CARICOM updated on Venezuela’s “complete disregard” for Argyle peace pact with Guyana
22 March 2025
Guyana has updated Member States within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the latest acts of aggression by Venezuela.
CARICOM leaders met virtually on Friday afternoon to discuss a range of key issues in the region. These talks come ahead of next week’s visit by United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who will embark on a three-nation Caribbean tour that includes Guyana.
On the sidelines of a sod-turning ceremony for the state-of-the-art $831 million polyclinic in Kitty/Campbellville today, President Dr Irfaan Ali told reporters that Venezuela’s recent incursion into Guyana’s waters was discussed by regional Heads during the high-level engagement.
“Of course, CARICOM reiterated its strong commitment and support to Guyana, our sovereignty and our territorial integrity,” he noted.
The Nicolás Maduro-led regime’s latest acts of aggression towards Guyana include the incursion of a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in early March and the announcement by Venezuela to hold an election in Essequibo – Guyana’s territory – on May 25, 2025.
According to the Head of State, these actions reflect Venezuela’s blatant disregard for the Argyle Declaration – a December 14, 2023 peace pact that Presidents Ali and Maduro signed to maintain peace in the region.
“I had the opportunity to update CARICOM on all aspects of the matter – not only in relation to the latest incursion but to the complete disregard for the Argyle Declaration by Venezuela [with] not only the calling of the elections but as you’re aware, the building of the bridge [at Ankoko Island] that connects to our territory.”
“These are all acts not in keeping with the Argyle Declaration and that was also discussed,” President Ali stated.
The Guyanese leader has already rejected a proposal by Maduro for a face-to-face meeting, sending a strong statement to the Venezuelan President on Friday that Guyana will not engage in any dialogue under duress.
