Dear Editor,
In the face of escalating threats to Guyana’s sovereignty over its 83,000 square miles, national unity is not merely an ideal it is an existential necessity. The recent resurgence of Venezuela’s unfounded/ provocative claims to Guyana’s Essequibo region, a territory internationally recognised as Guyanese since the 1899 Arbitral Award, demands an unequivocal and collective response.
Yet, internal political discord, exemplified by irresponsible rhetoric such as the Alliance For Change (AFC)’s recent statements, risks undermining Guyana’s moral and legal authority.
It is important to note, that Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty can only be preserved through a “One Voice” approach, transcending partisan politics to affirm that our national interest must always prevail over fleeting political gains.
The Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, rooted in colonial-era ambiguities, was ostensibly settled, made final and complete by the October 3rd 1899 Paris Arbitral Award, which granted Essequibo to then British Guiana. Venezuela’s subsequent revival of its claim via the 1966 Geneva Agreement, a pact acknowledging the “dispute” but reaffirming the status quo and rightful so in Guyana favour. This position has resulted in recent times from 2015 to present many provocative intimidation tactics by Venezuela in an attempt to defy the rule of international law and respect for Guyana’s sovereignty
In 2018, Guyana sought the International Court of Justice (ICJ)’s adjudication to once again reaffirm our sovereignty over our territorial integrity, a move which Venezuela has resisted, opting instead for coercive tactics, including military posturing and provocative referenda.
Such unprovoked and unwelcome aggression unequivocally violates the United Nations Charter’s principles of territorial integrity and the prohibition of force. However, Venezuela’s strategy thrives on exploiting divisions within Guyana. Political fissures, like the AFC’s ill-timed critiques, risk signaling vulnerability to external actors and diluting the clarity of Guyana’s stance.
Sovereignty is the bedrock of statehood, enshrined in international law as inviolable. For Guyana, a nation still navigating the scars of colonial exploitation and Cold War-era interference, unity in defense of territory is a moral imperative. The Essequibo region is not merely land; it embodies the aspirations of our nation and the heritage of the Guyanese people. Disunity, whether through partisan blame games or reckless statements, threatens to jeopardise this legacy.
A fractured domestic front weakens Guyana’s position in international fora. The ICJ case hinges not only on our solid legal merit but also on Guyana’s ability to project a resolute and unwavering resolve. When political factions prioritize scoring “cheap political points” over solidarity, they inadvertently bolster Venezuela’s narrative of internal discord, potentially undermining diplomatic efforts.
It is no secret. Nations rally behind states that demonstrate internal cohesion in the face of such aggression. Guyana’s success in garnering global support from CARICOM to the Organisation of American States and other partners stems from its consistent, principled stance, which for decades the country’s two major political parties have always stood firm despite its political differences and the meeting of the President and leader of the opposition is testament to this fact. It is important to note that divisive rhetoric erodes this moral high ground, casting doubt on the nation’s collective will.
Essequibo’s natural resources are pivotal to Guyana’s economic future. Disunity risks deterring foreign investment and emboldening encroachment, threatening both our security and prosperity.
The AFC’s recent statements, regardless of its intent, exemplify the peril of politicising sovereignty. This party must accept that territorial integrity transcends elections and party manifestos; it is the sacred trust of every leader and citizen. Guyana’s political class must emulate statesmen like South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, who united a fractured nation against existential threats.
Civil society, media, and religious leaders must amplify this unity, fostering dialogue that emphasizes shared destiny over division. Bipartisan committees on territorial defense and public awareness campaigns could institutionalize cohesion, ensuring that Guyana speaks with resolute clarity on this matter if not on others.
As the ICJ deliberates and Venezuela’s provocations persist, Guyana stands at a crossroads. The path forward demands rejecting blame games and embracing a singular truth: the mission to safeguard all of our 83,000 square miles is the birthright of every Guyanese. Let this moment galvanise a united front, where patriotism silences discord and national interest reigns supreme.
In the words of Guyana’s national motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” is not merely a refrain; it is the covenant that must guide us now more than ever. Now is the time for unity. Now is the time for one voice. Stop the petty politics with our future.
Yours truly,
Hon. Jermaine Figueira MP
