CARICOM Backs Guyana, Cautions Against Venezuelan Territorial Claims Display

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has unequivocally restated its solidarity with Guyana amidst the ongoing territorial dispute with Venezuela over the Essequibo region. This reaffirmation comes in response to Venezuela's recent actions, where official engagements within the community saw the public display of materials asserting Venezuela's claim to Guyana's territory, including a brooch worn by Venezuela's Acting President, Delcy Rodriguez.

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Guyana fully respects the sovereign right of Caricom member states to conduct bilateral relations with all partners, including the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Guyana's President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, voiced his "grave concern" over these displays during recent meetings with CARICOM leaders, including Prime Ministers Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, and Mia Mottley of Barbados. President Ali emphasized that while Guyana respects the sovereign right of member states to conduct bilateral relations, the use of CARICOM platforms to promote territorial claims against a fellow member state is deeply regrettable and risks being interpreted as acquiescence.

CARICOM's statement underscored the principle that while member states retain the sovereign right to engage in bilateral relations, these interactions must be conducted in a manner consistent with the community's shared obligations and collective commitments. Central to these commitments is the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which binds members to uphold the community's integrity and cohesion in their external relations. The regional bloc stressed that no action, deliberate or inadvertent, should create the impression that CARICOM platforms could be used to advance claims currently under adjudication by the International Court of Justice.

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However, it is deeply regrettable that such engagements have been accompanied by the prominent display of symbols asserting Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory.

The community's principled support for Guyana must be evident not only in declarations but also in the context and conduct of official engagements. CARICOM highlighted that this is not merely a matter of symbolism; it represents a calculated assertion of a claim that Guyana has consistently and lawfully rejected. The dispute is a serious matter that requires the full respect of international legal processes and the solidarity of the regional community.

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No action, whether deliberate or inadvertent, should create the impression that the community’s platforms may be used to advance claims now before the International Court of Justice.

This situation presents a unique challenge for CARICOM, testing its ability to balance the sovereign rights of individual member states with the collective need to uphold territorial integrity and respect international law. The community's firm stance demonstrates its commitment to preserving regional stability and ensuring that its platforms are not used to undermine the sovereignty of any member state, particularly in matters of such significant legal and national importance.

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Caricom’s principled support for Guyana must be reflected not only in declarations, but also in the context and conduct of official engagements.