Guyana’s private sector, shipping industry, and city chamber condemn Venezuelan naval incursion and urge international support

In a united response, several prominent sectors in Guyana have strongly condemned the recent Venezuelan naval vessel’s incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), calling it a direct violation of the country’s sovereignty and international law.

The Venezuelan vessel’s approach to multiple Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platforms, including FPSO Prosperity, has raised concerns over regional stability and the safety of vital maritime operations.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) of Guyana led the charge, expressing unequivocal condemnation of the aggression. The PSC called on all stakeholders, including international bodies such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), CARICOM, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to support Guyana’s territorial integrity and uphold international law.

A statement from the PSC highlighted that this incident posed a direct threat to the peace and stability of the region, emphasizing that the Argyle Agreement’s aim to maintain a peaceful zone was critical for regional economic prosperity.

“The PSC stands firmly with the Government and the people of Guyana,” the statement read, further noting the importance of maintaining a peaceful and secure maritime environment. The PSC urged all parties to work towards a diplomatic resolution, respecting Guyana’s sovereignty and the rule of law.

Similarly, the Shipping Association of Guyana voiced its concerns, particularly over the threat this incident poses to maritime security. The association described the Venezuelan incursion as a serious threat to the security and stability of Guyana’s vital oil and gas operations, as well as the broader maritime activities within its internationally recognized territorial waters. The association strongly condemned the violation and called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“We commend the Government of Guyana for its swift diplomatic engagement with international partners, including the OAS, CARICOM, and the ICJ,” said a representative of the Shipping Association. “It is vital that Venezuela respects Guyana’s sovereignty and refrains from resorting to intimidation tactics that destabilize the region.”

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) also joined the chorus of condemnation, reiterating that Venezuela’s actions undermine the peace established in the region. The GCCI pointed to the 1899 Arbitral Award that established Guyana’s territorial boundaries and noted that the issue is currently under the purview of the ICJ.

“Venezuela’s continuous aggression only serves to erode regional peace and stability,” the GCCI stated. “We stand with the Government of Guyana in rejecting this violation and affirming our right to occupy the Essequibo region and its EEZ.”

This coordinated response from Guyana’s private sector, shipping industry, and business leaders underscores the importance of protecting the country’s sovereignty and the region’s economic and maritime stability. International allies have been urged to remain vigilant in supporting Guyana’s efforts to safeguard its territorial integrity and ensure the peaceful resolution of the ongoing dispute with Venezuela.