“WAY FORWARD” is the title of the proposals made by Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, for resolution of the controversy that was raised by Venezuela over its contention that the law settling the border between the Bolivarian Republic and Guyana is not final and binding.

The matter was engaging the attention of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who, on December 16, informed both Guyana and Venezuela that he has reached a decision on the way forward. This “way” will go through two phases: firstly, for the next twelve months, the UN’s Good Offices process would be continued in search of a resolution; and secondly, if no significant progress resulted, the matter will be referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the next means of settlement, unless Guyana and Venezuela decide otherwise.

The proposals of the Secretary-General were transmitted on Tuesday to the National Assembly by Vice-President Carl Greenidge, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and these proposals found favour with both Government and Opposition. It should be noted that, in spite of previous ambiguous statements made by the de facto leader of the People’s Progressive Party, Bharrat Jagdeo, about a resolution to the controversy, the PPP’s Congress last weekend came out solidly against Venezuela in defence of Guyana’s territorial integrity

According to the Foreign Minister, although Guyana had lost faith in the “Good Offices” process because of non-cooperation by Venezuela, Guyana is willing to give it “one last try”. The fresh phase of this process will be facilitated by a nominee of the Secretary-General.

The controversy arose over what has been considered as settled borders between Guyana and Venezuela when Caracas contended that the 1899 Arbitral Award is null and void. Guyana has argued consistently that Venezuela has raised a contention in law, and that the forum for its resolution is the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Venezuela, for its part, had chosen to dodge any juridical road map.

Mr. Greenidge has stated that the proposals, which include the judicial option, must be received with national satisfaction and as a milestone at a time when Guyana celebrates its 50th year as an independent and sovereign nation. Should the proposals follow the path outlined by the Secretary-General, Guyana could be freed from the impediments placed against its efforts, over many years, to push national development without acts of aggression or economic blockade.
After all, the strained relations between Guyana and Venezuela, due to the spurious claim to Guyana’s territory, have affected both of our peoples, who are brothers and sisters and ought to promote their lives of peace and plenty as good neighbours working together, rather than being pulled apart by a border controversy.

All Guyana know that, since taking office in May, 2015, both President David Granger and Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge have spearheaded a formidable international campaign to protect the nation’s borders, and our people owe them an expression of gratitude for their efforts. It goes without saying that Mr. Ban has decorated his legacy as Secretary-General of the United Nations with a key diplomatic breakthrough in the search for a definitive resolution of the controversy.