Venezuela border controversy: Caricom reaffirms unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity

Guyana continues to enjoy the unequivocal and unwavering support of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) as the regional bloc reaffirmed its calls for the judicial settlement of the decades-long border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.
This commitment by regional leaders was one of the outcomes of the recently concluded 50th Meeting of the Caricom Heads of Government in St Kitts and Nevis.

At a closing press conference on Friday, Caricom Chairman, Prime Minister Terrence Drew of St Kitts, described the four-day conference as a resounding success as he provided an update on key outcomes of the meeting, including the renewed support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Heads of Government received an update on the latest developments regarding the Guyana-Venezuela controversy pending before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Heads of Government reaffirmed their full support for the ongoing judicial process as the means of resolving the controversy. Finally, and in accordance with international law, they reiterated their unequivocal and unwavering support for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana,” Prime Minister Drew said in his statement.
Venezuela is laying claims to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass – the entire Essequibo region and a portion of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) have been found and oil operations are currently ongoing offshore.
Over the years, the Spanish-speaking nation has been increasing its aggression towards Guyana, including as recently as last year – something that Caricom has always rejected and expressed support for Guyana.
Back in 2018, Guyana approached the ICJ, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which establishes the boundaries with neighbouring Venezuela.
The world had first established its jurisdiction to hear the border case in December 2020. The written phase of the case concluded last year after Guyana filed two written pleadings on the merits of the case, and Venezuela also filed two – the last being in August 2025.
It was revealed earlier this month that the ICJ has set May 4 for the commencement of oral arguments on the merits of the case. This will be followed by the court’s deliberations and issuance of its final judgement, which will be binding on both countries under international law.
Guyana has already declared its steadfast commitment to the peaceful resolution of this border controversy with Venezuela in accordance with international law through the ICJ. The Guyana government has also indicated its confidence in a favourable ruling, likely for some time this year.
In addition to Caricom, Guyana’s defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity has similarly enjoyed the widespread support of the international community, which President Dr Irfaan Ali recently acknowledged.
“I want to recognise members of the diplomatic community, and I want to thank them for their steadfast support for our country, our sovereignty, and our territorial integrity,” the Guyanese Head of State said during his Address to the Nation on Sunday last at the flag-raising ceremony to celebrate Guyana’s 56th Republic Day Anniversary.
According to President Ali, Guyana is backed by history and international law as it continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Venezuela’s spurious claims.
“On the world stage, when it comes to the defence of our territory, we’ve assembled an able and capable team to argue the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award before the International Court of Justice. Let no one be mistaken; history and international law are on our side. Our borders are sacred, and we will defend them,” the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in Guyana declared in his address last Sunday.
He further reminded that the valiant Guyanese men and women in uniform are on the borders, standing vigilantly to ensure that the Republic is safe and secure. Their capability, he assured, is boosted with unprecedented resources from the government.
“As a collective unit – the Guyanese people – we thank our men and women in uniform. We thank them again and again for this selfless service. Know that your home, your land, and your brothers and sisters hold you up. Hold you up every day in strength, honour, and dignity,” the Guyanese leader stated.
The Commander-in-Chief added, “While we still have much work to do on the security front, the indisputable reality is that our Republic is not just growing wealthier; it is growing safer, proving that development and security are two sides of the same sovereign coin.”
President Ali attended the now-concluded Caricom Meeting, during which he held a series of engagements.