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It is impossible to occupy territory and rule it for decades or a century without leaving cultural footprints
Dear Editor,
It seems that at last the representatives of Venezuela will address the ICJ at Geneva in the coming days. It will be interesting to see whether the Venezuelans will present evidence of their claim.
Taking over territories can be done by warning someone of military force or conquest in which Venezuela is far superior to Guyana. Another way of proving possession is by offering evidence of the cultural footprints. It is impossible to occupy territory and rule it for decades or a century without leaving cultural footprints.
Where are the tombs of a governor? Where are the churches or schools? Where are the archives of government documents, orders issues, of legislation passed? Such evidence would be convincing. It is significant that only last year the Caracas government appointed their first governor of Essequibo after claiming to occupy it.
These are significant historical landmarks and must form part of any genuine claim to ownership of a territory. Much more can be said. I was present in 1962 when Accion Democratica in Venezuela first raised its alleged claim of ownership of Essequibo. I wrote to the then premier Dr. Jagan and Opposition leader Mr. Burnham pointing out this claim that appeared in the press. They both replied that this claim was of an opposition party not a claim from the leaders of the Venezuelan government, and we can endure it. We have endured it for too long. I am now 101 years old, and I am speaking at first hand.
Respectfully,
Eusi Kwayana
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