The Guyanese government warns of treason charges against any local support for Venezuela’s elections in the disputed Essequibo region. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn reiterated the legal repercussions for such actions. Additionally, Guyana has approached the ICJ to halt Venezuelan electoral activities undermining its sovereignty while managing illegal immigration effectively.
Georgetown officials have acknowledged the presence of Venezuelan “sleepers” in Guyana and warned that treason charges will be pursued against those supporting Venezuela’s electoral endeavors in the disputed Essequibo region. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn stated that individuals accepting gubernatorial appointments in Essequibo, if they are Guyanese nationals, will face severe legal consequences. “We will charge that person for treason and lock them up; each and every one of them,” Benn declared during a police conference.
Additionally, Guyana has formally requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to prohibit Venezuela from conducting electoral activities within the Essequibo region amidst an ongoing border dispute. The Foreign Ministry remarked that these upcoming Venezuelan elections could undermine Guyana’s sovereignty, highlighting that proper judicial precautionary steps must be taken to protect its territorial rights.
Venezuela’s government, following a disputed referendum, has included the Essequibo region in its official territory. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced plans for elections to appoint a Governor and Legislative Council for this area, which is rich in oil resources and comprises a significant portion of Guyana’s territory. In 2023, Venezuelan official narratives claimed substantial public support from a referendum purportedly conducted on this issue.
The historical dispute between Venezuela and Guyana centers around the Arbitral Award of 1899, a topic currently under review by the ICJ following Guyana’s formal filing in 2018. The Court has acknowledged its jurisdiction and will render a decision on the boundary’s legitimacy based on merits. In a related action, Guyana recently deported 75 Venezuelans who unlawfully entered its territory, ensuring that their needs were met during their detainment, according to police officials.
In conclusion, the Guyanese government has taken a firm stance against any Venezuelan electoral activities in the contested Essequibo region, emphasizing potential treason charges for local supporters. The ongoing case in front of the ICJ regarding territorial claims remains crucial to the resolution of this dispute, as Guyana seeks to protect its sovereignty amidst Venezuelan claims. Effective immigration practices have also been highlighted through recent deportations of illegal entrants from Venezuela.
Original Source: trinidadexpress.com
