Guyana’s Private Sector Commission (PSC) has condemned and expressed strong concern over what it considers to be an act of deliberate and provocative display of imagery by the Acting Venezuelan President, Delcy Rodrigues.

Rodrigues, who has been depicting Guyana’s Essequibo region as part of Venezuela on a brooch, held recent meetings with the Prime Minister of Barbados and the Prime Minister of Grenada with the brooch prominent on her attire.

The PSC said “this act is neither incidental nor benign; it is unacceptable within the framework of international law and responsible diplomacy, and is particularly troubling when it occurs within the territory of Barbados. The PSC views this latest incident as a form of symbolic aggression intended to influence perception, shape narratives, and test international resolve, risking the undermining of regional stability, the erosion of trust, and the weakening of the principles of peaceful dispute resolution”.

The Venezuelan leader’s posturing is coming days before Guyana’s substantive case is set to be argued at the International Court of Justice.

“Guyana’s position is clear and unwavering: Essequibo is Guyana’s. It is administered by Guyana, populated by Guyanese citizens, developed by Guyana, and protected under international law. Venezuela’s continued actions, including the creation of a so-called “Guayana Esequiba” state and attempts to project authority over Guyanese territory, are illegal, provocative, and contrary to both the orders of the International Court of Justice and the commitments outlined in the Argyle Declaration,” the Private Sector.

The PSC has called on Barbados, whom it described as a valued CARICOM partner and long-standing friend of Guyana, to stand firmly in defence of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Further, we call on CARICOM and all regional and international partners to remain vigilant and unequivocal in their support for the rule of law. Silence or inaction in the face of such deliberate provocation risks emboldening further escalation,” the PSC noted.

The PSC said it stands resolutely with the Government and people of Guyana noting that the country’s  economic stability, investment climate, and national development depend on the inviolability of the country’s borders and respect for international law.

The Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana also raised concern of its own about the issue.

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