A small group of local rights activists gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown this morning, armed with placards condemning the recent actions of the U.S. government in Venezuela. The protesters demanded an end to what they termed “U.S. imperialism, extrajudicial killings, and violations of regional sovereignty.”
Rights activist and Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram addressed reporters during the demonstration, emphasizing the need for respect for international law. He criticized the U.S. actions in Venezuela, particularly the arrest and removal of President Nicolás Maduro last Saturday, calling it a clear breach of internationally accepted principles.
“I would like to see the United States behave differently and in accordance with international law. It is as simple as that, that’s all we are asking,” Ram said, adding that the “invasion of Venezuela and the killing of innocent people” constitute serious violations of international law.
Longtime human rights activist Vanda Radzik also spoke out against U.S. interventions, stating that they have disrupted the Caribbean as a zone of peace. “For decades we have always been a zone of peace in the Caribbean. In one fell swoop, Donald Trump, who is an illegal and disgraceful person, has caused bombardments in the waters of Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, killing numerous civilians,” Radzik stated. She expressed concern over the civilian casualties, noting that the full extent of the damage remains unknown.
Radzik emphasized that the U.S. “invasion” of Venezuela has effectively “turned the clock back” on the notion of sovereignty for nations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Both Ram and Radzik urged the Guyanese government to publicly condemn the U.S. actions. However, President Irfaan Ali has already expressed Guyana’s support for the U.S. in its efforts to combat narcotrafficking and restore democracy in Venezuela.
“Where is the evidence that Trinidadian fishing boats are part of a narcotic ring? Where is the evidence that Maduro, for better or worse, is a narco-trafficker?” Radzik questioned. “We are asking for evidence and for proper legal processes to be followed. You cannot just go in there and abduct the president of another sovereign country because of oil.”
Former President Donald Ramotar also condemned the capture and detention of Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife, as well as the military actions in Caracas, adding to the growing chorus of voices calling for adherence to international law and respect for sovereignty.
