Dear Editor,
The public debate on the ConocoPhillips arbitration award has left the learned AG without a solid argument. The USA are our allies and have the full support of the justice system in their efforts to recoup what Venezuela unlawfully stole from them. Guyana also has a right to recoup our half of Ankoko Island, which Venezuela has unlawfully stolen. If support of the international judiciary is the Attorney General’s priority, then his office would be fully supportive of ConocoPhillips’ request. It is ludicrous to think that our current dispute with Venezuela should prevent us from taking a just position and the requested action. Is it that the current administration is reluctant to release the funds in the escrow?
CRG has no doubt that if and when Guyana wins our case before the International Court of Justice that the USA will support our efforts to enforce the resulting judgement. We also should not be hesitant to assist their corporations in doing same. The Venezuelan government has unlawfully stolen from Guyana as they have unlawfully stolen from the USA. It is our responsibility to ensure that we remain on the side of justice. CRG calls on the current administration to support ConocoPhillips by releasing the funds in escrow. It will not diminish our case before the ICJ, but instead strengthen our position during this current dispute with our adversary. We must also strengthen our efforts to recoup our half of Ankoko Island!
Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of
Guyana
