Dear Editor,
No one can dispute the fact that the Guyana -Venezuela border controversy is weighing heavily on the minds of most Guyanese; however, the profound and authentic assurances given to them by His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo have helped to relieve their stress and comfort them.
Our leaders have told the nation that the government and the opposition are fully united in their resolve that the 1899 Arbitral Award is the “full, final and perfect” settlement of the matter, and that they are confident that the border controversy will be settled peacefully at the ICJ.

They have reassured the citizens that the 1899 Arbitral Award cannot be annulled by the Venezuelan referendum, or by that nation’s bizarre and baseless claims to Essequibo, which is two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.
Such assurance is based on the exemplary, outstanding, and diligent work by President Ali and Prime Minister Phillips, to inform and gain the unwavering support from several countries including the United States and South America’s economic and military powerhouse, Brazil, and from regional, hemispheric, and global organisations such as CARICOM, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth of Nations.

As Venezuela intensified its claims to the Essequibo, which is contrary to international norm and laws, Prime Minister Phillips called on the nation to display loyalty, and devotion to country to repel Caracas’ illegitimate and perverted claim.
He has reiterated the call for vigilance, unity, and patriotism in the face of Venezuela’s threat not only to the peace, security, and stability in Guyana, but also the entire Caribbean region which has been designated as a zone of peace.
In his address to the OAS a few weeks ago, Prime Minister Phillips made it abundantly clear that Guyana is a peaceful nation, and that the Maduro regime’s unfounded and spurious claim of Essequibo has no validity, bearing, or standing in international law.

Similarly, in an extraordinary and important sitting of the National Assembly on Monday November 6, 2023, the Prime Minister, in the presence of members of the diplomatic corps, emphatically stated that considering the unfounded claims and bullying tactics from Caracas, the people and government of Guyana have remained resilient and assertive, and will not yield or surrender a square inch of Guyana’s territory to Venezuela much less the largest county of Essequibo.

Brigadier (Ret’d) Phillips has forthrightly told the National Assembly that the time for negotiation is over, and there will be no dialogue or meeting between President Nicholas Maduro and President Ali.
He insisted that the Government of Guyana remains committed to the legal process to resolve the border controversy to secure and protect the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that Essequibo, which is rich in natural resources and minerals is integral to the development of Guyana.

President Ali has so far spared no effort to promote Guyana at international forums and in informing the world of Maduro’s irrational and outrageous threats and saber-rattling to wage a war against Guyana.
At the (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties, COP 28, held in Dubai on December 1, 2023, and attended by more than 100 countries, President Ali notified world leaders including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, among others, about the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy.
On the issue of climate change, President Ali accentuated the need for pragmatic solutions and urged a shift from divisive debates to collaborative efforts, recognising the current realities, especially energy production and demands in developing countries.

His Excellency highlighted the necessity of a balanced approach in the growth and demand for energy while advocating for measures such as the reduction of fossil fuel production. It cannot be disputed that President Ali has been working tirelessly and energetically to make sure that Guyana’s interests, including the border controversy are fully recognised and represented at the regional, hemispheric, and international forums. And so far, he has done a superb job.

Every Guyanese regardless of their ethnicity, race or party affiliation should commend President Ali; Prime Minister Phillips and VP Jagdeo for their spirited, cogent, and strong-willed approach in defense of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the confrontational threats by the Maduro regime.
Such a grand display of patriotism, courage, dedication, and steadfastness by His Excellency, the Prime Minister and the VP is a testimony of their genuine and devoted leadership.
Sincerely,
Asquith Rose.