‘Remove your vessel from Guyana’s water’ – CARICOM tells Venezuela

Mar 02, 2025 News

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…as US threatens “consequences” for further provocation

Kaieteur News- The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has issued a stern warning to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro regime to urgently remove its military vessel that invaded Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), on Saturday morning.

The United States government also issued a strong statement threatening consequences should Venezuela continue its provocation.

Around 07:00h, a Venezuelan armed vessel entered Guyana’s waters and approached ExxonMobil Guyana’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platform – Prosperity – which is operating in Guyana’s oil-rich Stabroek Block. The Venezuelan vessel radioed the FPSO platform stating that it was operating in what it termed “disputed international waters” before continuing its course towards other FPSOs operating in the oil block.

President Irfaan Ali, in a statement, underscored that while Guyana is firmly committed to the rule of international law, to peaceful resolution of controversies, and to the power of diplomacy, “Guyana will not allow Maduro and Venezuela to threaten or violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

CARICOM demands immediate removal of Venezuelan vessel

“CARICOM calls on Venezuela to order the urgent removal of the vessel from Guyana’s waters and further, to refrain from engaging with the FPSO platforms, as has been reported,” the regional body stated on Saturday evening.

CARICOM reiterated its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana. The body reminded that such acts of aggression and provocation are contrary to international law and the 2023 Argyle Declaration, which Guyana and Venezuela are bound by, to avoid unnecessary confrontational actions.

Labeling Venezuela’s action as provocation, CARICOM further stated that such a move runs counter to the agreed commitment of CARICOM and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to ensure that the Caribbean region remains a Zone of Peace.

CARICOM outlined that it is critical that there be a peaceful resolution of the border controversy as is expected under the case that is pending before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“What is required now, more than ever, is patience, calm and non-provocation, on both sides. As was contemplated in the Argyle Declaration, a resolution of this controversy, remains entirely possible without any acts of provocation or aggression,” CARICOM said.

U.S. issues strong warning to Venezuela

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, warned the Maduro regime.

The U.S. said that Venezuelan naval vessels threatening the FPSO unit is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s internationally-recognized maritime territory.

“Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime. The United States reaffirms its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 arbitral award,” it was stated.

Statement from the OAS General Secretariat on Venezuelan threats

The Organization of American States (OAS) unequivocally condemned the recent actions of the Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s FPSO units operating within Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory.

General Secretariat Luis Almagro stated, “Such acts of intimidation constitute a clear violation of international law, undermine regional stability, and threaten the principles of peaceful coexistence between nations.”

Additionally, the OAS called on the international community to remain vigilant, warning that “Any attempt to use coercion or force to alter established borders is unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental principles of the OAS Charter and international law in general.”

Liberty and Democracy Group rejects Venezuelan incursion

The Liberty and Democracy Group in their statement rejected the incursion of a Venezuelan military vessel into the waters of the Essequibo.

The statement noted, “This act constitutes an unacceptable violation of Guyanese sovereignty and a challenge to international law that must be firmly condemned.”

Highlighting President Ali’s response, the group said, “The President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali, has clearly underscored the gravity of this situation and reaffirmed his commitment to defending his country’s territorial integrity.”

The statement also accused the Maduro regime of attempting to seize Guyana’s energy wealth. It was stated, “The Liberty and Democracy Group calls on the international community to uphold Guyana’s sovereignty, ensuring that it is not usurped by Nicolás Maduro’s dictatorship, which seeks to seize the energy wealth of a growing nation with the potential to become a global model for development.”

Paraguay condemns Venezuela’s actions

In a translated post on X, Paraguay’s government condemned Venezuela’s incursion and reaffirmed its support for Guyana. The statement read, “Paraguay condemns the invasion of Guyana’s maritime territory by the naval forces of the Maduro regime and ratifies its support for the people and government of Guyana in the respect of its territorial integrity.”

AFC condemns Venezuela’s barefaced show of force

The Alliance For Change (AFC) has also condemned Venezuela’s “barefaced show of force.” The AFC in a statement said, “There is absolutely no doubt that the area where the Liza offshore well, and the supporting vessels and infrastructure lie, are well within Guyana’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.”

The party further stated, “Just a few short days ago, our soldiers were ambushed, and today, the navy patrol boat was used to intimidate and threaten those on the Liza Prosperity. This lawless and reckless behaviour must be called out for what it is. It will be confronted.”

GCCI condemns Venezuela’s provocation

For their part, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) strongly condemned Venezuela’s incursion into Guyana’s EEZ labeling it a direct threat to the country’s sovereignty.

“This threat to our country’s sovereign territory must be rejected and such acts of aggression must not be allowed to continue with impunity,” the Chamber stated.

Notably, the GCCI reaffirmed its support for the Government of Guyana, declaring, “The Essequibo region belongs to Guyana, and the Chamber affirms that it is Guyana’s right to occupy its 83,000 square miles and EEZ.”

PSC Condemns Venezuela’s incursion, calls for respect of Guyana’s sovereignty and international Law

In their statement, issued on Saturday night, Guyana’s Private Sector Commission (PSC) strongly condemns Venezuela’s incursion and underscored that this unwarranted aggression directly violates Guyana’s sovereignty and international law, which threatens regional peace and stability.

“The PSC stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Guyana and fully supports the measures taken to engage international partners,” the body said.

Further, the PSC expressed its gratitude to the international community for standing firmly with Guyana and for their commitment to upholding international law and regional security.

They underscored that maintaining this area as a zone of peace, in accordance to the Argyle Agreement, remains of utmost importance to ensuring stability and economic prosperity for all.

PSC further noted, “We remain resolute in our advocacy for peace, stability, and the rule of law, and we urge all stakeholders to work towards a diplomatic resolution that respects Guyana’s sovereignty and international legal frameworks.”

Shipping Association calls for peaceful resolution and maritime security

In its statement, the Shipping Association of Guyana condemned Venezuela’s incursion into Guyanese waters.

The association noted that such action poses a direct threat to the security and stability of vital maritime activities, including oil and gas operations.

“This incident is a grave concern to the maritime and shipping industry, as it endangers the lawful operations of vessels within Guyana’s internationally recognized territorial. The protection of maritime routes and offshore assets is paramount for economic stability, and any hostile actions jeopardizing these must be strongly opposed,” it was underscored.

Further the Shipping Association urged Venezuela to respect Guyana’s sovereignty and adhere to peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms rather than resorting to intimidation tactics that threaten regional stability.

“We stand in full support of all efforts to ensure the safety of maritime operations within Guyana’s waters and call on international maritime organizations and allied nations to remain vigilant in safeguarding the security of lawful commercial activities,” it was stated.

(‘Remove your vessel from Guyana’s water’ – CARICOM tells Venezuela)

(‘Remove your vessel)

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• Border, condemn, controversy, Guyana, invasion, Venezuela

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