Dear Editor,
Joan of Arc’s human courage was more significant than her political and military contribution in the 14th Century, during the one hundred years war between England and France. As a young, female general, she was successful in holding off the English from occupying France. Her place in history is thus guaranteed. On December 1, another Joan came into a bit of historical activity also. All keen eyes and attentive ears were focused on the American, Joan E Donoghue, President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Hague, as she delivered an anxiously, awaited announcement for the ruling on Venezuela’s December 3rd referendum.

His Excellency, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali along with Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and entourage, are currently in Dubai, attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). Global warming is indeed a crisis as temperature continues to rise due to human input. Small countries are gravely and greatly affected and leaders gracefully anticipate the big nations to make good of their promises in saving the world from nature’s consequences. A different kind of temperature was climaxing throughout Guyana the whole week.
Although the temperature was slowly adjusted as Guyana went to bed on the night of November 30, anxiety still surfaced in the minds of all Guyanese. The timely hosting of Dr. Tara Singh’s New York program on Thursday night, “The Guyana Dialogue,” helped to allay some degree of fear as Chief Guest, Honorable Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, assured the 15,000 odd viewers that Guyana has a winning case against Venezuela and the ICJ will pronounce favorably for Guyana.

Her words came to pass as Guyanese would say, and, Guyanese reacted jubilantly Friday morning as the ICJ’s President, Joan E. Donoghue, pronounced favorably, the decision Guyana was praying for. Successful with this primary hurdle in the recent development, Guyana overcame much tension which was aggravating the daily lives of all Guyanese. This relief brought smiles and laughter to the faces of all as Guyana digested the repercussion of this significant decision.

Without much reservation and as was expected, it was not surprising to listen to the ruling of the ICJ Friday morning regarding Guyana’s appeal for temporary measures to be executed, refraining Venezuela from their military aggression, political agenda and geo-economic development of Guyana’s land. In layman’s term, Venezuela is prevented from taking any action or resorting to any measures that may affect Guyana’s control of her land. Regardless of the outcome of their referendum if it takes place on 3rd December as proposed by Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro, Venezuela cannot advance an inch on the soil occupied currently by Guyana. They can participate in their referendum, Guyana has no qualms about that, but they cannot take any follow through action which may be deemed detrimental as to the loss of Guyana’s area.

The other ruling from The President of the ICJ involves the court’s instruction referring to non-action from both countries. Both countries are directed to refrain from taking any follow up action as a result of the court’s decision, which may make the controversy difficult to resolve. Guyana never had and certainly does not have any intention to take any actions that may disrupt or interrupt the process of the law. Guyana resorted to the good office of the ICJ for a final resolution to Venezuela’s absurd, abusive and alarming claim, invalidating the 1899 Arbitral Award, a land mark decision which delineated the land boundary between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.

His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali has always and will always ensure that Guyana stands on the right side of history, politics, economics, geography, the law and of course, democracy. No wonder the well-liked President of Guyana is always accepted honorable at all and any international forums and is requested to address such gatherings. Guyana’s peaceful position is well articulated and documented and the world is aware of this Government’s tranquil nature to protect the people of Guyana through peace and non-violence. It is therefore not surprising that, Guyana enjoys the solid support of friends throughout the world who have guarantee to extend a helping hand and to come to the country’s assistance to defend its border issues with Venezuela.

All Guyanese are ecstatic and thank the ICJ for the sensible, sensitive and sane decision made on Friday. Guyana is both humbled and happy and unhesitatingly wishes well for the welfare of the people and country of Venezuela. Guyanese feel sorry for the deplorable condition Venezuelans have to endure and live with under Maduro’s leadership. That is why, Guyana is extending a helping hand to thousands of refugees escaping from that land with compassion. Guyana awaits the outcome of December 3rd, if any, with a clear conscience, comprehensive conviction and complete confidence.

Joan of Arc’s legend grew, and, in 1909 she was beatified in the famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris by Pope Pius X. In 1920, she was canonized by Pope Benedict XV. Guyana adores Joan E. Donoghue and appreciates her hard work and diligence in bringing a quick and punctual decision to Venezuela’s insane and sensational drama.
Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall