Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines noted that tensions will persist after the ICJ’s judgment on the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute. He stated the ICJ’s ruling is expected later this year or early next year. Recent incidents, including the presence of a Venezuelan naval vessel near Guyana’s oil assets, have heightened tensions, prompting international calls for restraint from Venezuela.
On March 5, 2025, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines remarked that tensions between Guyana and Venezuela will persist after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issues its ruling on their long-standing border dispute. Gonsalves noted that irrespective of the court’s decision, tensions will remain high.
As an interlocutor in the matter due to the Argyle Agreement from December 2023, Gonsalves stated the ICJ is anticipated to deliver its judgment either later this year or early in the following year. He acknowledged his limited knowledge regarding the litigation’s progress but confirmed that the ICJ is already in the process of drafting its judgment following previous hearings.
Recently, Guyana informed CARICOM and the international community about a Venezuelan naval vessel’s presence near its oil assets, which raised alarms after lingering in the area for approximately four hours. Responses from the United States, France, CARICOM, and other organizations urged Venezuela to avoid further provocations against Guyana, particularly concerning ExxonMobil’s vessel.
Venezuela, on the other hand, rejected accusations made by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, claiming that his assertions were unfounded. Caracas contended that the waters in question are not part of Guyana’s territory as they remain a maritime zone subject to international law.
The ICJ is currently reviewing the Arbitral Award from October 3, 1899, prompted by Guyana’s application filed in March 2018. The court has already affirmed its jurisdiction in the matter and will render a decision based on the case’s merits. This dispute centers around the Essequibo region, a resource-rich area representing about two-thirds of Guyana’s land, populated by 125,000 residents.
The ongoing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela remains a pressing issue, highlighted by the anticipated ruling from the ICJ. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves emphasized the inevitable tensions that will persist post-judgment, reflecting the complexities of the geopolitical landscape in the region. As the situation evolves, international attention continues to be crucial in mitigating provocations and fostering dialogue between the two nations.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
