Roseau, Dominica – December 13, 2023
In a diplomatic effort to address a longstanding territorial dispute, the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, is set to participate in talks between the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela. The meeting, scheduled for Thursday, December 14, will bring together President Dr. Irfaan Ali of Guyana and President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela.
The talks are organized under the auspices of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and CARICOM, emphasizing the regional commitment to fostering dialogue and peaceful resolutions to geopolitical conflicts.
The venue for this crucial diplomatic engagement is Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The discussions are expected to delve into the territorial concerns between Guyana and Venezuela, exploring potential avenues for resolution and mutual understanding.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s participation underscores CARICOM’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation. The diplomatic community is closely watching this dialogue, recognizing its significance in addressing complex geopolitical issues that impact the nations involved and the wider Caribbean region.
Guyana Reports
However, according to reports from Stabroek News in Guyana, President Irfaan Ali has rejected claims made by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a letter to Vincentian Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. President Ali reiterated Guyana’s stance that the land boundary issue is not up for bilateral discussions. Instead, Guyana maintains that the matter should remain within the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where it is currently being adjudicated. President Ali affirmed Guyana’s commitment to respecting the ICJ’s final ruling on the merits of the case.
This development adds an additional layer of complexity to the diplomatic landscape, highlighting the challenges involved in finding a mutually agreeable resolution to the territorial dispute.
