This region, this hemisphere, should remain a Zone of Peace

Dear Editor,
With the advent of the internet, affordable cellular phone data, and multiple social media platforms, people worldwide have been constantly reminded of the devastating consequences of war. Across continents, conflict has shattered families, destabilised communities, and left survivors permanently changed. In this context, global discussions have emerged about the role certain leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have played in seeking to prevent or de-escalate conflicts from the Middle East to other regions. Regardless of political viewpoints, these discussions highlight a fundamental truth: lasting peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for international law.
History shows that war is rarely the will of ordinary citizens. Too often it is the result of political misjudgement, inflated egos, or decisions made without regard for the human cost. When leaders lose sight of the responsibility entrusted to them, it is the people who suffer the most: families torn apart, economies destabilised, infrastructure destroyed, and futures disrupted. In such moments, citizens must remind those in positions of power that their mandate is clear: to act in the best interest of peace, stability, and humanity.
It is in this regard, in this spirit, that I strongly urge renewed diplomatic engagement and negotiations without weapons of mass destruction, bullets, and bombs to address tensions in our own hemisphere, including the ongoing issues between the United States and Venezuela. Dialogue, not confrontation, must guide the way forward for the sake of the people of this region, our neighbours, our partners, and our shared future. Leaders of the world and in the region must embrace the power of meaningful communication as the first and most responsible option.
Further, it would be remiss of me not to call on all leaders across the Caribbean and Latin America to reaffirm our long-standing commitment to maintaining this region, this hemisphere, as a Zone of Peace. You must demand respect for international law, adherence to global treaties, and recognition of each nation’s sovereignty, for it must remain the bedrock of regional harmony. These principles safeguard not only our borders but also our collective dignity, our way of life, our progress from slavery and exploitation, and, above all, our security.
Furthermore, it must be emphasised that all of Guyana’s 83,000 square miles of territory, along with its maritime and economic zones, are legally and historically the sovereign property of the Guyanese people. As President Irfaan Ali has said on numerous occasions, our country is unreservedly committed to peace and international cooperation. Guyana deserves the assurance that its integrity will not be threatened. Influential regional and global voices, including President Trump, should he again seek to champion peace, ought to encourage all parties, including the Government of Venezuela, to respect these established international norms. Let us, as a region, raise our collective voices firmly yet diplomatically: peace must be our reality. International law must be our guide. The sovereignty of nations must remain inviolable.
I strongly believe only by upholding these principles can we ensure that the Caribbean and the Americas continue to be a hemisphere of peace, stability, cooperation, and shared progress.

Yours respectfully,
Jermaine Figueira,
Former Member of
Parliament