The following is the full text of a statement from the Ethnic Relations Commission:

“THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and all rights commissions, in unison, endorse the national message that “Essequibo Belongs to Guyana.”
All Guyanese, across the diverse demographics of our country, maintain one position in unity and reject Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory, Essequibo.
We join with all other national, regional, and international partners to reject Venezuela’s attempts to disregard the judicial process before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which will resolve Venezuela’s question of the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

The sister Commissions are of the firm conviction that the October 3, 1899 Arbitral Award is valid and further maintains that the award was a ‘full, perfect and final settlement.’
Our Commissions, support Guyana’s national position, which is commensurate with adherence to International Rule of Law and the ongoing judicial process at the ICJ. This is the only means of resolution that will ensure peace, harmony, and good relations.

Furthermore, our Commissions reiterate the sentiment of our regional neighbours to maintain the status quo of a peaceful and secure hemisphere. We are a united Guyana, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”