The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has issued a formal statement addressing the recent display of material asserting Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region during official engagements within the bloc, following President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s letter of concern dated 28 April 2026.
CARICOM acknowledged the Guyanese president’s grave concerns regarding the public display of such material during bilateral meetings between Venezuelan officials and CARICOM member states.
While reaffirming that each member state retains the sovereign right to conduct bilateral relations with external partners, CARICOM emphasized that such engagements must be conducted consistently with the shared obligations and collective commitments of the Community.
“Those engagements are conducted in a manner consistent with the shared obligations and collective commitments of CARICOM,” the organization stated.
CARICOM highlighted the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas as the binding legal instrument that defines the Community, its objectives, and the conduct expected of member states. The treaty commits members to the preservation of the Community’s integrity and cohesion in their external relations.
The organization stressed that in exercising their sovereign rights, member states must remain mindful of their collective responsibilities to the treaty and their obligation to uphold the principles of international law, respect for judicial processes, and good neighbourly relations.
CARICOM underscored that Community platforms and engagements should not be used, directly or indirectly, to advance or appear to legitimize claims that are the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings before the International Court of Justice.
“Community platforms and engagements should not be used, whether directly or indirectly, to advance or appear to legitimise claims that are the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings before the International Court of Justice,” CARICOM stated.
The Community reaffirmed its longstanding and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and for the peaceful resolution of the controversy through the Court.
“The Community’s longstanding and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and for the peaceful resolution of the controversy through the Court remains firm and unchanged,” CARICOM said.
The organization reiterated its commitment to unity, the rule of law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.
