Rodriguez defends ‘Map Brooch’

Apr 30, 2026 News

…as Guyana slams ‘symbolic aggression’

(Kaieteur News) – Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has dismissed international criticism over her choice of attire, asserting that her display of a Venezuelan map including the Essequibo region is a reflection of “irrefutable” history rather than a diplomatic provocation.

Speaking following official visits to Barbados and Grenada, Rodríguez addressed the growing scandal involving a brooch she wore which erroneously depicts the Essequibo as part of Venezuela. The display has sparked a formal protest from the Guyanese government and outrage across the Caribbean community.

Venezuela Interim President, Delcy Rodriguez responding to Guyana’s protest against her distorted map.

“Now they are bothered even by how one dresses,” Rodríguez said, defending the brooch. “I told the Foreign Minister, well, ask them if they’re also going to come and burn the history, because Venezuela’s rights over the Essequibo are historical, they are irrefutable.”

Rodríguez maintained that the map on the pin is the “only map” she has known her entire life and reaffirmed that Venezuela will soon appear before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to defend its stance based on the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday issued a formal complaint to CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew, describing Rodriquez’ actions as a “calculated and provocative assertion” that threatens to undermine regional unity. President Ali argued that Venezuela is attempting to use symbols to bypass international law while the territorial matter is currently being adjudicated by the ICJ. “Venezuela cannot, while the case is before the Court, seek to normalize by symbols, maps, legislation, appointments or official display what it has failed to establish in law,” Ali stated. He further warned CARICOM leaders that allowing such displays during official engagements risks being interpreted as “acquiescence or tolerance” of Venezuela’s claims.

The controversy has strained relations within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Guyana’s Minister of Local Government, Priya Manickchand, offered a pointed critique of regional allies who hosted the Venezuelan delegation. “Principle is principle. It shouldn’t be cowardly, and it shouldn’t be convenient,” Manickchand said, questioning the sincerity of leaders who entertain guests “openly disrespecting Guyana” while the legal case remains active. The Private Sector Commission (PSC) categorised the incident as “symbolic aggression” designed to test the resolve of the international community. The PSC reminded stakeholders that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains the “full, perfect, and final settlement” of the border.

Also on Tuesday CARICOM cautioned Member States against being used to push claims that are before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). CARICOM said that it has taken note of the engagements and President Ali’s letter on Tuesday and reaffirmed that each Member State retains the sovereign right to conduct bilateral relations with external partners.

“This principle is well established and respected within the Community. Those engagements are conducted in a manner consistent with the shared obligations and collective commitments of CARICOM.”

Notwithstanding, CARICOM said that “it underscores that Community platforms and engagements should not be used, whether directly or indirectly, to advance or appear to legitimise claims that are the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings before the International Court of Justice.” Additionally, the statement issued by the CARICOM Secretariat pointed to the commitments made under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas – the binding legal instrument that defines the Community, its objectives, and the conduct expected of its Member States. “The Treaty commits Members to the preservation of the Community’s integrity and cohesion in their external relations,” CARICOM said while maintaining “the Community’s longstanding and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and for the peaceful resolution of the controversy through the Court remains firm and unchanged.” CARICOM said too that it remains committed to unity, to the rule of law, and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law. The ICJ will on May 4 begin several days of oral hearings on the merits of Guyana’s case against Venezuela on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Delcy Rodriguez, Essequibo, Geneva Agreement, Venezuelan map

Latest News