-Guyanese diaspora assured country has significant support from regional and international allies

GUYANA’S Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, S.C., have reassured the Guyanese diaspora of global support in the face of Venezuela’s controversial referendum.

The officials were at the time speaking at a diaspora engagement in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York, on Sunday, while Venezuelan voters went to the polls to cast ballots on five questions, one of which seeks to annex Guyana’s resource-rich Essequibo region.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday issued “binding” orders on Venezuela to “refrain” from taking any action that would threaten Guyana’s sovereignty over the Essequibo territory.

Expressing understanding for the concerns of those with relatives back home, Rodrigues-Birkett stated, “Guyana is not alone.”

“I know that some of you are worried if not uneasy because you have relatives back home and what will happen if this referendum is passed today. But let me say this to you, have no fear,” she told the audience.

She underscored the significant backing from regional and international allies, including CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and numerous peace-loving nations.

Highlighting the collective stance for international law, she affirmed that Guyana has widespread support and urged citizens not to worry about the potential outcomes of the referendum.

Addressing the economic challenges faced by Venezuela, Rodrigues-Birkett emphasised that despite its difficulties, the country would not be permitted to violate international law.

She assured the Guyanese diaspora that the government is committed to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This commitment, she said, holds steadfast even as Guyana awaits the final judgment of the court.
The ambassador highlighted the unity among Guyanese people across various spectrums, including race, religion, politics, and regions.

Despite occasional differences, she stressed that Guyanese are united in their conviction that Essequibo belongs to Guyana.

Rodrigues-Birkett also emphasised the unchanging nature of Guyana, regardless of the outcome of the referendum, adding, “Guyana’s size, shape, or shine will not change. We will defend our Essequibo.”

Throughout her address, the ambassador reiterated the government’s dedication to defending Essequibo and the collective determination of the Guyanese people.

UNWAVERING COMMITMENT

Meanwhile, Nandlall said that government remains unwavering to its commitment until this matter is put to rest and urged the Guyanese not to worry.

“Guyanese are worried and are apprehensive across the globe…because Guyana is facing what is described as an existential threat. It is facing the most fundamental challenge that it has ever faced from its birth as an independent nation on the 26th of May 1966,” the Minister of Legal Affairs said.

As he spoke to the diaspora, Guyanese across ethnicities, political divides and religion gathered at the National Stadium for a ‘Night of Patriotic Reflection’ and they were addressed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other Guyanese leaders.

“Guyana is absolutely, unwaveringly committed and united on this matter… Guyana at the political level and at every other stratum of the society remains united on this matter.

“We have seen right across the Western Hemisphere both prior to the orders being handed down and subsequently we have had an avalanche of support. All the major institutions and organisations in the Western Hemisphere have said that they are supportive of Guyana, and they have called upon Venezuela to act in accordance with international law. And since the ruling has come out, we have echoed those same sentiments they have called upon Venezuela to obey the orders of the court,” he said.

Nandlall reminded the diaspora that the Guyana government has put protective measures in place for the Essequibo region as a reassurance to those who live there and the rest of the nation that there is no need for panic.

“I don’t know what Venezuela will do. But whatever Venezuela does, we will respond appropriately, and we have the world on our side. We have international law on our side… and I cannot imagine that the court will allow the intimacy of its process to be undermined by not taking steps to enforce its orders if those orders are being violated,” he said.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has remained steadfast in its support for Guyana amidst the border controversy with Venezuela and has made it clear that the region must remain “a zone of peace.”

Recently, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley, and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that CARICOM has always been in support of Guyana’s territorial integrity.

The Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and other international agencies have also offered their “full support” to Guyana.

Gonsalves said the ongoing controversy between Venezuela and Guyana is an old one, and that Guyana bases its position on the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Gonsalves said: “CARICOM has always defended the territorial inviolability of Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said that CARICOM has issued a very strong statement in support of Guyana.

She said that while she stated some weeks back that in spite of the controversy, Venezuela is a friend of the region as well, she would wish to see the region remain one of peace.

Mottley related that this statement has incited condemnation. However, she added: “I have come to public life to promote peace, not division.”

She went on to add that Guyana’s position has been strong and unwavering, and this position has been one that is backed by the region.
The diaspora engagement, she said, served as a platform to address concerns within the community regarding the potential impact of the referendum on Guyana’s sovereignty.