In a highly charged moment for national security, President Dr. Irfaan Ali delivered a live statement on Saturday following reports that a Venezuelan vessel had approached Guyana’s assets within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Sitting alongside Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips and Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, President Ali addressed the nation, detailing the events as they unfolded.
The vessel in question was identified as the Venezuelan Coast Guard patrol ship which was said to have operated near Guyana’s offshore facilities, including the Prosperity FPSO. These assets, according to the President, are lawfully operating within Guyana’s EEZ.
In his statement, President Ali clarified that the Venezuelan vessel had transmitted a radio message asserting that it was operating in what it claimed to be “disputed international waters” before continuing its south-westerly course toward other FPSOs. The President firmly dismissed this claim, stating: “Let me be unequivocal. Maritime boundaries are recognised under international law, and this is a matter of grave concern.”
Addressing the gravity of the situation, President Ali assured citizens that the government was responding with both responsibility and caution. “I assure you that my government is not acting precipitously; we are addressing this situation with seriousness and responsibility,” he said.
The government’s immediate response involved summoning the Venezuelan ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where strong protests were lodged against the incident. “We have already summoned the Venezuelan ambassador to his office, registering our strong protests,” the President revealed. Additionally, Guyana’s embassy in Caracas has been instructed to lodge a formal protest with the Venezuelan government.
The President also took the opportunity to update the public on Guyana’s international diplomatic efforts, stating that they had already reached out to key global and regional partners, including the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). “Our international partners have responded positively,” he affirmed.
Sitting alongside Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips and Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, President Ali addressed the nation, detailing the events as they unfolded.
As part of ongoing regional coordination, President Ali confirmed that CARICOM’s chair Mia Mottley was actively engaging with Venezuela on the matter, while Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, under the framework of the Argyle Agreement, had also been informed. The President further mentioned that the Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton had been briefed on the incident, with a formal meeting planned for later in the day.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to peace, stability, and the protection of Guyana’s sovereignty, President Ali stated: “Guyana remains committed to peace and the rule of law. We will continue to pursue diplomatic solutions, but we will not tolerate threats to our territorial integrity.”
The military response has already been put into motion. “We have already deployed air assets within our exclusive economic zone, and our Coast Guard is in the process of being deployed,” President Ali disclosed. He also revealed that the Defence Board would be meeting throughout the day to monitor the situation closely.
Looking ahead, the government plans to escalate the issue to international courts. “We will formally advise the International Court of Justice of this incident,” he confirmed, adding that legal teams were already preparing formal documents for submission to international bodies such as the United Nations (UN), the Organization of American States (OAS), and CARICOM.
“We are closely monitoring all developments,” said the President, reinforcing Guyana’s stance on its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Our international partners stand resolute in support of Guyana, ensuring that our sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected.”
In closing, President Ali assured the nation that the government is fully engaged, and that further updates would be provided as the situation unfolds. “I want to assure the people of Guyana that the government is acting with diligence and resolve. We will provide further updates as more information becomes available,” he concluded. [By Kurt Campbell]
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