Are Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders really friends of Guyana?

That is the question being raised by Guyana’s Local Government Minister, Priya Manickchand, following a visit by Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, to Barbados over the last two days.

Rodríguez has come under criticism after wearing a bejewelled brooch depicting disputed territory with Guyana.

The accessory was seen during her engagements in Barbados.

This is the second time Rodríguez has worn the controversial piece on CARICOM soil.

She previously wore it during her first official visit as president to Grenada earlier in April.

In a social media post, Manickchand questioned the actions of regional leaders.

“CARICOM leaders claiming to be our friends and benefitting from that friendship even as they entertain their other friends who are completely disrespecting Guyana by openly claiming two-thirds of my country and sporting that on a visible piece of jewellery, even as that matter is being adjudicated in the ICJ (International Court of Justice), has me questioning our friendships and the principles of these CARICOM leaders,” she said.

“Principle is principle. It shouldn’t be cowardly. And it shouldn’t be convenient.”

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently announced it would begin hearing oral submissions on the border dispute, which dates back to the late 1800s.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley was seen warmly greeting Rodríguez during the visit.

Rodríguez took office in January following the capture of Nicolás Maduro during a US special military operation.

Maduro is currently being prosecuted for a series of crimes, including drug trafficking.