Dear Editor,
Joan of Arc’s human courage was more significant than her political and military contribution in the 14th Century, during the one hundred years war between England and France. As a young, female general, she was successful in holding off the English from occupying France. Her place in history is thus guaranteed. On December 1st, another Joan came into a bit of historical activity also. All keen eyes and attentive ears were focused on the American, Joan E Donoghue, President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Hague, as she delivered an anxiously, awaited announcement for the ruling on Venezuela’s December 3rd Referendum. President Irfaan Ali along with Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo and entourage, are currently in Dubai, attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). Global warming is indeed a crisis as temperature continues to rise due to human input. Small countries are gravely and greatly affected and leaders gracefully anticipate the big nations to make good of their promises in saving the world from nature’s consequences. A different kind of temperature was climaxing throughout Guyana the whole week.
Guyanese reacted jubilantly Friday morning as the ICJ’s President, Joan E. Donoghue, pronounced favourably, the decision Guyana was praying for. Successful with this primary hurdle in the recent development, Guyana overcame much tension which was aggravating the daily lives of all Guyanese. This relief brought smiles and laughter to the faces of all as Guyana digested the repercussion of this significant decision. Without much reservation and as was expected, it was not surprising to listen to the ruling of the ICJ Friday morning regarding Guyana’s appeal for temporary measures to be executed, refraining Venezuela from their military aggression, political agenda and geo-economic development of Guyana’s land. In layman’s term, Venezuela is prevented from taking any action or resorting to any measures that may affect Guyana’s control of her land. Regardless of the outcome of their referendum, if it takes place on 3rd December as proposed by Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro, Venezuela cannot advance an inch on the soil occupied currently by Guyana. They can participate in their referendum, Guyana has no qualms about that, but they cannot take any follow through action which may be deemed detrimental as to the loss of Guyana’s area.
The other ruling from The President of the ICJ involves the court’s instruction referring to non-action from both countries. Both countries are directed to refrain from taking any follow up action as a result of the court’s decision, which may make the controversy difficult to resolve. Guyana never had and certainly does not have any intention to take any actions that may disrupt or interrupt the process of the law. Guyana resorted to the good office of the ICJ for a final resolution to Venezuela’s absurd, abusive and alarming claim, invalidating the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision which delineated the land boundary between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela. All Guyanese are ecstatic and thank the ICJ for the sensible, sensitive and sane decision made on Friday. Guyana is both humbled and happy and unhesitatingly wishes well for the welfare of the people and country of Venezuela. Guyanese feel sorry for the deplorable conditions Venezuelans have to endure and live with under Maduro’s leadership. That is why, Guyana is extending a helping hand to thousands of refugees escaping from that land with compassion.
Guyana awaits the outcome of December 3rd, if any, with a clear conscience, comprehensive conviction and complete confidence. Joan of Arc’s legend grew, and, in 1909 she was beatified in the famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris by Pope Pius X. In 1920, she was canonized by Pope Benedict XV. Guyana adores Joan E. Donoghue and appreciates her hard work and diligence in bringing a quick and punctual decision to Venezuela’s insane and sensational drama.
Sincerely,
Jai Lall