Some persons are irresponsible, ignorant of the facts about the border

THE border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela is a serious matter that requires all Guyanese and all political parties to unite in the truest sense of the word. To this end, it is commendable that the government and opposition have always been united on this issue and have always treated same in a bipartisan manner.
However, for a long time, certain elements affiliated with the Opposition (APNU+AFC), have always attempted to consistently politicise this issue by casting a series of unfounded aspersions on the General Secretary of the PPP/C and Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, accusing him of making proposals to give parts of Guyana’s territory to Venezuela.
Conversely, evidence recently surfaced in the public domain, which contradicted that notion and vindicated the Vice-President. In this regard, those proposals were made since in 1977 under the PNC Government for a practical settlement that included the transfer of portions of the territory.
Hence, it was based on those proposals that the Vice-President, when he was the Opposition Leader, that he was actually referring to, without casting any aspersions on the leadership of the APNU/PNC.

Pursuant to the 1899 Geneva Agreement, Guyana’s land border has been demarcated and as far as we are concerned, fully settled and non-negotiable in the prevailing circumstances.
Sufficing to say, in light of the foregoing that is now in the public domain, that small group of opposition elements who are determined to politicise the border issue, have been egregiously irresponsible and perhaps ignorant of all of the facts on the subject.
At the same time, the Vice-President and the government should be commended for their restraint in not responding to those elements reciprocally over the years. The past and present leadership of the APNU/PNC should also be commended in this regard, but I would like to urge the leadership of the Opposition to encourage its affiliates to desist from doing so forthwith

Understanding why Venezuelans think that the Essequibo belongs to them gives one a good insight into why some of them are so determine to fight for it. Nevertheless, as UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, said, "those borders were settled in 1899. Despite the fact that Venezuela initially had some legitimate of the Essequibo, the border between Guyana and Venezuela was settled over 120 years ago. Since then, and way before that in fact, Guyana has been administering the territory, developing its landmass and infrastructure into what it is today.

Not all Venezuelans are united in the fight for the Essequibo. For many of them, it is only a byword or chorus, and not something they would invest much energy into.

In summary, the Venezuelan government does have an obscure claim of Venezuela, but it is very obscure and diminishes with each passion year. Essequibo belongs to Guyana, and it will stay that way.

It's astounding how making peace can transform the world around us, creating opportunities for understanding, collaboration, and progress. Choosing peace over enmity has the power to heal wounds, bridge divides, and pave the way for a brighter future. Let's work towards harmony and empathy, and build a world where peace triumphs over animosity.

Fingers crossed that our friends uphold their commitment. This initial, unexpected success is a promising first step. It's important to recognize that many, including myself, may have underestimated our CELAC and Caricom counterparts. Gratitude to everyone involved, and congratulations to the President and the team for their efforts.

Lots were already lost financially and emotionally and we must never forget the 5 soldiers that died for this cause. However it’s never too late to stop the bleeding.

I also trust that the bond of the Guyanese people of all ethnicities , religions, political affiliations etc will continue to be the same as it was over the past few weeks