By Mark DaCosta- The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has issued a strong condemnation of Venezuela’s recent aggressive actions towards Guyana, urging a unified national response and enhanced defence measures to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
In a media release dated March 3, 2025, the WPA expressed deep concern over Venezuela’s continued attempts to challenge Guyana’s territorial integrity. The party perceives these actions as deliberate provocations aimed at testing both Guyana’s resolve and the commitment of international allies, particularly the United States, in defending the nation’s borders.
The WPA criticised the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration’s approach to the Venezuelan threat, suggesting that the government appears more focused on petty internal political disputes than addressing existential external dangers. The party emphasised the need for a comprehensive national strategy, stating that while international support is crucial, a robust domestic plan is equally important.
The WPA reiterated its call for the establishment of a broad-based, multi-party Border Cabinet. This proposed body would include representatives from all parliamentary parties, key civil society groups, and experts in security and international affairs, tasked with continuously monitoring the situation and advising the government.
In light of escalating tensions, the WPA also advocated for strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities. The party called for an expansion of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) through targeted recruitment drives and the bolstering of the People’s Militia to support the GDF.
Additionally, the WPA urged increased defence spending to modernise military capabilities, emphasising that these measures are defensive rather than preparations for war, while maintaining a commitment to peaceful resolution.
Venezuela’s recent actions have heightened tensions in the region. On March 1, 2025, President Irfaan Ali reported that a Venezuelan coast guard patrol vessel entered Guyanese waters and approached an oil production vessel operating in a block managed by ExxonMobil. This incident is part of an unfounded Venezuelan claim over the Essequibo region.
The matter is currently under deliberation by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Venezuela denied the incursion, asserting that the waters are part of a maritime area pending delimitation under international law.
In response, Guyana summoned the Venezuelan ambassador and has filed or plans to file formal complaints with the ICJ and international partners, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The Organisation of American States (OAS) condemned the Venezuelan incursion, and the United States warned of potential consequences for further provocations. Venezuela’s illegal actions have also been condemned by many other democratic countries and respected international organisations.
In December 2023, Venezuela conducted a non-binding referendum among its population in which over 95 percent of participating voters reportedly supported establishing a new Venezuelan state in the Essequibo territory, a region administered by Guyana for over a century.
Critics argue that President Nicolás Maduro called the illegal referendum to distract Venezuelans from domestic economic issues and bolster nationalist sentiment. Guyana denounced the move as an attempt at annexation, with President Irfaan Ali accusing Maduro of fomenting conflict. The ICJ has cautioned Venezuela against actions that could alter the status quo in Essequibo.
The territorial issue between Guyana and Venezuela dates back to an 1899 arbitration award that granted the Essequibo region to British Guiana, now Guyana. Venezuela has long contested this decision, claiming the area as its own.
The discovery of significant oil reserves off the coast of Essequibo in 2015 intensified the dispute, with ExxonMobil and its partners identifying multiple oil fields in the region. In 2018, Guyana requested the ICJ to uphold the 1899 arbitration, a case that remains under deliberation.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. The United States has reiterated its support for Guyana’s sovereignty and warned Venezuela against further provocations.
CARICOM and the OAS have also voiced support for Guyana, condemning Venezuela’s recent actions and urging adherence to international law. Brazil has increased its military presence along its northern border in response to the escalating tensions in the region.
The WPA’s call for a unified national response underscores the gravity of the situation. As Venezuela continues to challenge Guyana’s territorial integrity, the need for cohesive domestic and international strategies becomes increasingly critical.
The establishment of a multi-party Border Cabinet and the strengthening of defence capabilities, as proposed by the WPA, aim to ensure that Guyana remains resolute in safeguarding its sovereignty while pursuing peaceful resolutions through diplomatic channels.
