-Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs
APNU+AFC Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Member of Parliament (MP), Amanza Walton-Desir says that Guyana must stand united decisive and unwavering against Venezuela’s aggression.
In a statement released yesterday, the MP pointed to the latest in a series of provocative actions and statements by the Venezuelan government, including the announcement of plans to elect a “Governor of Guayana Esequiba,” which she asserted represents “an unprecedented violation of international law, a direct affront to the sovereignty of Guyana, and a dangerous escalation of tensions.” Referring to this action as a “brazen move,” she reminded that it is in direct violation of the binding order of the International Court of Justice, which was issued on December 1, 2023, and the Argyle Agreement of December 14, 2023, and as such, condemned Venezuela’s actions in the strongest possible terms.
Walton-Desir also expressed the view based on the government’s response, that more decisive and proactive leadership is needed to confront this grave challenge, noting that “As a nation, we must not only defend our territory but also demonstrate to the world that Guyana is united, resolute, and unwavering in the face of aggression.”
According to the Shadow Minister, Guyana’s response must be proportionate to the gravity of this threat and reflect the unity of purpose required to safeguard the homeland. With this in mind, she called on the the government to take urgent steps to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and to strengthen Guyana’s position in this critical moment. She suggested that these steps should include the following:
This calls for the mobilisation of the full spectrum of Guyana’s diplomatic apparatus, and includes directing every Ambassador, High Commissioner, and diplomatic mission, to advocate Guyana’s case globally, focussing on securing statements of support and actionable commitments. Special envoys should be dispatched to key capitals such as Washington, London, and Brussels to brief governments and institutions on Venezuela’s violations of the Argyle Agreement and the binding ICJ Order of December 1, 2023, as an urgent priority.
Further, the government must call for emergency sessions within the Caribbean Community, Organization of American States, and the United Nations, to secure global condemnation of Venezuela’s actions. Since Venezuela’s actions are not just an attack on Guyana but on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that underpin global stability, the moment requires Guyana to rally regional neighbours and global powers to collectively reaffirm the inviolability of international borders.
Guyana’s case must be heard in the court of global public opinion, which will require the government partnering with major international media outlets to maintain awareness of Venezuela’s illegal claims and actions as well as the use of digital platforms, she said. Also the voices of Essequibo residents who stand firmly as proud Guyanese citizens must be amplified.
Engagement of the Guyanese diaspora
It must be understood that Guyana’s diaspora communities are vital allies in this fight, and as such the government must convene virtual town halls and other platforms to mobilise overseas citizens, encouraging them to advocate for Guyana’s sovereignty in their local communities, the MP urged.
In this fight, all of Guyana must stand united. However, the Government of Guyana must understand that national unity cannot be achieved in a vacuum, but fostered through the consistent, fair treatment of all citizens, through respect for their rights and the creation of an environment where every Guyanese feels valued and included. Only through such actions can trust be built and the collective strength of the nation harnessed to defend its sovereignty. The statement called for the establishment of a Border Security Commission that comprises representatives of government, Opposition, key political and civil society stakeholders and experts in international law, national security, and diplomacy and other relevant fields.
Prepare for stronger legal action
The nation must remain steadfast in committing to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) process, while also preparing to request additional provisional measures if Venezuela continues to escalate its actions. Walton-Desir said that the ICJ represents the best pathway to a peaceful and lawful resolution, and Guyana must ensure that its authority is upheld. Venezuela’s provocation must be viewed within the broader context of a concerning global trend where sovereign borders are challenged, and international norms are undermined, which not only poses a threat to Guyana, but to the international legal order as a whole. Guyana must lead the charge in defending the principles of territorial integrity and peaceful dispute resolution and not be bullied into submission.
“This moment demands that we demonstrate leadership that is bold, strategic, and inclusive. This is not a government or opposition matter; this is a national cause, and together, we must meet this provocation with the full force of diplomacy, law and solidarity,” the MP declared.