Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs Roysdale Forde is urging President Irfaan Ali to exercise decisive leadership by convening a national dialogue following Venezuela’s claim that it had created a state in Essequibo.
“In response to these challenging times, I urge the President of Guyana Mr Irfaan Ali, to exercise decisive leadership by convening a national dialogue that includes the Opposition and other key stakeholders. Our goal is to forge a unified front in addressing this existential threat to our nation’s sovereignty. The sovereignty of Guyana transcends political divides; it is a shared treasure that we must all safeguard with unwavering commitment and inclusivity,” Forde said in a release on Saturday.
He said that in this recent and unsettling development, Caracas has taken measures that not only exacerbate the longstanding territorial controversy over the Essequibo region but also starkly violate the spirit and letter of the recently crafted Argyle Agreement.
He reminded that this agreement, which is a mutual commitment to peace, clearly stipulates that both Guyana and Venezuela should refrain from any actions or rhetoric that could escalate conflicts arising from territorial controversies.
“This egregious act by Venezuela is not only a breach of international law but also a departure from decades of established precedent. In its initial application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Guyana detailed how Venezuela, for more than half a century, had acknowledged and respected the 1899 Award’s validity and the subsequent 1905 map, which were both integral to delineating our territorial boundaries,” the release noted.
“It is both notable and regrettable that Venezuela reversed its stance in 1962, coinciding with the United Kingdom’s preparations to grant Guyana independence. This year, we mark the 58th anniversary of the 1966 Geneva Agreement, a reminder of our enduring quest for a peaceful and just resolution to this dispute.”
Forde posited that the recent unilateral action by Venezuela not only disregarded these historical agreements but also posed a significant threat to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity—fundamental tenets that ensure the stability and security of nations worldwide. Such unilateral measures threaten to destabilize the Caribbean and Latin American region, creating a climate of uncertainty and potential conflict that extends far beyond our borders, he added.
He stated that the unwavering support from the Caribbean Community and the Organization of American States underscores the international community’s solidarity with Guyana.
“It highlights the collective understanding of the importance of resolving this dispute through dialogue, adherence to international law, and the mechanisms provided by the ICJ,” he wrote..
“As we reflect on the significance of the Geneva Agreement’s anniversary, let us renew our commitment to seeking a peaceful and lawful resolution to this dispute. Our nation’s future, and indeed the stability of our region, depend on our ability to stand together in defence of our sovereign rights.”
Forde also urged the Head of State to place great store in Article 13 of Guyana’s Constitution and embrace inclusivity. “Inclusionary democracy lies at the heart of our nation’s ethos, and it is incumbent upon us, all of us, to uphold this principle, particularly, in the face of external threats to our sovereignty,” he wrote.
“We must, at the very basic level, transcend partisan divides and stand united in defence of our territorial and national sovereignty.
“As we navigate these turbulent waters, we are reminded of the complex history of the Essequibo (controversy), rooted in the colonial era. Guyana’s pursuit of a final and binding judgment from the ICJ to affirm the 1899 Arbitral Award is not only about territorial integrity but also about securing our nation’s future economic and geostrategic interests. The Essequibo region, rich in natural resources, is integral to Guyana’s development and prosperity.”
Forde also commended MP Amanza Walton-Desir, Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, for her proactive engagement with the government in these critical times. “It is imperative that we, as a nation, stand united and mobilize every resource at our disposal to defend our territorial rights and uphold the principles of international law,” he said.
“Let us stand together, across party lines and as a united Guyanese people, to ensure the security of our nation’s future and affirm our commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of law. In unity, there is strength, and in strength, there is victory.”
The Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs reminded that “Guyana’s sovereignty does not belong solely to the government but to all of us, irrespective of political affiliation. When I took the oath to serve as a parliamentarian, it was with the solemn commitment to represent and safeguard the interests of all Guyanese.
“The illegal action by Venezuela constitutes a serious threat to the interests and future of all Guyanese”, he added.
