Opposition Member of Parliament with responsibility for Foreign Affairs, Amanza Walton-Desir is pushing for an urgent meeting of the Foreign Relations Sectoral Committee of the National Assembly as Venezuela continues to violate the Argyle Agreement, and the order of the International Court of Justice.

In a statement on Tuesday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced plans to hold elections for a Governor of Guyana’s Essequibo region, which he continues to claim.

The Guyana Government has condemned the announcement and has also informed the international community of Maduro’s latest violation of the Argyle Agreement and the Order of the International Court, which is hearing the border case.

Opposition MP Amanza Walton-Desir said she has since written to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, urging the immediate convening of the Foreign Relations Sectoral Committee, in light of the two formal protests made by Guyana.

In her letter, MP Walton-Desir emphasized the critical importance of keeping the Foreign Relations Committee fully briefed on the escalating situation and the measures being taken to safeguard Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 “It is deeply concerning that the Foreign Relations Committee, a crucial body responsible for addressing matters of national and international significance, has been convened so infrequently, especially during times of heightened tension,” MP Walton-Desir stated. 

She added: “The current circumstances demand that this committee functions effectively to ensure transparency, informed decision-making, and the confidence of the Guyanese people.”

The Opposition MP expressed dismay at the lack of regular engagement of the Committee, despite ongoing regional and international challenges that directly impact Guyana’s foreign relations. 

Walton-Desir said robust dialogue and consultation are essential for crafting a unified and effective response to threats against the nation’s sovereignty.

 “The infrequency of these meetings undermines the role of the committee and risks leaving critical foreign policy decisions shrouded in opacity,” she said, adding that “it is imperative that the committee fulfills its mandate to oversee and guide Guyana’s foreign relations strategy during this critical time.”

 MP Walton-Desir has once again made it clear that she is ready to collaborate with the Government to address these urgent matters, and is awaiting the prompt action of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the convening of the committee.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while reminding Venezuela that Essequibo belongs to Guyana, said it would be a flagrant violation of the most fundamental principles of international law for Venezuela to attempt to conduct an election in Guyanese territory involving the participation of Guyanese nationals.

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