Dear Editor,
The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) strongly welcomes and supports the recent Order of 1 May 2025 of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela), which reaffirms its earlier Order of 1 December 2023 in response to Guyana’s request for provisional measures to prevent the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela from violating Guyana’s sovereignty and integrity, in particular in the Essequibo.
The Order of 1 May 2025 states that Venezuela “shall refrain from conducting elections, or preparing to conduct elections, in the territory in dispute, which the Co-operative Republic of Guyana currently administers and over which it exercises control.”
This represents a critical step in Guyana’s efforts to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The GGDMA reiterates its steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and fully supports the Government of Guyana in its ongoing legal proceedings at the ICJ. We commend the efforts of the Guyanese legal team, led by Hon. Carl B. Greenidge and supported by Co-Agents the late Sir Shridath Ramphal and H.E. Elisabeth Harper and Legal Counsel.
For decades, the mining sector has played a vital role in the sustainable development and economic empowerment of the people of Guyana, particularly in the Essequibo region. The GGDMA stands in solidarity with all Guyanese in safeguarding our nation’s land, resources, and future from any form of external aggression or unlawful claims.
The GGDMA would like to make it unequivocally clear that no such activity is currently taking place, nor will it take place, as the Association stands firmly in defence of, and is committed to, preserving the sovereignty of Guyana.
We call on all stakeholders, both national and international, to respect the Orders of the ICJ, and to ensure that peace, diplomacy, and international legal mechanisms remain the tools through which such matters are addressed.
The GGDMA will continue to work alongside the Government and people of Guyana in defence of our sovereignty and the lawful administration of our territory.
Sincerely,
Guyana Gold and
Diamond Miners
Association (GGDMA)
