Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines warned of continuing tensions in the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, irrespective of the forthcoming ICJ ruling. He discussed the situation on his weekly radio program, following recent provocations from Venezuela. The ongoing litigation concerns the Arbitral Award of 1899, with significant implications for both nations.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines acknowledged that tensions between Guyana and Venezuela are likely to persist following a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on their long-standing border dispute. He remarked, “Whichever way they go, you’re still going to have tensions.” Gonsalves serves as an interlocutor under the Argyle Agreement established in December 2023, indicating the complexity of the situation.
While the ICJ’s judgment is anticipated later this year or early next year, Gonsalves admitted he was not fully abreast of the case’s progress. He noted that the ICJ’s decision would require considerable time to draft due to previous hearings. This discussion took place during his weekly radio program where he addressed escalating concerns regarding the territorial dispute.
Recently, Guyana raised alarm over a Venezuelan naval vessel’s presence near its oil assets, leading to calls from the United States, France, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States (OAS) urging Venezuela to avoid provoking further tensions. Venezuela countered by rejecting statements from Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, branding them as baseless claims regarding violations of territorial waters.
The dispute revolves around the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, with the ICJ overseeing the proceedings. The court has previously affirmed its jurisdiction over the matter, which seeks clarity on boundaries following Guyana’s case filed in 2018. Significantly, the Essequibo region, rich in oil and home to approximately 125,000 citizens, constitutes about two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, illustrating the high stakes involved in the ongoing litigation.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has voiced concerns regarding ongoing tensions in the dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, which are expected to continue irrespective of the ICJ’s ruling. The interactions between the countries and the involvement of international bodies underscore the complexity of the situation. As the ICJ prepares to deliver its judgment, the importance of maintaining peace in this resource-rich region remains paramount.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
