Dear Editor,
I write with reference to a column, written by Mr. Neville Bissember, which appeared in the online version of your newspaper on December 27th, 2023. Mr. Bissember commented as follows: “Professor Stephen Vasciannie, writing in the Jamaica Observer of 24 December, stated that ‘it must be acknowledged that the Argyle initiative provides no long-term solution to the territorial dispute over Essequibo [sic.] region’. Well of course it didn’t, because that was not the intention, as that solution would be provided in the fullness of time by the ICJ” (https://www. stabroeknews.com/2023/12/27/news/guyana/argyle-was-a-win-win-but-should-have-set-up-a-multi-party-commission-with-a-monitoring-function/).
I am not aware of the application of game theory to jurisprudence but it plays a significant role in the social sciences. In the comment above, Mr. Bissember, who is known for his expertise in international law and diplomacy, seems to suggest that the ICJ will provide a “long-term solution”. I beg to disagree. I suspect that the decision will be in Guyana’s favour but such a decision will not provide a lasting solution. Venezuela has already asserted that it will not consent to, or recognize the ICJ’s ”jurisdiction in the border controversy”.
A passing familiarity with game theory forces me to consider strategic options to ratchet down tensions for the long-term. Trinidad’s Dragon Field agreement with Venezuela might provide an answer (https://www.offshore-technology. com/news/venezuela-set-to-approve-licence-for-dragon-gas-field-to-trinidad-shell/?cf-view). Let me for the first time publicly say that I was decidedly unimpressed by our first auction of oil blocks. It is in light of those awards, and the border dispute, that I make bold and propose that consideration should be given to a partnership (the President is a strong advocate of partnerships https://www. stabroeknews.com/2023/12/27/news/guyana/local-consortium-being-formed-to-work-former-troy-resources-main-mine-ali/) with Venezuela’s state-run oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) for the development of offshore blocks AFTER the ICJ has delivered its final decision.
This type of a pragmatic approach has the potential of providing a lasting solution. If we are inviting the Americans, Chinese and Middle Easterners to make money from our energy resources then why not the Venezuelans? Shared development, on fair terms from Guyana, might well be the answer to peaceful relations.
Sincerely,
Terrence Campbell
