ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., has brought to light a concerning issue plaguing Guyana’s sovereignty— the propagation of fabricated narratives regarding the border controversy with Venezuela by certain media outlets.

Nandlall’s recent remarks during his programme “Issues in the News” shed light on the detrimental impact of these narratives, which are being exploited by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to undermine Guyana’s territorial integrity.
Recent developments in Venezuela, where lawmakers aligned with Maduro have approved the creation of a new state in Guyana’s Essequibo region, further exacerbate tensions.

Despite ongoing proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Venezuela persists in asserting its claims to Guyana’s territory, citing a controversial 2023 referendum as justification.
Nandlall rightly emphasised the importance of countering these distorted narratives, particularly those falsely implicating Guyana’s government and its relationship with oil companies like ExxonMobil. It’s unpatriotic and anti-national to perpetuate the notion that the government is colluding with foreign interests at the expense of Guyana’s sovereignty.

Maduro’s manipulation of these narratives to bolster his own agenda is evident, as seen in his presentation of articles from Kaieteur News during meetings as supposed evidence of Guyana’s collusion with oil companies and the United States.

This tactic was highlighted during a meeting between Presidents Irfaan Ali and Maduro in December 2023, where Maduro leveraged public statements critical of ExxonMobil’s operations in Guyana to support his claims.

The danger of these narratives lies not only in their fabrication but in their exploitation by external forces seeking to encroach upon Guyana’s sovereignty. Nandlall rightly warns against spreading baseless contentions and allegations in the press, as they provide ammunition for those seeking to undermine Guyana’s interests.

The misrepresentations about Guyana’s oil and gas industry, particularly those reported by Kaieteur News, further muddy the waters. The misconception that the government is in bed with oil companies is not only false but a deliberate attempt to silence local authorities and manipulate public opinion.

It’s imperative to differentiate between freedom of the press and the abuse of that freedom. Criticism is essential for a healthy democracy, but when it crosses the line into misinformation and propaganda, it becomes a threat to national interests. The government’s efforts to clarify misinformation should not be misconstrued as collusion but as a defence of Guyana’s sovereignty and the truth.

The genesis of the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela traces back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a decision that delineated the boundary between the two countries. Despite historic arbitration, tensions have persisted, with Venezuela challenging the validity of the award.

Guyana’s decision to approach the ICJ in 2018 seeking affirmation of the award’s legitimacy was a crucial step towards resolving the issue through legal means. The ICJ’s rejection of Venezuela’s claim of jurisdiction in December 2020 opened the door for a substantive examination of the case, providing hope for a resolution based on international law and justice.

It is imperative for Guyana to remain vigilant against fabricated narratives and external manipulation that seek to undermine its sovereignty. The government’s efforts to counter misinformation and defend national interests should be supported, as they are essential for safeguarding Guyana’s future.