Source: Erasmus Williams
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reaffirmed its longstanding and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.
The Community noted recent official engagements within CARICOM during which material asserting Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region was publicly displayed. CARICOM also acknowledged correspondence dated April 28, 2026, from President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, expressing grave concern over the issue.
CARICOM reiterated that each Member State retains the sovereign right to conduct bilateral relations with external partners. This principle is well established and respected within the Community. However, such engagements must be conducted in a manner consistent with the shared obligations and collective commitments of CARICOM.
Central to these commitments is the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the binding legal framework that defines the Community, its objectives, and the conduct expected of Member States. The Treaty obligates Members to preserve the integrity and cohesion of the Community in their external relations.
In exercising their sovereign rights, Member States are expected to remain mindful of their collective responsibilities under the Treaty and to uphold the principles of international law, respect for judicial processes, and good neighbourly relations.
In this context, CARICOM emphasised that Community platforms and engagements should not be used, directly or indirectly, to advance or appear to legitimise claims that are currently the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings before the International Court of Justice.
The Community’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the controversy through the Court, remains firm and unchanged.
CARICOM reaffirmed its dedication to unity, the rule of law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.