The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reaffirmed its firm support for Guyana’s sovereignty while cautioning against the use of regional engagements to advance Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region, following concerns raised by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
In a statement issued on April 28, 2026, the regional bloc acknowledged President Ali’s correspondence to CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrence Drew, in which Guyana objected to Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez displaying material depicting Essequibo as Venezuelan territory during official visits within CARICOM member states.
CARICOM noted that while member states retain the sovereign right to conduct bilateral relations with external partners, such engagements must remain consistent with the Community’s shared obligations and principles under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. The Treaty, it emphasised, requires members to preserve the integrity and cohesion of the regional body in their external dealings.
The statement underscored that, even as countries exercise their sovereign rights, they must remain mindful of their collective responsibilities, including adherence to international law, respect for judicial processes, and the maintenance of good neighbourly relations.
Importantly, CARICOM made clear that its platforms should not be used “directly or indirectly to advance or appear to legitimise” claims that are currently before a judicial body, in this case, the International Court of Justice.
The Community reiterated its longstanding and unequivocal support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the dispute through the ICJ process.
