Parliamentarians greenlit a resolution reaffirming Guyana’s sovereignty over its internationally recognised territory on Friday, a move that is significant ahead of Venezuela’s sham elections for governor of the Essequibo region on Sunday.
A motion for this resolution was moved early Friday by Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd. A debate then ensued, with government and opposition parliamentarians rejecting Venezuela’s aggression and reiterating Guyana’s commitment to international law and diplomacy.
However, the debate took a turn after Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton contributed to the discussion. Though condemning Venezuela’s actions and underscoring the need for such a resolution, Mr Norton opined that the opposition should have had more say in the motion.
‘Guyana will not be bullied, threatened or intimidated’ – Parliament debates motion on sovereignty
Following his presentation, Mr Norton and the other APNU+AFC parliamentarians walked out of the sitting of the National Assembly. Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips called that action “unpatriotic” and said the country should be united in the face of Venezuelan aggression. Similarly, Deputy Speaker and opposition parliamentarian who represents the joinder list, Dr Asha Kissoon, urged her colleagues to act more maturely and stand with the government to reaffirm Guyana’s sovereignty.
Despite the tensions in the House, the Foreign Affairs Minister said the resolution was a win for Guyana.
“Today is still a good day and a successful day in this House for the people of this country with the representation that they would’ve received today, not only in context but in depth,” he said as he wrapped up the debate.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, then presented the Foreign Affairs Minister with a copy of the resolution.
Venezuelan elections for Guyana’s Essequibo unlawful- PM Phillips
“(We) present you with the resolution so you will be well-armed with that resolution as you continue to fight the aggressions and false claims of Venezuela,” Speaker Nadir said.
Venezuela announced that it intends to hold elections in the Essequibo, a region that is internationally recognised as Guyana’s.
Guyana maintains that Essequibo is an integral part of its sovereign territory, a position upheld by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its December 2023 ruling. So the Venezuelan election plan, scheduled for 25 May 2025, is a violation of the ICJ’s orders and international law.
The motion presented to the House asked the lawmakers to recall the motion passed on 6 November 2023, which reaffirmed the recognition of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the 1966 Geneva Agreement. It also condemns Venezuela’s actions and calls for further support.
Read the full resolution here: Resolution No. 83 of 2025 – Support to the Government and People of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana …. internationally recognized Territory
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