A public awareness conference aimed at secondary and tertiary-level students was conducted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, focusing on the ongoing border controversy between Venezuela and Guyana.
Public Service Minister Sonia Parag addressed the event, emphasizing the significant threat posed by Venezuela’s pursuit of Essequibo to international law and regional stability.
Minister Parag expressed concerns about Venezuela’s disregard for the rule of law and its contempt for international principles, stating that such actions undermine the foundations of democracy and diplomacy in the region.
She highlighted the potential global impact of decisions made by a judicial body and stressed the importance of upholding what is right and lawful.
Despite the challenges posed by Venezuela, Minister Parag conveyed Guyana’s hope that diplomacy would prevail, leading to Venezuela’s acceptance of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision.
The conference, organized by National Security and Intelligence Studies students from the University of the Southern Caribbean, aimed to enhance public awareness of the historical significance of the border controversy.
Attended by students from various institutions, including the Government Technical Institute, Bishops’ High School, Queen’s College, and St. Joseph High School, the event contributed to fostering understanding and awareness of the complexities surrounding the Guyana-Venezuela border issue.
As the controversy continues, public awareness initiatives play a crucial role in educating the younger generation about the geopolitical and legal aspects of the situation.