In the face of a flagrant violation of international law by Venezuela, Guyana’s Parliament did what was necessary and just: it reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering sovereignty over the Essequibo region. Yet, even on a matter so fundamental and unifying, political division reared its head.

The resolution passed in the National Assembly on Friday is not merely symbolic, it is a bold and timely declaration of Guyana’s rightful claim to territory that has been administered peacefully for over a century, affirmed by the 1899 Arbitral Award, and protected by the December 2023 and May 2025 orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Venezuela’s plan to hold sham elections for a so-called “governor” of the Essequibo on May 25 is nothing short of a provocation, a direct defiance of international rulings and a threat to regional peace.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd’s motion was sober and precise, laying bare Venezuela’s history of bullying and Guyana’s dignified path of legal recourse.

His remarks in Parliament on Friday underscored the gravity of this geopolitical moment. “It is important for Venezuela to understand that Guyana will not be bullied, threatened, or intimidated to surrender any portion of our patrimony,” he declared.

And yet, even in a moment that called for national unity, discord flared. Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, while condemning Venezuela’s actions, chose not to support the government’s motion, and led a walkout by APNU+AFC parliamentarians after his remarks.

At a time when Venezuela is seeking to undermine our sovereignty, political theatre serves only to weaken our collective front.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips rightly called the action “unpatriotic.” Deputy Speaker Dr. Asha Kissoon was equally forthright, urging maturity and solidarity. Both sides of the House agreed that the Essequibo belongs to Guyana. That alone should have been reason enough to stand shoulder to shoulder before the nation, and the world.

The resolution passed, nonetheless. It condemned Venezuela’s defiance of the ICJ, reaffirmed Guyana’s territorial integrity, and called for international support in defending the rule of law. It also directed that copies of the resolution be sent to global and regional bodies, ensuring that Guyana’s case remains visible on the international stage.

Guyana must now remain vigilant. There are no confirmed reports of Venezuelan activity on Guyanese soil, but Defence Chief Brigadier Omar Khan has been clear: any Venezuelan attempting to participate in these illegal elections on our soil will be deported. Any Guyanese who dares to aid this affront to our sovereignty will face consequences.

Let us be clear, this is not merely a border controversy. This is an existential matter for Guyana, one that transcends political allegiance. The actions of our leaders in the coming days and weeks will be remembered. History will judge whether they chose to lead with unity or fracture with ego.

At this juncture, our sovereignty must be defended, not just with resolutions, but with collective resolve.