The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while warning that regional engagements should not be used to advance or appear to legitimise Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region.

In a statement issued April 28, the Caribbean Community said it had taken note of recent official engagements within the region during which Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez was seen wearing a bejewelled brooch of her country with the disputed land included, as well as a letter from Guyanese President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali outlining what he described as “grave concern” over the issue.

While stressing that each member state has the sovereign right to conduct bilateral relations with external partners, CARICOM said those engagements must remain consistent with the collective obligations of the regional bloc.

It pointed to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which governs the Community, saying the treaty commits member states to preserving the integrity and cohesion of CARICOM in their external relations.

CARICOM said that while members exercise sovereign rights in foreign affairs, they also remain bound by responsibilities under the treaty and principles of international law, including respect for judicial processes and good neighbourly relations.

Against that backdrop, the regional body said Community platforms and engagements should not be used, directly or indirectly, to promote claims currently before the International Court of Justice.

“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,” the statement said.

The bloc added that it remains committed to unity, the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.