Venezuela’s contentious claim on the Essequibo region is, undoubtedly, Guyana’s biggest existential challenge and demands the collaboration of the best intellectual and patriotic minds to coordinate a flawless, evidence-based defensive response to show that the Essequibo region is, and remains an inalienable sovereign territory in the realm of the Republic of Guyana – our motherland.
Based on my findings, I have determined that this border issue is, in fact, a very multifarious and intriguing matter with deep geopolitical, motivated and conspiratorial complexities…going back several centuries with different imperial European colonizers and conquistadores, in their hunt for wealth and power.
The fact that the 1899 Paris Arbitration, which resulted in awarding Guyana the legitimate ownership rights over the Essequibo region, is again flared up with annexation ambitions by Maduro, is undoubtedly a wicked travesty born out of greed and disingenuous cunning by Maduro. Surely, Maduro would not have dared such a bold and reprehensively brazen intrusion if Guyana had the capability to defend itself, fittingly, from Maduro’s dastardly, ignoble and vexatious provocations. It is interesting to note that Chavez had indicated that the Essequibo border issue was a bygone historical matter that he did not wish to dig up any further. Now, given Maduro’s sabre rattling, Guyana’s leadership must put this case to rest once and for all time…for the benefit and peace of mind of the Guyanese people.
Further, the fact that this most important existential matter has been surrendered to the ICG for, yet again, another round of review and, hopefully, finality…demands that Guyana MUST leave no stone unturned and diligently excavate the entire history of the Essequibo colonization, settlements and infrastructure developments that have served to shape and made Essequibo into the peaceful and vibrant cultural mosaic that it is today. No doubt, this case will make for a very passionate, emotional and vigorous legal battle at the ICJ, by the aggrieved parties; ie Guyana and Venezuela.
Indeed! The Essequibo colony and its people have been industriously nurtured to embody Guyana’s constitutional law-abiding rule-based values…under that motto of one people, one nation, one destiny. The culture and traditions, after so many centuries of co-existence, have steadfastly bonded the six distinct races to characterize the elemental fabric of the diverse and unique tapestry of our motherland – the Republic of Guyana, as we know it, today.
Venezuela’s baseless, bogus claim is an attempt by Maduro to deflect from his failed dictatorial leadership, which has eviscerated the Venezuelan society with endless misery and hardships. Over seven million Venezuelan citizens have already fled to escape his tyranny. He has ruined the Venezuelan economy with social unrest and rampant violent crimes that have turned his country into a lawless society. He now sees Guyana as a scapegoat to remedy and heal the many wounds that he has selfishly inflicted on his desperate people and country
This unconscionably oppressive despot has chosen to resuscitate the inglorious colonial bullyism – where might is right – by capitalizing on his massive military arsenal to subdue his peaceful neighbour, who basically has zero defence against his colossal armageddon. No doubt, the world is watching, and the truth will triumph in the face
of this egregious, contemptible and vicious intimidation by Maduro.
Notwithstanding, Guyana leadership MUST educate all of the Guyanese citizens and the world at large about the irrefutable facts, under international law and jurisprudence, upon which Guyana’s claim to the Essequibo region is justified. The leaders and good people of the world must reject Maduro’s bombastic arrogance and egotistical disrespect for the rule of law, which are foundational principles for societies to peacefully coexist and prosper.
Cliff Rajkumar
December 16, 2023