CARICOM Condemns Venezuela’s Naval Presence in Guyana’s Waters

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has strongly condemned Venezuela’s recent deployment of naval vessels near Guyana’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platforms, calling the move aggressive and a violation of international law.

In a formal statement, CARICOM reaffirmed its unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It urged Venezuela to withdraw its vessels immediately and refrain from further provocations, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in line with the 2023 Argyle Declaration.

Venezuela has long contested Guyana’s ownership of the Essequibo region – an area comprising two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass and extending into its maritime territory. Despite an 1899 arbitration ruling granting Essequibo to British Guiana (now Guyana), Venezuela rejected the decision in 1962, claiming undue influence.

The 1966 Geneva Agreement committed both nations to a peaceful resolution but did not nullify the original ruling.

The ICJ confirmed its jurisdiction over the dispute in 2020 and ruled in 2023 that Venezuela must not alter the status quo while proceedings continue. Guyana maintains that the 1899 ruling is final, whereas Venezuela insists the matter remains unresolved.

Tensions have escalated since ExxonMobil’s 2015 discovery of major oil reserves in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Venezuela’s increased military presence in these waters challenges international maritime law and raises regional security concerns.

CARICOM, established in 1973 to foster economic and policy cooperation among Caribbean nations, continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions while firmly supporting Guyana’s territorial rights.