Guyanese MP Criticizes CARICOM and Barbados over Venezuela Engagement Amid Territorial Dispute

In a recent public statement, Priya Manickchand, a Guyanese MP and the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, has taken issue with CARICOM and Barbados for their interactions with Venezuela. This criticism comes as a response to Venezuela’s claim over two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, a dispute currently under consideration at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The minister openly questioned the sincerity of the Caribbean leaders who continue to entertain Venezuelan officials amidst the ongoing controversy. Her comments came against the backdrop of Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez’s diplomatic engagements in Barbados which form part of a larger regional outreach effort.

Manickchand accused CARICOM leaders of profiting from their relationship with Guyana, while simultaneously providing a platform to Venezuela. She views this as an act of disrespect towards Guyana’s sovereignty. In a strongly worded statement, she asserted that principles should not be ‘cowardly’ or merely ‘convenient’.

The crux of the territorial dispute lies around the Essequibo region, a resource-rich territory that Venezuela has long claimed. The matter is currently before the International Court of Justice, where Guyana is seeking legal confirmation of the 1899 arbitral ruling that established the existing border. Despite previous statements from CARICOM supporting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Manickchand’s criticism casts a shadow over the alliance’s stance.