IN a strongly-worded statement on Wednesday, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, emphasised the urgency of securing and developing the valuable Essequibo region. The remarks were delivered at an educational forum focused on the Oko West Project, a newly discovered gold deposit located in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), within the Essequibo region.

The project is being developed by the Canadian Company, G Mining Ventures. Minister Benn expressed gratitude to the international investors for their support of Guyana’s sovereignty over Essequibo—a region at the centre of a century-old territorial controversy with Venezuela.
Essequibo, which comprises about two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, is rich in natural resources, including large deposits of oil and gas discovered offshore in recent years.
“I want to thank the investors and the country they represent for standing with us on the question of the occupation of Essequibo,” Benn said. “Standing with us on the occupation of Essequibo as a sovereign portion of Guyana.” The controversy over Essequibo dates back to the 18th century, with Venezuela maintaining a claim to the area based on historical and territorial grounds.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently tasked with providing a final ruling on the border controversy, though the timeline for a final decision remains unclear.
Guyana filed its Memorial in 2018, asking the Netherland-based court to confirm, in a final and binding judgement, the full legal validity of the October 3, 1899 Arbitral Award that established the international boundary between Guyana and Venezuela more than a 100 years ago.
Minister Benn’s comments come at a critical time when the government is continuing to develop Essequibo’s vast natural resources, including oil, gold, and timber.

Pending the ICJ’s decision, Guyana has been taking steps to reinforce its control over the region through military presence, administrative oversight, and economic development initiatives.
The government has reassured both current and potential investors that the border issue should not be a concern for business and investment opportunities in the country.  “No one or nothing will stop the development of Essequibo and Guyana,” President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously said. By declaring

that “This Essequibo is ours, every square inch of it,” he has affirmed that Essequibo belongs to Guyana and that the country has no intention of ceding any part of its territory.
“The 1899 Arbitral Award made it clear that it was a full and final settlement. The Geneva Agreement provided for the United Nations (UN) secretary-general to take this controversy raised by Venezuela to the ICJ and we respect international law. We are a lawful and peaceful people. We respect international law and that is where this controversy by Venezuela must be settled. There must be no other place but in the realms of the ICJ…,” he had explained.