Georgetown, December 9, 2023 – The Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) has publicly condemned the proposed high-level meeting between Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, calling it “premature” and “injurious to Guyana’s national interest.”
In a recent statement, CGID President Rickford Burke highlighted concerns over the meeting, which was proposed by the President of Brazil and the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The institute argues that any dialogue with Venezuela’s leader, especially during the ongoing border dispute at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), could undermine Guyana’s stance.
The core of the CGID’s criticism lies in the ongoing legal battle over the Essequibo region, a territory claimed by both Guyana and Venezuela. CGID insists that the Guyanese President should not engage with President Maduro while the matter remains sub judice. They argue that unless Venezuela withdraws its claim to Essequibo and ceases its aggressive posturing, any meeting before the ICJ’s verdict would conflict with Guyana’s national interests and could be perceived as a breach of its rights to a permanent legal resolution.
Burke’s statement emphasized that “meeting with a bully to avoid bullying is appeasement,” asserting that Guyana should not yield to Venezuela regarding Essequibo, which he firmly states is Guyanese territory.
Furthermore, the CGID expressed alarm over the Jagdeo-Ali regime’s handling of the issue, criticizing its unilateral approach and lack of consultation with the opposition and other national stakeholders. This approach, according to Burke, raises significant concerns about whether President Ali’s actions align with the collective national interest of Guyana.
As the situation develops, eyes remain on the potential ramifications of this proposed meeting, both in terms of the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute and its impact on regional politics.
