HEADS of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, strongly condemning Venezuela’s recent attempts to assert authority over the Essequibo region in defiance of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
During the recently concluded 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM in Montego Bay, Jamaica, leaders received an update on the ongoing border controversy and expressed deep concern over Venezuela’s claim to have conducted regional elections in the so-called “Guayana Esequiba State” on May 25, 2025.
Despite Venezuela’s public assertions, CARICOM noted that no such elections were actually held within the Essequibo region, which remains under the control and administration of Guyana.
The move, they noted, was a blatant challenge to the ICJ’s binding order issued on May 1, 2025, which explicitly prohibited Venezuela from holding or preparing to hold any elections in the disputed area.
The ICJ’s directive—adopted by a vote of 12 to 3—expanded on earlier provisional measures from December 1, 2023. It states clearly that, pending a final decision, Venezuela must “refrain from conducting elections, or preparing to conduct elections, in the territory in dispute,” a region which the Co-operative Republic of Guyana currently administers.
The court in its December 1, 2023 order stated: “Pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute for which the Co-operative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area; and both parties shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve.”
The recent decision followed Venezuela’s January 2025 announcement that it intended to include the Essequibo region in its May regional polls by electing a governor and legislative council for what it refers to as “Guayana Esequiba State.” The planned elections were timed to coincide with the eve of Guyana’s 59th Independence anniversary.
Heads of Government reiterated their full support for the ICJ-led judicial process as the only legitimate and peaceful mechanism for resolving the century-old controversy—one that dates back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundary between the two countries.
In line with the ICJ’s scheduling order, CARICOM leaders also urged Venezuela to submit its final written pleading, or rejoinder, by August 11, 2025.
Guyana, which initiated the proceedings before the World Court in 2018, is seeking a final and binding ruling that upholds the 1899 Arbitral Award.
The Essequibo region in question comprises nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass and has remained under Guyana’s effective control for decades.
Following the May 1 ruling, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, declared, via social media, that the decision was a victory for international law. “Once again, Guyana’s position has prevailed. Once again, it has been demonstrated that Guyana’s position accords with international law,” the Head of State affirmed.
The World Court’s judgement serves as a decisive response to Venezuela’s escalating efforts to alter the status quo of the disputed territory. In both its December 2023 and May 2025 orders, the Court emphasised that Venezuela must not take any steps that could aggravate or extend the dispute or undermine a peaceful resolution.
The Government of Guyana has consistently maintained its commitment to the ICJ process and to the peaceful and lawful settlement of the controversy. It has also urged Venezuela to comply with the Court’s legally binding decisions and to refrain from any action that would undermine peace and security in the region.
The international community, including the Commonwealth and the Organisation of American States (OAS), continues to support Guyana’s stance, recognising that Venezuela’s recent manoeuvres threaten not just Guyana’s sovereignty but the broader stability of Latin America and the Caribbean.