AS the holiday season approaches, the people of Guyana can now look forward to a festive Christmas imbued with a new found sense of peace, thanks to recent diplomatic strides between Guyana and Venezuela.

The catalyst for this positive turn of events is none other than Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who embraced an invitation to attend a crucial meeting in St. Vincent, brokered by CELAC and CARICOM.

The meeting, attended by key regional leaders including Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago; Roosevelt Skeritt, Prime Minister of Dominica and the Chairman of CARICOM; Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada; other Caricom officials, a UN representative and senior representative from Brazil, provided a platform for President Ali and his Venezuelan counterpart, President Nicolas Maduro, to engage in constructive dialogue.

The focus of the discussions was consequential to the long-standing border controversy between the two nations, a matter currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Out of this gathering emerged an 11-point declaration that stands as a testament to the commitment of both countries to prevent any further escalation of conflict surrounding the controversy, which involves Venezuela’s unfounded claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region.

This declaration not only signals a diplomatic breakthrough, but also underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation in maintaining peace.

The significance of President Ali’s willingness to engage in these talks cannot be overstated. By participating in the meeting, he demonstrated a proactive approach to finding peaceful resolutions and fostering stability in the region. The diplomatic efforts showcased a collective commitment to maintaining peaceful coexistence, laying the groundwork for a more stable and secure future for both Guyana and Venezuela.

It is encouraging to note that President Ali maintained Guyana’s firm position that the matter is before the ICJ, in accordance with the recommendations of the UN Secretary-General and the 1966 Geneva Agreement. This commitment to international norms and legal mechanisms underscores a commitment to a just and impartial resolution of the border controversy.

As we approach the holiday season, Guyanese citizens can now breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy a well-deserved respite from the tensions that have lingered for far too long. The 11-point declaration serves as a beacon of hope, emphasising the power of diplomacy in diffusing long-standing tension and fostering a spirit of collaboration.

While the substantive matter remains before the ICJ, the commitment to de-escalation and cooperation expressed in the declaration sets a positive tone for future interactions between Guyana and Venezuela. It is our collective hope that the goodwill generated by this diplomatic breakthrough will prevail, paving the way for a sustained era of peace and stability in the region.