Durrant Pate/Contributor

There is much unease in Guyana this evening given Brazilian intelligence reports suggesting an imminent military move by the Venezuelan army against its neighbouring South American state. 

This raises concerns about regional stability and territorial disputes in South America, which is coming hours ahead of today’s (December 1) ruling by the International Court of Justice on Guyana’s request for provisional measures to prevent Venezuela from holding a referendum over the ownership of the mineral and forest-rich county of Essequibo, located between Guyana and Venezuela.

The ruling will be delivered during a public sitting at 3:00 pm (local time) at the ICJ during which Judge Joan E. Donoghue, court president will read the court’s order. Venezuela’s interest in the Essequibo, a vast area rich in natural resources, has sparked tensions. 

This territory, larger than Greece, is home to indigenous Guyanese populations and both countries claim sovereignty over it. The ongoing contention centers on Essequibo, an area abundant in oil and valuable minerals. 

Response to perceived invasion threat

In the meantime, Hess, Exxon Mobil and Chevron stocks slid in late afternoon trading yesterday closing -4.1 per cent, -1.5 per cent and -1.1 per cent respectively, in reaction to news reports saying Venezuela may be preparing for a possible invasion into Guyana. 

In the meantime, the top brass from the US Army’s 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have been engaged in talks since Monday, as a specialised unit of the US Army is currently in Guyana to conduct joint training exercises for the furtherance of a military alliance. SFAB, which is a specialised unit of the US army that has assisted allies of the US in the past, arrived in Guyana this week. 

It is expected that they will conduct several joint training exercises with the GDF to strengthen its capacity and capability at the tactical and operational levels. This is particularly important considering the threat Guyana faces from Venezuela on the border with Venezuela.

According to a statement, during the talks, the two sides discussed upcoming engagements that will include strategic planning sessions and processes to enhance both countries’ military readiness and capabilities to respond to security threats. The statement quoted the SFAB advisors as saying, “We are thankful for the opportunity to train with the GDF, as our partners and friends. We look forward to deepening the partnership in the weeks and months to come.”

GDF Staff Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Andy Pompey noted that the training opportunity would provide Guyana with invaluable opportunities to transfer knowledge and expertise.  He expressed optimism regarding the positive impact the SFAB training would have on the GDF. 

Venezuela’s referendum

Venezuela aims to determine its future through a referendum scheduled for Sunday, intending to transform Essequibo into a Venezuelan state. However, the practical and legal ramifications of this vote, including its potential to alter the geopolitical landscape, remain unclear, stirring unease among the region’s inhabitants.

The ongoing contention centers on Essequibo, an area abundant in oil and valuable minerals. Venezuela aims to determine its future through a referendum scheduled for Sunday, intending to transform Essequibo into a Venezuelan state. However, the practical and legal ramifications of this vote, including its potential to alter the geopolitical landscape, remain unclear, stirring unease among the region’s inhabitants.