation of international peace and security. They have literally 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 merits of the case.
We will not allow our territory to be violated nor the development of our country to be stymied by this desperate threat.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Sep 14, 2026
2026 Republic Bank CPL… GAW vs. BT (Kaieteur News) – Barbados Tridents pulled off a momentum-stealing 6-wicket win over table-leaders Guyana Amazon Warriors, who lost their second game of the...Sep 14, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – During my next encounter with the Guru, I asked him a question that perhaps millions of people have themselves and others. “Guru,” I said, “how do you make a marriage work?” He looked at me and smiled. “First,” he said, “stop trying to make your spouse work.” I...Sep 06, 2026
By Sir Ronald Sanders (Kaieteur News) – The world has broken the 1.5°C promise it made to its most vulnerable countries. The breach has not yet been recorded on a sustained basis, but the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says it is widely assessed as unavoidable and likely within the...Sep 14, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is a lonely figure; worthy of pity. It’s extended. He is that saddest of leaders: a caricature for lost causes. Breach procurement laws and regs and there will be consequences. Not one attendee in that Arthur Chung Convention Centre suite blanched...Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: glennlall2000@gmail.com / kaieteurnews@yahoo.com