Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines stated that tensions will remain after the International Court of Justice ruling regarding the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute. He expressed uncertainty about the timing of the ICC judgment but acknowledged the ongoing legal proceedings. The situation has intensified following Venezuela’s naval presence near Guyana’s oil assets, prompting interventions from the international community.
On March 5, 2025, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines expressed his belief that tensions will persist between Guyana and Venezuela, regardless of the forthcoming International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling related to their long-standing border dispute. He stated, “Whichever way they go, you’re still going to have tensions.”
Serving as an interlocutor through the Argyle Agreement signed in December 2023, Gonsalves acknowledged the anticipated judgment from the ICJ, expected later this year or early next year. He noted, “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’m not too up-to-speed on the progress of the litigation,” emphasizing that the ICJ requires time to formulate its decision after the hearings have concluded.
Recently, Guyana reported a Venezuelan naval vessel’s presence near its oil installations, alarming Guyana and prompting warnings from the United States, France, CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States (OAS) against further Venezuelan provocations.
In a rebuttal, Venezuela dismissed the statements made by Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, referring to them as “baseless” and asserting that the waters in question are not part of Guyanese territory. They further claimed that the maritime zone is still pending delimitation under international law.
The ongoing ICJ case stems from the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, with the court advising Venezuela against any attempts at “annexation” of the oil-rich Essequibo region, which comprises approximately two-thirds of Guyana and is home to a significant portion of its population. Since Guyana initiated the case in March 2018, the ICJ has confirmed its jurisdiction over the matter and will render a judgment based on the relevant details of the case.
The discourse surrounding the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela is marked by escalating tensions, which Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves asserts will endure regardless of the ICJ ruling. Both nations are awaiting a significant legal decision regarding the historical Arbitral Award, which is crucial to the territorial claim. The situation remains tense as international communities intervene to promote stability, showcasing the complexities of geopolitical relations in the region.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
