Unity shown on border controversy should transcend into Guyana’s development – President Ali

…Opposition urges Guyanese to stand together as case proceeds

Guyanese leaders across the political divide on Friday welcomed the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that it has the jurisdiction to hear the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy case, calling this a “great victory” for all Guyanese.
President Dr Irfaan Ali was joined by Cabinet Ministers and representatives of the local team involved in the border controversy case led by former Foreign Minister and Guyana’s agent, Carl Greenidge, as well as members of Civil Society organisations for a viewing of the landmark decision by the World Court at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
The ICJ ruled via a 12-4 majority decision that it has jurisdiction to entertain the March 2018 application filed by Guyana concerning the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899 and the definitive settlement of the land boundary dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.

This now paves way for the hearing of the substantive case in which Guyana is seeking a final and binding judgment to reinforce that the 1899 Award remains valid and binding on all parties, and a legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of Guyana’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.
Immediately after the World Court’s decision, President Ali called and thanked Sir Shridath Ramphal, who led Guyana’s arguments at a hearing in June and Attorney Paul Reichler of international law firm, Foley Hoag, who also represented Guyana.

Guyanese unite
The Head of State subsequently addressed the gathering at the ACCC, during which he lauded the court’s decision and all those who played an integral role in the border controversy case, which he said took hard work and dedication from many persons over many years.
According to President Ali, this case has transcended political affiliation and brought Guyanese together – something he hopes can be applied to other areas for Guyana’s development.

“We have always stood together, we have always recognised together, and demonstrated to the international community together that we are one and that we are united on our sovereignty and borders…This victory is testimony to what we can achieve as a people when we are united and this should be a healing point for our country. There is no compromise on our sovereignty, we are together on this and it is in this same spirit, I think we should be together on the development and future of our country,” he posited.
With the way now paved for the substantive case to proceed, the Guyanese leader expressed hope that Venezuela, which did not participate in the proceedings, would reconsider its position so that there is a final and complete settlement of the border controversy between the two countries.
The Head of State also called on Guyanese to continue to support the legal team in unity and bring international attention to Guyana’s case.
“Previous Governments, leaders; previous Presidents would’ve all said our greatest strength is when we’re united, our greatest hope is when we’re united. The best we can achieve in the future must be and will be when we’re united. This case is just an example of that unity,” President Ali asserted.

Stand together
Meanwhile, the APNU/AFC Opposition on Friday also welcomed the ruling and applauded the efforts of Guyana’s legal team to achieve this victory.
At a virtual press conference shortly after the decision was handed down, Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon underscored the need for Guyanese to stand together on this cause.
“APNU/AFC congratulates the leadership of Carl Greenridge and the legal team that presented our case before the ICJ. On this issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity, we stand together as a nation and we trust that as the case moves to the next stage that we continue to stand on common ground,” the Opposition Leader stated.
On the other hand, the Alliance For Change (AFC) – the minority party in coalition – at a separate press briefing on Friday, also echoed similar sentiments.

Definitive resolution
Meanwhile, at the ACCC on Friday morning, Guyana’s agent on the border controversy case, Carl Greenidge, said they are pleased that the case has been accepted by a forum which can ensure a definitive resolution of the controversy that has bedevilled both Guyana and its Spanish-speaking neighbour.
“The issue has been characterised by endless and interminable repetition of processes and arguments, and in the background whilst these interminable exchanges have taken place, Guyana has lost territory, investments and the opportunity to improve the wellbeing of its people. So, you will understand why I’m especially appreciative of the court’s decision in essence says in the first instance that the court accepts the contention of the Guyana legal team that the court has the powers to consider the case, and we look forward to the consideration of the substance of the case after this,” Greenidge stated.
Moreover, Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd also remarked that this is not just a victory for Guyana and its people but multilateralism as well.
“We committed to this process at the multilateral level, and we’re thankful that at that level global governance has been upheld and we’ve seen it at the ICJ [Friday] morning. We respect the Venezuelan people but we also have to protect our territorial integrity and our sovereignty. And this by no means, would affect how we feel about the people of Venezuela. We love the people of Venezuela. We want the best for them as well but we have to protect our self-interest in internal systems and this is how we’ll go about it by using the correct process and instruments,” Todd noted.
The Foreign Minister also reiterated the PPP/C Government’s commitment to approach this matter in an inclusive way. (G8)