CARICOM cautions members against attempts to ‘legitimise claims’; reaffirms support for Guyana 

Hours after President Dr. Irfaan Ali objected to acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez’s use of a brooch of her country’s map that includes Guyana’s Essequibo Region during official talks with regional leaders, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has responded.

“… CARICOM underscores that Community platforms and engagements should not be used, whether directly or indirectly, to advance or appear to legitimise claims that are the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings before the International Court of Justice,” a statement from the headquarters of the regional body noted.

Earlier Tuesday, President Ali wrote to incumbent CARICOM Chairman, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrence Drew. The Guyanese Head of State said it is “deeply regrettable” that bilateral engagements between Venezuela and sister CARICOM states have been accompanied by the prominent display of symbols asserting Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory.

The Guyanese leader reminded Prime Minister Drew that all CARICOM Heads have repeatedly and unequivocally supported Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for the resolution of the controversy through the judicial process before the International Court of Justice

See below the full statement issued by CARICOM: 

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has taken note of recent official engagements within the Community during which material asserting Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region was on public display. CARICOM also notes the letter of 28 April 2026 from President Mohamed Irfaan Ali expressing Guyana’s grave concern.

CARICOM reaffirms 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. Those engagements are conducted in a manner consistent with the shared obligations and collective commitments of CARICOM.

At the centre of those commitments stands the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the binding legal instrument that defines the Community, its objectives, and the conduct expected of its Member States. The Treaty commits Members to the preservation of the Community’s integrity and cohesion in their external relations.

In the exercise of their sovereign rights, Member States remain mindful of their collective responsibilities to the Treaty and to uphold the principles of international law, respect for judicial processes and good neighbourly relations.

In this regard, CARICOM underscores that Community platforms and engagements should not be used, whether directly or indirectly, to advance or appear to legitimise claims that are the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings before the International Court of Justice.

The Community’s longstanding and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and for the peaceful resolution of the controversy through the Court remains firm and unchanged.

CARICOM remains committed to unity, to the rule of law, and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.

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