AMIDST the ongoing controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, Sir Hilary Beckles, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), recently clarified that the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have been transparent about their allegiance to Guyana.

He addressed the issue on Thursday at the CXC Regional Award Ceremony, which was held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) in Georgetown, Guyana.

Noting that the Co-operative Republic of Guyana has been tested throughout its history, Sir Hilary said the CXC body’s presence in Guyana is a testimony that it stands with the government and its people.

According to the VC and UWI professor, “This is the moment that the Republic has been tested, and it has been tested in many moments along its historical journey, and we at the CXC are here in demonstration of our solidarity with the people of this proud nation. This nation can count on us to stand side-by-side with it, as you have been proud to stand with CXC from the beginning.”

He further said that the present moment is about academics as well as spirituality.

“We see ourselves as one indivisible community. We are CARICOM, and we shall not diminish in any way imaginable,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the CXC, Dr. Wayne Wesley, in his remarks at the event, also expressed his support for the people and the Government of Guyana.

According to him, since the beginning of 2023, the organisation and CARICOM have been in solidarity with Guyana through the challenging times, and they will continue to do so.

“Since the start of this year, we have been in solidarity with the Co-operative Republic of Guyana because of many tragic circumstances, but what we have also come to appreciate is the indomitable spirit of Guyana to rebound and to stand strong even in the face of adversity,” he said.
Dr. Wesley also emphasised the resilience of the Guyanese people, who, when they come together, are a force to be reckoned with.

In September, in one of its first statements on the controversy, CARICOM indicated its unwavering support for Guyana.

“The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) notes with grave concern the contents of a communiqué emanating from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela regarding the announcement made by our sister member state, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, about its intention to open bids for certain oil blocks in the waters adjacent to Guyana’s coast.”

“CARICOM views the stated intention of Venezuela to ‘apply all the necessary measures’ to prevent the operations licenced by Guyana in its waters as a threat of the use of force contrary to international law. It is also not in keeping with the long-standing position of the Latin American and Caribbean countries that our region must remain a zone of peace.”

“CARICOM has also taken note of the decision of the Venezuelan National Assembly to conduct a popular referendum on defending Venezuela’s claim. CARICOM expresses the hope that Venezuela will fully engage in the process before the International Court of Justice, which has determined that it has jurisdiction in the case brought before it. The Court’s final decision will ensure a resolution that is peaceful, equitable, and in accordance with international law.
The Caribbean Community reiterates its full and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, including its right to peacefully develop the resources of its territory,” the statement said.

To draw attention to Venezuela’s actions, which are wholly outside the bounds of the rule of law and pose a threat to the peace and security in Latin American and the Caribbean, Guyana has sought the support of the international community. The response thus far has been positive and overwhelming.