During Monday’s opening of an extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly, Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd exposed that Venezuela’s spurious claim for Guyana’s Essequibo region is not a unique case of the Spanish speaking nation breaching international awards and treaties. In fact, it has tried and failed over the years to grab the rich lands of many other regional states.
Minister Todd spoke of the territorial ambitions of Venezuela, which have created a recurrent theme in its international relations. He highlighted the latest contention that centers on Guyana’s Essequibo county, a region rich in natural resources and strategic importance. Despite the 1899 Arbitral Award that legally affirmed Guyana’s rights to this territory, Venezuela continues to maintain a claim. Minister Todd stated, “It is unbelievable and inconceivable that Venezuela would want to try to fool the rest of the world that it has a legitimate right to Guyana’s territory. This will not stand.”
Moreover, Minister Todd emphasized that this situation is not isolated. Venezuela has a track record of similar disputes with neighboring countries in the Caribbean region. He pointed out, “We know all too well what Venezuela wants. They want to take our land away from us, which we have rightfully owned, just as they did with Dominica, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago. It’s pure greed. They have more than their fair share.”
Venezuela’s history is marked by a consistent pattern of treaty violations and territorial disputes, as Minister Todd underscored. Notably, Venezuela laid claim to parts of Dominica, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago, which resulted in diplomatic tensions and conflicts. The Minister noted, “Venezuela has always been the state that was devoid of any respect for the sanctity of treaties and agreements.”
The situation in the Caribbean region, characterized by historical disputes and territorial claims, challenges the status quo of peace and stability, he said. Guyana’s unwavering commitment to defend its rights and the region’s call for diplomacy highlight the urgency of addressing these concerns. Minister Todd reiterated, “We, the people of Guyana, are very convinced that the International Court of Justice will prevail, and the world will stand with Guyana and the people of Guyana.”
As the international community closely monitors these developments, questions arise about the broader implications for regional stability. Guyana’s demand for Venezuela to respect historical agreements garners support from countries that prioritize the rule of law and peaceful dispute resolution. Todd also underscored the importance of adhering to international agreements to maintain global peace and security.
