CITIZENS have endorsed Guyana’s commitment to peace and the rule of law amidst the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali recently reaffirmed that the government stands committed and firm to representing the people of Essequibo and all Guyanese amidst the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

“The government and opposition recently issued a joint statement in which we made it clear for no one to make a single mistake, this Essequibo is ours; every square inch of it,” President Ali declared during his address at the launch of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual Agro and Trade Expo at the Anna Regina Secondary School ground last Friday.

Recently, in discussing the latest actions by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in pursuit of its spurious claim to the Essequibo region of Guyana, President Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, from the outset, agreed that Guyana’s sovereignty is paramount, and a matter on which the Guyanese people are all completely united.
In the circumstance, they roundly condemned the flagrant violation of the rule of law by Venezuela, and agreed that no effort should be spared to resist that country’s persistent endeavours to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Together they reaffirmed their commitment to the current judicial process that is being conducted under the aegis of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and are convinced that this would finally resolve the question raised by Venezuela over the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.
The Guyanese Head of State maintained that the government is committed to peace and a peaceful world, and, importantly, it is committed to the safeguarding and defence of every square inch of Guyana.

This message was reiterated on Wednesday by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips during his update to the Organization of American States (OAS).
Guyanese have also been following the issue closely and shared their views with the Guyana Chronicle.
Lavern (only name given) supports the country’s position but called for greater public awareness efforts on this topic, saying, “What I meant is how we are going to urgently go about educating the people…? We are not going to leave our Essequibo open up to be invaded like that. We are a loving set of people, but yet still again looking and we are watching; we need to see more sensitization.”

Further, Paul offered his views on the intensifying claims over the Essequibo, saying: “I think it’s wrong and I think like once Guyana has all the documents and also the support of the international community, I think we will be fine.”

Dillon (Only name given) hopes for a peaceful resolution, saying “I think the two countries got enough resources to come together and live together in peace.”
Another Citizen, Mala (only name given) who operates at the Ashley’s and Anjali’s Boutique, asserted that Essequibo belongs to Guyana, stating: “For me I feel that its not right. Essequibo is our own and that they have no right to right [sic] for it.”
Finally, in response to recent Venezuela’s claim, Isaiah (only name given), stressed that more communication is needed, but Guyana should continue to seek a legally binding end to the issue.

“More dialogue is needed, but Guyana should continue with the process at the ICJ, where all the bodies governing the issue will bring Guyana and Venezuela together and put an end to the issue. It [Venezuela’s claim] is not right.”

The international community has also released strong statements condemning Venezuela’s aggressive claims over the Essequibo region. CARICOM, the OAS, and the Commonwealth have published multiple statements in favour of Guyana’s territorial sovereignty.

The government has since filed an urgent appeal with the International Court of Justice for provisional measures to prevent any attempts by Venezuela to annex Guyana’s territory. (Melissa Gordon)