With hundreds of Guyanese waving the Golden Arrowhead and voices raised in patriotic song, the National Patriotic Concert held Saturday night on the Essequibo Coast was more than just a cultural celebration—it was a powerful and defiant stand against Venezuela’s escalating campaign to challenge Guyana’s sovereignty.
In a stern and unwavering address, President Irfaan Ali declared that Guyana remains on high alert as Venezuela continues to take “illegal and aggressive actions” aimed at annexing the Essequibo region—actions which he described as a “flagrant violation” of international peace, law, and order.
“There is only one truth,” President Ali said firmly. “Essequibo belongs to Guyana.”
His message, delivered to a crowd of thousands and broadcast nationwide, was as much a rallying call to citizens as it was a rebuke of Venezuela’s repeated attempts to undermine international rulings and agreements. Flanked by members of the Cabinet, joint services, and top diplomats, the President outlined a troubling pattern of Venezuelan provocations, in direct contravention of rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
“These are not symbolic gestures. These are real violations,” Ali warned. “From illegal referenda to unlawful bridge construction, unauthorised overflights, and even the threat of sham elections in Guyanese territory—Venezuela is breaching every principle of international law.”
The President recalled the December 2023 ICJ ruling which clearly stated that Venezuela must refrain from any actions that could alter the status quo of the Essequibo region, which remains under Guyana’s full administration. Yet, he noted, Venezuela has persisted—most recently by announcing plans to hold elections over the territory and by constructing a military bridge to the area.
“These actions amount to an unlawful annexation,” he said. “They are rejected—then, now, and forever.”
Ali detailed Venezuela’s recent moves, including the promulgation of laws to incorporate the Essequibo into its national territory and aggressive incursions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, where international oil operations are under way. Just this week, Guyanese military patrols in the Cuyuni River came under fire from across the Venezuelan border.
“We will not bend. We are stronger,” Ali said, his voice rising above the patriotic music and cheers of a united crowd. “Venezuela must respect our sovereignty, our borders, and the authority of the ICJ.”
The international community, including CARICOM, the Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States, and the United Nations Security Council, has issued strong statements of support for Guyana and condemnation of Venezuela’s acts.
But even as global consensus builds, President Ali’s message was one of unyielding resolve: “Essequibo is not up for negotiation. Our borders were settled in 1899 and the ICJ is the only forum for any dispute—not aggression, not propaganda, not elections.”
The concert featured spirited performances of Guyanese dance, music, and culture—all delivered against the backdrop of a nation standing united.
“We are not showcasing weapons,” Ali said. “We are showcasing love, culture, and peace. But we are also sending a clear message: Guyana will not be intimidated.”
As Essequibo continues to stand at the centre of geopolitical tension, Guyana’s stance is unequivocal—and, as the President concluded to roaring applause: “All of Essequibo belongs to all of Guyana. And that is how it will remain.”
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