Carl Greenidge, Guyana’s Agent at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has forcefully dismissed any justification for Venezuela to threaten or carry out military action against Guyana over recent United States (U.S.) anti‑drug operations and increased military activity near Venezuelan borders.
“I would be very surprised if Venezuela could feel that it has any justification for attacking” Guyana, Greenidge said in an exclusive interview with OilNOW on September 16.
In recent months, the U.S. has intensified its anti‑narcotics efforts in the Caribbean, including operations targeting traffickers allegedly connected to Venezuela. Greenidge argues that, given the United States’ overwhelming military capacity, Venezuela is unlikely to retaliate directly against the U.S., but instead appears to be seeking excuses to threaten weaker U.S. allies like Guyana. He likened such behavior to “schoolyard bully tactics – turning on an ally of a strong opponent.”
Greenidge rejected suggestions that Guyana’s cooperation with the U.S.—whether through diplomatic visits or allowing U.S. aircraft to fly over its territory—could be construed as provocative.
“It is ridiculous to be speaking of Guyana, for example, provoking Venezuela simply by inviting U.S. officials to visit…or agreeing to aircraft flying over Georgetown or anywhere else in Guyana,” he said.
He further challenged proposals that Guyana should seek Venezuela’s approval before hosting foreign dignitaries or aircraft:
“It is being suggested, in essence, that Guyana will need to ensure that Caracas is happy with any guests before Guyana can invite them… this is an absurdity. No other independent state is subject to such constraints, and no part of Guyana has ever been governed by Venezuela.”
Greenidge emphasised that international law protects Guyana’s sovereignty:
“The rights enjoyed by each sovereign state cannot be withdrawn because Venezuela finds them inconvenient.”
Venezuelan Countermeasures Stir Regional Concerns
Meanwhile, Venezuela under President Nicolás Maduro has escalated its military posture in response to U.S. sanctions, anti‑drug operations, and diplomatic pressure. Maduro has pledged to mobilize some 4.5 million militia members, stating they will be “prepared, activated and armed,” under a special plan intended to cover the entire nation.
These militia forces form part of broader militarisation responses that include coastal deployments, troop build‑ups, and declarations of “maximum preparedness.” Analysts suggest these moves aim both to signal resistance and to assert sovereignty amid what Venezuela views as external threats.
Bridging Alarm with Assurance
Greenidge’s comments come at a critical moment when many in Guyana are alarmed by threats from Venezuela, including suggestions made in media and commentary that Georgetown could be targeted. Veteran journalist Adam Harris has warned explicitly that if U.S. action intensifies, Caracas might “bombard Georgetown,” a scenario he deemed particularly dangerous because of the largely wooden structures in the city. While voices of concern multiply, Greenidge’s position offers a measure of diplomatic reassurance that, for now, any Venezuelan threats are more likely declarative than operational.
Venezuela-Guyana Controversy
Venezuela has a longstanding border controversy with Guyana centered on its unfounded claim to the resource-rich Essequibo region, which comprises nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. The dispute was definitively settled by the 1899 Arbitral Award, which recognized the Essequibo as part of then-British Guiana and was described as “the full, perfect and final settlement.” However, Venezuela later rejected the ruling, alleging fraud, and revived its claim in the 1960s as Guyana approached independence. I
n recent years, Venezuela has increased its aggression toward Guyana, intensifying rhetoric, holding a controversial national referendum, and engaging in provocative military posturing—moves widely seen as attempts to bolster its claim amid significant oil discoveries offshore Guyana. The matter is now before the International Court of Justice, where Guyana seeks a final and binding judgment to uphold the 1899 Award and reaffirm its territorial sovereignty. The matter was taken before the ICJ in 2018 by the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo-led administration
This evolving situation underscores the tension between sovereign rights under international law and geopolitical posturing in the region. Guyana, with its relatively modest defence capacity, continues to rely on diplomatic, legal, and international support to preserve both its territorial integrity and its political stability.
