The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) expressed its contentment with recent discussions between the Government of Guyana and the Opposition, led by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton.
Both parties are usually at loggerheads, however, in a recent meeting at the Office of the President, they sought to unite and addressed the pressing matter of Venezuela’s threat to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
President Ali and Opposition Leader Norton, from the outset, concurred that Guyana’s sovereignty is of utmost importance and a unifying concern for the Guyanese people. They jointly condemned Venezuela’s disregard for the rule of law and committed to resist its continuous attempts to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The GCCI said it views this unity as a pivotal step in safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity, stressing the need for political maturity and leadership in these challenging times.
Furthermore, the Chamber has called upon all Guyanese to rally in support of this crucial cause, emphasizing the significance of preserving the nation’s well-being. GCCI pledged continued support for ongoing efforts and recognized the path outlined by the country’s leaders.
The longstanding border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, particularly over the Essequibo territory remains under consideration by the International Court of Justice. Recent tensions flared when Venezuela vehemently objected to Guyana’s 2022 Licensing Round for oil blocks, citing issues related to maritime area delimitation.
Additionally, reports and videos circulating in the past week have shown Venezuelan military activity near Guyana’s border in Eteringbang, Cuyuni, Region Seven. Complicating matters further, Venezuela announced a referendum slated for December 3, 2023, regarding its rights over Guyana’s oil-rich territory.
President Ali and Norton both asserted that the questions posed in the upcoming Referendum violate established treaties and disregard principles of international law. They also underscored the fact that no Government or the people of one country has the right in international law to seize, annex or conquer the territory of another country as international law emphatically prohibits this.
