The U.S. and CARICOM condemned Venezuela’s threats to an ExxonMobil oil platform in Guyana. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the incident as unacceptable and supported Guyana’s sovereignty. CARICOM called Venezuela’s actions aggressive and urged withdrawal from Guyana’s waters. This follows a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel’s intrusion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, raising security concerns.
The United States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have condemned Venezuela’s threatening actions towards ExxonMobil’s oil platform in Guyana’s territorial waters. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the incident as “unacceptable,” warning of potential repercussions for the Maduro regime if provocations continue. He affirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Guyana’s sovereignty as defined by the 1899 arbitral award concerning the border dispute.
CARICOM has described Venezuela’s maneuvers as “acts of aggression and provocation” that breach international law and the principles outlined in the 2023 Argyle Declaration. The regional body has called for the immediate withdrawal of Venezuelan vessels from Guyana’s waters and an end to any engagements with oil platforms. CARICOM asserted that the incident undermines the collective commitment to maintain peace within the Caribbean region.
On March 1, 2025, a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel intruded into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approaching several oil platforms and issuing a radio warning that they were operating in disputed waters. In response, President Dr. Irfaan Ali deemed the situation “serious” and reiterated that Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognized internationally. He emphasized the government’s seriousness in addressing the issue at hand.
Concerns are growing among the numerous workers aboard the oil vessels involved. President Ali has kept Caribbean and international partners, including CARICOM Chairman Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, informed of developments and urged de-escalation with the Venezuelan government. In tandem, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Venezuelan Ambassador to express formal objections, while the Guyana Coast Guard has increased patrols in the Stabroek block.
This incident follows a prior attack along the Cuyuni River, which resulted in the shooting of six Guyanese soldiers purportedly by a Venezuelan criminal gang. The longstanding territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela is currently being adjudicated by the International Court of Justice, seeking a conclusive resolution to the matter.
The actions of Venezuela towards ExxonMobil’s oil platforms in Guyana trigger strong condemnation from the United States and CARICOM. The situation is characterized by escalating tensions and international concerns, prompting Guyana to assert its territorial integrity firmly. The ongoing territorial dispute remains in legal proceedings, highlighting the need for a diplomatic resolution to ensure peace in the region.
Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com
