Govt. and the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

Jan 17, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

Recently, we have seen actions by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to elect a governor of “Guayana Essequiba”, which indicates that the South American counterpart will not relent in claiming a territory that does not belong to them.

In essence, the Government of Guyana must not take Venezuela for granted, as on numerousoccasions Nicolas Maduro, who illegally took the oath of office on Friday, January 10th, 2024,

continues to violate international law and commitments outlined in the Argyle Agreement of December 14th, 2023 in St Vincent and the Grenadines. In a statement released last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced President Nicolás Maduro’s January 7, 2025, announcement that a “Governor for Guayana’s Esequibo territory” would be elected.

The question is, has the government been proactive enough on this matter?

Alliance For Change Member Beverly Alert recently, at a press conference, criticized the statefor failing to engage members of the opposition and civil society on the developments regarding

the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy. Based on Ms. Alert’s statement, it can be inferred that the state may have been somewhat passive in informing the public about a significant issue.

The AFC demanded that there be an “immediate convention of the Foreign Relations Committee” and the reconvening of a bipartisan border/National Security Committee.

It would be presumptuous of me to advise the opposition and the government on how to proceed, but I do think it is crucial that both sides show unity as we deal with the current circumstance. Furthermore, the state must get into a state of preparedness for any eventualities, as we don’t

know what Maduro has up his sleeves. Knowing who our allies are is essential in international relations and diplomacy, but it is even more important to have faith that they will actually stand by us during this never-ending standoff with Venezuela. Venezuela has shown avarice and totalitarianism, and we must not be intimidated by their actions. Instead, we must confront the issue as a united country.

Regards

Antonio Dey

Final Year Student

University of Guyana

(Govt. and the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy)

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Guayana's Esequibo territory, Guyana/Venezuela border controversy, South American counterpart, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Latest News