Guyana asserts its sovereignty over oil-rich Essequibo territory

THE PRESIDENT of Guyana has told Venezuela the oil-rich territory it is trying to claim belongs to his country.

Officials in Venezuela say more than 95 per cent of voters backed the idea of establishing a new Venezuelan state in the oil-rich territory known as Essequibo – which has been controlled by Guyana for over a century.

The results of the referendum has increased tensions between the two countries over the last few days.

Responding on BBC News to the results of the referendum, Mohamed Irfaan Ali said: “Our response is always one that respects international law, one that respects the dignity of people and one that leads to the continuation of peace within this region.”

He continued: “That is why we went to the International Court of Justice for provisional measures in relation to this referendum. Not to stop the referendum because that is their business, but to have provision measures against two questions.

“One, that will allow Venezuela to annex Essequibo and two, to allow them to establish a state.”

Ali stated that on both of the questions, the ICJ made it clear that Venezuela is “not to act upon the outcome of these two questions or on the outcome of the referendum.”

He added: “Essequibo belongs to Guyana, and Guyana administering this county.”

Essequibo makes up two thirds of the total land area of Guyana.

US oil giant ExxonMobil found more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources offshore Guyana in 2015. It is estimated, the oil and mineral-rich area is home to 125,000 of Guyana’s 800,000 citizens.

Essequibo has been administered by Guyana for over 100 years after a decision in 1899 by an international tribunal granted it to Britain, who had colonial rule over the territory at the time.

The area was previously known British Guiana. However, Venezuela has always argued the decision was unfair and say Essequibo belongs to them since it gained independence from Spain in 1811

Concerns

In the UK, Black Brits of Guyanese heritage have also expressed their concerns over the latest developments between the two neighbouring countries.

Singer and activist Jermain Jackman, who is of Guyanese heritage, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “If history has taught us anything about a country finding oil, the rich and powerful will always find a way to destabilise a region. Easy to divide, easy to exploit. Really concerning results from the Venezuelan Referendum. Solidarity with Guyana.”

BBC 1Xtra presenter, Richie Brave, who is also of Guyanese heritage has also shared his thoughts online.

On Friday, he wrote on X: “Venezuela wants to annex 70 per cent of Guyana’s land via a 200 year old land dispute. Venezuela’s population is 28.5 million and Guyana’s is 743 thousand. Venezuela’s military is over 15 times larger than Guyana’s and heavily funded. A deeply concerning time.”

There has been growing support for Guyana from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the dispute.

“The Court’s Order reinforces the fundamental principle of international law, enshrined in the UN (United Nations) and OAS (Organisation of American States) Charters, that every State has the duty to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others” it said in a statement.

“The Order makes clear that holding a national referendum does not exempt a State from its obligation to comply with this duty. Venezuela cannot by a referendum, or otherwise, violate international law and disregard the Order of the world’s highest Court.”

Jamaica and The Bahamas have also called for Venezuela to respect international law.

Recording artist Machel Montano, who is from Trinidad and Tobago, has also posted his support for Guyana on social media, by sharing a picture of the map of the country with the caption “Standing with our brothers and sisters.”