President Irfaan Ali has formally written to CARICOM Chairman and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, protesting Venezuela’s display of maps depicting Guyana’s Essequibo region as its territory.
In an April 28 letter, Ali raised concerns over acting President Delcy Rodríguez showcasing the imagery during official engagements in CARICOM states, warning that it risks being interpreted as acceptance of Venezuela’s claim.
Rodríguez was seen wearing a brooch displaying the inaccurate map in both Grenada and Barbados.
In his letter, Ali described the actions as “calculated and provocative,” noting that they undermine confidence in Venezuela’s commitment to international law and a peaceful resolution.
The President reiterated Guyana’s longstanding position that the boundary was definitively settled by the 1899 Arbitral Award and emphasised that the matter is currently before the International Court of Justice for final adjudication.
He also referenced the ICJ’s December 2023 order instructing Venezuela to avoid actions that could alter the status quo in the disputed territory.
Ali urged continued vigilance among CARICOM leaders, calling for support of Guyana’s sovereignty to be reflected not only in statements but also in official conduct.
He further urged that regional platforms not be used to advance territorial claims against member states.
Meanwhile, Guyana’s Private Sector Commission also condemned what it described as a “deliberate and provocative” display by Rodríguez.
The Commission warned that the act was not merely symbolic but a serious diplomatic provocation capable of undermining trust within CARICOM and heightening regional tensions.
