Numerous Guyanese from in and around Washington DC gathered under the banner Guyanese United, braved inclement weather today to protest Venezuela’s claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory on the anniversary of the arbitrary award which settled the border between the two countries in 1899.
Guyanese citizens bore placards denouncing what they termed Venezuelan aggression, and called for the matter to be referred to the International Court of Justice, echoing a similar call made by Guyana’s President David Granger at the United Nations earlier this week.
The Government of Guyana has accused Venezuela of mobilizing military equipment and sending its army into Guyana’s territory last week following a resurgence of a fifty-year old territorial claim. In May of this year, Venezuela issued a decree purporting to annex Guyana’s maritime Exclusive Economic Zone where a substantial petroleum discovery was announced by Exxon Mobil earlier this year.
The 1899 Paris arbitration was accepted as a full, final and perfect settlement by Venezuela and Great Britain, the colonial authority for the then British Guiana, until Venezuela rejected the award in 1962. The parties then signed an agreement in 1966 agreeing to examine Venezuela’s contention that the award was null and void but have since failed to make progress in resolving the issue.
The recent flare up of the controversy has galvanize Guyanese residing overseas to demonstrate against Venezuela. Cornel Ferdinand, a former broadcaster in Guyana and longtime resident of Maryland said, “Why does Venezuela not wish to take this matter to the World Court? Guyanese are just fed up with this never ending claim. If Venezuela has a valid claim, let them take it to court.”
Janice Vieira, who has business interests both in Washington DC and in Guyana, condemned Venezuela’s policy of scaring away investors from Guyana. She told reporters, “Guyana’s development is being held hostage to Venezuela’s claim. We must be rid of this burden so we can develop our country.”
Picketers held placards aloft as they filed past the Venezuelan Embassy with the sound of traditional Guyanese folks songs playing. Picketers shared sandwiches and hot drinks to stave off the cold. The sense of camaraderie and determination was palpable among the group. The protest proceeded without incident but the picketers were keenly observed from inside the Venezuelan Embassy.
Guyanese United an international Non Governmental Organization and their coordinators were instrumental in providing assistance for this protest. One of its members promised a united front on issues facing Guyanese across the globe.
