Guyana once again finds itself targeted by Venezuela’s escalating provocations. The latest incident involves the detention of the chemical tanker “Four Plus,” falsely bearing the Guyanese flag. Venezuelan authorities accused the vessel of entering their waters without authorisation, furthering their campaign to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty. Amid this crisis, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government is facing mounting criticism for its failure to forge a unified national response to Venezuela’s territorial claims.
The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) quickly clarified that the “Four Plus,” registered under IMO No. 9203930, is neither authorised to fly Guyana’s flag nor part of the nation’s closed Ships’ Registry. MARAD reaffirmed that Guyana does not issue flags of convenience, distinguishing itself from the practices prevalent in the global maritime “shadow fleet.”
Although MARAD’s clarification addresses the immediate technicalities, the broader context paints a dire picture. Venezuela’s actions are part of a deliberate campaign to legitimise its baseless claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region, which has been consistently rejected under international law. Despite the gravity of the threat, the PPP government has failed to develop a comprehensive strategy to unite all Guyanese—including the Opposition and civil society—around this critical issue.
Venezuela’s Escalating Aggression
The “Four Plus” incident is just one example of Venezuela’s growing hostility, which includes increased military activity and diplomatic offensives against Guyana. These actions threaten not only Guyana’s territorial sovereignty but also its emerging oil and gas industry, a cornerstone of the country’s economic future.
Rather than rallying the nation, the PPP government has sidelined the political Opposition and other stakeholders, exacerbating political divisions at a time when national unity is crucial. This lack of collective resolve leaves Guyana vulnerable in the face of Venezuela’s calculated aggression.
Unfulfilled Promises and Political Division
The PPP government’s failure to act decisively stands in stark contrast to its frequent declarations of national progress. As oil revenues flow into the country, Guyanese citizens expected bold leadership to safeguard their sovereignty. Instead, they have been met with a government more concerned with political maneuvering than with building a unified front.
The political Opposition has repeatedly called for bipartisan consultations and a cohesive national strategy to counter Venezuela’s claims, but their appeals have been ignored. This failure undermines Guyana’s global credibility and emboldens Venezuela’s hostile actions.
Global Maritime Concerns
MARAD’s response also highlights a growing issue in the maritime industry: fraudulent ship registrations and the proliferation of shadow fleets. Recent reports revealed that five oil tankers linked to a Syrian conglomerate with ties to Iran and Venezuela were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department, with many operating under falsified documentation.
While the International Maritime Organization (IMO) plans to address these concerns at its 112th Legal Committee Session in March, such measures do little to address the immediate threat Venezuela poses to Guyana. This situation demands urgent and decisive action on the domestic front.
A Call for National Unity
Venezuela’s aggression is not merely a foreign policy issue—it is a national security crisis that threatens Guyana’s sovereignty and stability. The PPP government’s refusal to unite the nation and engage all stakeholders is a dereliction of its duty to protect the country.
The Alliance For Change (AFC) warned that Venezuela’s actions are part of a calculated strategy to seize and occupy Guyanese territory. “Building bridges, fortifying Ankoko, cyberattacks, and appointing governors are only the visible signs of deeper preparations,” the AFC stated. These measures, described as “below the threshold of war,” indicate Venezuela’s readiness for more aggressive actions.
The time for political divisions is over. Citizens are calling for decisive leadership that prioritizes national unity, engages civil society, and ensures a collective response to Venezuela’s growing threat. Without such action, Guyana risks becoming increasingly vulnerable.
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See full statement below:
“The Maritime Administration Department (MARD) hereby advises that the chemical tanker, “Four Plus” bearing IMO No. 9203930, which was recently detained by Venezuelan authorities for unauthorised entry into that State’s waters was falsely flying the Guyana flag.
The vessel is not registered in Guyana; therefore, it is not authorised to fly the Guyana flag or claim Guyanese nationality.
MARAD wishes to remind stakeholders and the public that it operates a closed Ships’ Registry and does not offer a flag of convenience.
Recent media reports highlighted the sanctioning of five oil tankers linked to a Syrian conglomerate with ties to Iran and Venezuela by the United States Treasury Department.
These vessels also bore false registration documents.
The issues of fraudulently registered vessels and the operation of a global shadow fleet remain on the radar of the global maritime community.
The IMO at the 112th Session of its Legal Committee, scheduled for March this year, is expected to further develop measures to prevent these unlawful practices”.
