Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit has described his recent meeting in St Vincent which was aimed at addressing the longstanding border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela as “the most fruitful dialogue.”
He made this remark while addressing a press briefing on Tuesday.
The historic meeting which took place on Thursday, December 14, 2023, was held under the auspices of CELAC (The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) with St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, serving as the Pro-Tempore President, and CARICOM. Both nations have agreed to the meeting and requested the presence of the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, His Excellency Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The leaders of CELAC and CARICOM have expressed the urgent need to de-escalate the conflict and institute an appropriate dialogue between the President of Guyana Dr. Irfaan Ali, and President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro. Both nations have committed to maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and upholding international law.
“As you are aware in my capacity as Chairman of CARICOM, I joined Dr Ralph Gonzalves the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the current Chair of CELAC in facilitating a meeting between the President of Guyana and Venezuela on Thursday last week,” Skerrit said. “The meeting was called to address the territorial controversy between the two countries and I am happy to report that it was the most fruitful dialogue which resulted in key points of agreement between the two parties.”
According to Skerrit, both sides have agreed that there will be no threat or force in any circumstances and that the controversy between the two states will be resolved in accordance with international law.
“There was further agreement that the dialogue will continue on matters of mutual interests between the two countries and they will refrain from escalating any further conflict or disagreement,” he stated.
This, he said, is a result that they were hoping for, and he also believed the heads who participated all left the meeting satisfied with the efforts of CELAC and CARICOM to meet an amicable solution.
Moreover, the Prime Minister stated that they were grateful that the two leaders consented in good faith to the dialogue, “and were able to issue a joint declaration for dialogue and peace between Guyana and Venezuela.”
In fact, he believes this speaks to the strength and importance of CARICOM as a regional block, acting as an effective mediator in times of conflict or disagreement.
“We remain committed to avoiding tensions and maintaining peace in our region,” Skerrit stated.
He continued, “As CARICOM Chair I was happy to play a role in facilitating the successful meeting between Guyana, a member of CARICOM and a friend of Dominica and Venezuela which we all know has also proven itself to be a true friend of our country Dominica.”
The border controversy has been a point of contention for both nations, with Guyana seeking a resolution through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a path rejected by Venezuela. The Parliament of Guyana has unanimously instructed the President of Guyana not to discuss the border controversy with the government of Venezuela. Meanwhile, the people of Venezuela have overwhelmingly advised their government not to accept the jurisdiction of the ICJ in a consultative referendum held on December 3, 2023.
The meeting represented a significant step towards peaceful co-existence, respect for international law, and the avoidance of the use of threats or force.
The territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, which has been ongoing for over a century, has recently escalated due to the discovery of significant oil reserves. Venezuela claims ownership of the Essequibo region, which makes up more than two-thirds of Guyana. In December 2023, Venezuela held a referendum, showing support for annexation of the region. This move has been met with international criticism, with countries like Brazil, the UK, and the US supporting Guyana’s position.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has warned Venezuela against any direct action in the region, as a trial is scheduled for early 2024.
Lin Clown, lets keep in mind that things were much better between 1995-2000 than how it is now. At least christmas used to feel like christmas then, as opposed to now. Some will say that when uwp was in power government workers didnt used to get paid on time. To my knowledge, recently some government workers hadnt been paid for 2 almost 3 months. Ask the bureau of standards. Also hearing NEP workers crying blood for their little money.
You should have told your blue corrupt recalcitrant scumbags when they daycalay Dominica(1995-2000) they should have fought for Bird island.Edison James and UWP was in power before Skerrit.Did you know when UWP won the election in 1995 the population was 69,000,when they were kicked out of power the population was 68,000?Dominicans left Dominica by the hundreds because of the UWP corruption,victimization,greed and lies.Now the DASS cabal have successfully daycalay Linton.
Thank you for your leadership, sir. Leadership truly matters and Dominicans know this. This is why they will continue to stand with you, our Starboy.
was Skerrit at the meeting? or was it his ghost?
hmmm yes he was for the photo opportunity.
Skerrit has never made a public statement about the situation and we all know why…
your goood friend but you offer to mediate…corrupt..retard…not all good looking flowers have scent…corrupt retard u are…and you better pay your own rent in your house…wickid soul…star boy of stupidity…its not your dam business…
If only we could have gotten that type of result with our own Bird Island. BTW I give this “peace” a year at most. The Venezuelans will inevitably start encroaching on Guyanese territory because they are very territorial and they have a much bigger military force. And then what happens if the ICJ rules in favor of Guyana? The government of Venezuela has already set things in motion to take over this region. Right now they are just waiting for the rubber stamp so their actions can be legitimized.
If the ruling goes in their favor then I’m sure Guyana is not gonna take it sitting down either, in spite of whatever agreement they come to. They’re not just going to give up an oil and mineral rich area that is like half of the entire country’s land mass.
De year is ending and Skerrit trying hard to get some fame
Dat innitiative was the brainchild of Dr Ralph Gonzalves Skerrit.
CARICOM was an afterthought………especially with you as chairman
You take de mike to show Maduro?
I saw you grinning in photos on the day of the meeting.
I swear you were absent from the COP28 meeting……..no photo no comment except at home you say you was disappointed that they doh ready to make “funds” available.
De Venezuela/Guyana dispute will be settled by de ICC
CARICOM can’t do anything to help de situation.
De situation has always been there…….things got red hot and CARICOM Chairman Skerrit was in hiding
you had no influence over Venezuela’s referendum
what have you really accomplished.
You Ibo and St.Joe have just proven yourselves to be the biggest aholes alive.Go read joint declaration of Argle for dialogue and peace dated December 14th 2023.Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit role will CONTINUE as a member of the Caricom bureau.What does that tell you both aholes.Whether Skerrit is Caricom chairman or not,whether he is Prime Minister because of his negotiating SKILLS he will remain a member of the Caricom bureau. Even that simple thing a confirmed Jacka like Ibo and St.joe cannot understand.That is why with support from aholes like that UWP win an election.
venezuella have proven to be a friend. a real friend, saith he, who love gifts…p.m time to stop allowing tax payers to pay your big rent, in your own house…wickid man…
Roosevelt you did nothing to contribute to the thawing of tensions for now between the two neighbouring South American countries.
You want to tick a box to crow about this meeting happened during your chairmanship of CARICOM. You tried to insert yourself in the dispute but was soundly rejected. Anyone who listens to you speak is startled with your incoherence and butchering of the English language. You do not have the intellectual capacity to provide the desired outcome. The question is often asked: How did this low IQ busybody become prime minister? The answer is by default.