Hours after President Irfaan Ali dispatched an official letter of protest to the CARICOM Chairman, expressing concern over the Venezuelan President engaging CARICOM Leaders while wearing a brooch with Guyana’s Essequibo as part of the Venezuelan map, CARICOM responded and signaled its ongoing support for Guyana’s territorial integrity.

In a statement last evening, CARICOM said its longstanding and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and for the peaceful resolution of the border controversy through the Court remains firm and unchanged.

The regional body noted that it remains committed to unity, to the rule of law, and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.

CARICOM said it has taken note of recent official engagements within the Community during which material asserting Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region was on public display.

According to CARICOM, it reaffirms that each Member State retains the sovereign right to conduct bilateral relations with external partners, adding that the principle is well established and respected within the Community.

Those engagements, CARICOM said, are conducted in a manner consistent with the shared obligations and collective commitments of CARICOM.

“At the centre of those commitments stands the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the binding legal instrument that defines the Community, its objectives, and the conduct expected of its Member States. The Treaty commits Members to the preservation of the Community’s integrity and cohesion in their external relations”, the statement noted.

CARICOM said in the exercise of their sovereign rights, Member States should remain mindful of their collective responsibilities to the Treaty and to uphold the principles of international law, respect for judicial processes and good neighbourly relations.

The Regional body said Community platforms and engagements should not be used, whether directly or indirectly, to advance or appear to legitimise claims that are the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings before the International Court of Justice.

Related posts:

CARICOM Member States to vote for candidate of their choice in Commonwealth SG race CARICOM reaffirms unwavering support for Guyana in wake of latest claim by Venezuela CARICOM declares its firm support for Guyana’s territorial integrity CARICOM reaffirms support for Guyana and its territorial integrity