Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, have reiterated their support for Guyana’s territorial sovereignty in the ongoing border dispute with Venezuela.
The leaders aimed to reassure and strengthen ties within the CARICOM community.
In a recent statement, Prime Minister Mottley addressed the criticism surrounding her comment that “Venezuela is a friend,” clarifying that her intention was to promote peace in the region rather than division.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining low tensions amid the border dispute and expressed support for Guyana’s position.
Prime Minister Gonsalves affirmed CARICOM’s longstanding defense of Guyana’s territorial integrity, highlighting the regional body’s consistent stance on the matter.
He emphasized that historical lessons should guide decisions, and CARICOM has consistently stood in defense of Guyana against any threats to its sovereignty.
CARICOM, in its recent statement on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, declared the proposed referendum by Venezuela in December as having no validity.
The regional body emphasized that international law strictly prohibits any unilateral actions by one state to seize, annex, or incorporate the territory of another state.
As tensions persist in the region, CARICOM leaders aim to reinforce unity and solidarity among member states, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and upholding the principles of territorial integrity.