The CARICOM/CELAC brokered meeting in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines between Presidents Irfaan Ali and Nicolás Maduro is expected to commence. We share the unease felt by many Guyanese over the outcome of these talks. If mishandled, these talks could seriously jeopardize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. We can only hope that the meeting will indeed deliver on its goals of reaffirming the principles of a peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law, and the avoidance of the use and threats of force. The Caribbean must indeed remain a Zone of Peace.
The Opposition is already on record as stating that the territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela must not be on the agenda in any form or fashion. We did not oppose this meeting when presented to us by President Ali as a fait accompli. Had we been in government, however, we would have responded to such initiatives for dialogue more effectively to further protect and promote Guyana’s national interests. As such:
- We, as a government, would have insisted on a clear and settled agenda upfront. To date, despite our call for such an agenda days ago, none has been presented to the Guyanese people by the current PPP government.
- As I also stated in the National Assembly on Monday, we, as a government, would have insisted that emissaries from all concerned parties first meet to finalize modalities for such a summit meeting.
- We would have demanded that Venezuela take measures to first de-escalate the situation prior to a meeting, given its recent violations and acts of aggression.
- We would have consulted with the Opposition and would have kept it informed of all developments from the inception.
- We would have engaged the available expertise in the country regardless of political affiliation.
We are where we are. Today’s meeting must not produce a SLIPPERY SLOPE that derails Guyana’s national interests and confers on Venezuela any advantage whatsoever. Today’s meeting must also not entertain any discussion on matters which technically are outside the ICJ process, but which, nevertheless, have implications for our territorial integrity, in particular, Venezuela’s desire for access to a sea lane or any maritime concession. Today’s meeting must avoid any outcome that entraps Guyana into a process of continued and meaningless meetings that eventually suck in the territorial question.
We have already stated that the Opposition will not support any agreement that impinges on the territorial controversy. For the sake of our country, let us hope for the best outcomes from the meeting for Guyana. We expect President Irfaan Ali to report promptly, fully, and accurately to the nation on his return.
