By Staff Reporter
President Dr Irfaan Ali has formally written to CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Michael Drew, raising “grave concern” over what he described as a troubling development involving Venezuela’s territorial claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region.
In the correspondence dated April 28, 2026, President Ali flagged the public display of a map by Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez during official engagements in CARICOM member states, which purportedly depicts the Essequibo as part of Venezuela.
“I note with grave concern the public display… of a map purporting to incorporate Guyana’s Essequibo region as part of Venezuela,” the President wrote, warning that such actions, particularly within CARICOM settings, risk being interpreted as tacit acceptance of Venezuela’s claim.
While reaffirming Guyana’s respect for the sovereign rights of CARICOM states to engage bilaterally with partners, including Venezuela, Ali made it clear that the use of regional platforms to advance territorial claims is unacceptable.
“The use of CARICOM engagements to project or promote a territorial claim against a Member State risks being interpreted as acquiescence or tolerance,” he stated.
The President characterised the move as more than symbolic, describing it as a deliberate and calculated escalation.
“This is not a matter of symbolism alone. It is a calculated and provocative assertion of a claim that Guyana has consistently and lawfully rejected, and which is before the International Court of Justice for final adjudication. Venezuela cannot, while the case is before the Court, seek to normalise by symbols, maps, legislation, appointments or official display what it has failed to establish in law. Such conduct does not strengthen Venezuela’s case; it undermines confidence in its stated commitment to peaceful settlement, international law, and good neighbourly relations,” the President asserted.
He further reminded CARICOM leaders of their longstanding and unequivocal support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging vigilance in maintaining the Community’s principled stance.
The Head of State also referenced the ICJ’s December 1, 2023 order, which requires Venezuela to refrain from actions that would alter the status quo in the disputed territory or aggravate the dispute.
Reaffirming Guyana’s position, Ali pointed to the 1899 Arbitral Award as the legal basis for the country’s borders, describing it as a “full, perfect and final settlement.”
Guyana, he said, remains fully committed to the judicial process and expects all states, including Venezuela, to act in accordance with international law.“At the same time, Guyana expects all States, including Venezuela, to act consistently with the principles of the United Nations Charter, refrain from provocation, and respect the ongoing judicial process, he added.
Source: Guyana Chronicle