Guyana has updated Member States within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the latest acts of aggression by Venezuela.
CARICOM leaders met virtually on Friday afternoon to discuss a range of key issues in the region. These talks come ahead of next week’s visit by United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who will embark on a three-nation Caribbean tour that includes Guyana.
On the sidelines of a sod-turning ceremony for the state-of-the-art $831 million polyclinic in Kitty/Campbellville today, President Dr Irfaan Ali told reporters that Venezuela’s recent incursion into Guyana’s waters was discussed by regional Heads during the high-level engagement.
“Of course, CARICOM reiterated its strong commitment and support to Guyana, our sovereignty and our territorial integrity,” he noted.
The Nicolás Maduro-led regime’s latest acts of aggression towards Guyana include the incursion of a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in early March and the announcement by Venezuela to hold an election in Essequibo – Guyana’s territory – on May 25, 2025.
According to the Head of State, these actions reflect Venezuela’s blatant disregard for the Argyle Declaration – a December 14, 2023 peace pact that Presidents Ali and Maduro signed to maintain peace in the region.
“I had the opportunity to update CARICOM on all aspects of the matter – not only in relation to the latest incursion but to the complete disregard for the Argyle Declaration by Venezuela [with] not only the calling of the elections but as you’re aware, the building of the bridge [at Ankoko Island] that connects to our territory.”
“These are all acts not in keeping with the Argyle Declaration and that was also discussed,” President Ali stated.
The Guyanese leader has already rejected a proposal by Maduro for a face-to-face meeting, sending a strong statement to the Venezuelan President on Friday that Guyana will not engage in any dialogue under duress.
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