Dear Editor,
A year ago, I wrote about Putin’s invasion into neighbouring Ukraine, stating that with support by allied countries his “Special Operation” would likely suffer the fate of Napoleon’s “Russia campaign” when the vast majority of Napoleon’s army perished. Russia has currently lost over 300,000 soldiers in a battle imposed by a military dictator. Putin used deception to invade, denying the intent to launch his “Special Military Operation”. We are in a similar situation to Ukraine. The military of Venezuela is using deception by declaring unilaterally, ownership of Essequibo, so it is expected that the upcoming referendum will legitimize an invasion of Guyana. The military of Venezuela have declared that they are opposed and are not a willing party to the ICJ border case.
There is no deception being used by this military, and by its ambassador, when they make the statement they are an unwilling party to the ICJ case which is likely to confirm the validity of the current border between Guyana and Venezuela. The military has already declared non acceptance of any result by the ICJ which does not favour their opinion where the border should lie. It is clear that the danger of an invasion of our country is great. Many feel that the presence of Exxon in our waters will serve as a deterrent. At this time, we cannot speculate on who will come to our rescue if an invasion takes place. We need to develop significant deterrence to discourage the military of Venezuela.
There are a number of Caribbean leaders who appear to be wavering in their support for Guyana. I urge that our Government call an urgent meeting of CARICOM heads of Govern-ment to issue a unified statement that invasion is unacceptable. In addition, a meeting is needed with the OAS and Brazil to determine what support will be provided opposing any military action by the Venezuelan military. Our leaders should meet with the President of Venezuela to determine the course of action planned if the referendum rules that Essequibo belongs to Venezuela. It must be made clear to him, prior to the December 3 referendum, that a result favouring the motion that Essequibo belongs to Venezuela does not give him the right to ignore the current border which existed since the 1966 Geneva declaration and which was respected by his military and people when crossing our border.
For persons who may not be aware of the content of the referendum to be held December 3rd I add the 5 items of the referendum which clearly asks the Venezuela people to legitimize action to incorporate Essequibo into Venezuela and to make the people of that region citizens of Venezuela. The following questions were approved by the Electoral Council on 23 October 2023[2] and approved by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice on 1 November 2023:
1. “Do you agree to reject by all means in accordance with the law, the line fraudulently interposed by the 1899 Paris Arbitration Award, which seeks to deprive us of our Guayana Esequiba?”
2. “Do you support the 1966 Geneva Agreement as the only valid legal instrument to reach a practical and satisfactory solution for Venezuela and Guyana regarding the controversy over the territory of Guayana Esequiba?”
3. “Do you agree with Venezuela’s historical position of not recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the territorial controversy over Guayana Esequiba?”
4. “Do you agree to oppose, by all legal means, Guyana’s claim to unilaterally dispose of a sea pending delimitation, illegally and in violation of international law?”
5. “Do you agree with the creation of the Guayana Esequiba state and the development of an accelerated plan for comprehensive care for the current and future population of that territory, which includes, among others, the granting of citizenship and identity card? Venezuela, in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and International Law, consequently incorporating said state on the map of Venezuelan territory?”
The results of the referendum is under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Justice giving the result legality. We have limited time and must act decisively now. I wish to thank the Prime Ministers of Jamaica and Baroness Scotland for their decisive statements supporting Guyana in this border dispute.
Sincerely,
Dr. Davendra Sharma