–President Ali says; emphasises global support for Guyana in ongoing border controversy with Venezuela
AMID heightened aggression from the Bolivarian Republic as the border controversy continues, President Dr Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the controversy through diplomatic and peaceful means.
In a resolute address on Sunday, during “A Night of Patriotic Reflection,” which was held at the National Stadium, President Ali underscored the importance of navigating the controversy through diplomatic channels.

First, he acknowledged the collective effort of leaders worldwide who have expressed unwavering support for Guyana’s stance on the side of law, dignity, and honesty.
“I’ve had the opportunity to engage with many leaders across the world. I had the opportunity to raise this issue specifically, and I have been given the complete reassurance of all of those leaders, that they stand with Guyana on the side of law, on the side of dignity and on the side of honesty,” President Ali said.

He commended the work of diplomats, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lawyers, and all those contributing to supporting the country’s diplomatic endeavours.
“Diplomacy — we have a responsibility to navigate this through diplomacy, and that is why we are working all across the globe, and I want to acknowledge the work of our diplomats, the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the work of our lawyers, and all those who work every day to support our diplomatic efforts,” he added.

Acknowledging the solidarity of various nations and international organisations, President Ali mentioned the support received from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM|), the Commonwealth, Asia, the Arab World, the State Department, the Department of Defense, Washington, Canada, and France.

“Diplomacy is our first line of defence. We must not fail to communicate; we must make it very clear. We must draw the lines of factual positioning, but we must not close the door to communication. We must show that, as a country, we are willing to coexist; we are willing to coexist with everyone. We are willing to build partnerships, but in all of this, we must remain vigilant and prepared,” President Ali asserted.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has remained steadfast in its support for Guyana amidst the border controversy with Venezuela and has made it clear that the region must remain “a zone of peace.”
Recently, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley, and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that CARICOM has always been in support of Guyana’s territorial integrity.
The Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and other international agencies have also offered their “full support” to Guyana.

Gonsalves said the ongoing controversy between Venezuela and Guyana is an old one, and that Guyana bases its position on the 1899 Arbitral Award.
Gonsalves said: “CARICOM has always defended the territorial inviolability of Guyana.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said that CARICOM has issued a very strong statement in support of Guyana.

She said that while she stated some weeks back that in spite of the controversy, Venezuela is a friend of the region as well, she would wish to see the region remain one of peace.
Mottley related that this statement has incited condemnation. However, she added: “I have come to public life to promote peace, not division.”
She continued to assert that Guyana’s position has remained firm and resolute, with the full support of the region.