Essequibo belongs to Guyana

To my fellow Guyanese,

As we follow the proceedings before the International Court of Justice, we must reflect carefully on the arguments now being advanced against Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Venezuela argues that it was bullied by a stronger imperial power in the 19th century. Yet today, many Guyanese see Venezuela attempting to bully, intimidate and apply pressure on a much smaller neighbour through military intimidation, airspace violations, maritime incursions, threats, and unilateral actions in territory and waters internationally recognised as belonging to Guyana.

History is important. But history must also be honest.

The Spanish never occupied , much less settled nor developed one single square inch of the Essiquibo.

The Dutch settled, administered, and developed the Essequibo region long before modern Venezuela existed as an independent state.
There were never ever any Spanish occupation in any part of the Essiquibo region.
The British later inherited and expanded that administration from the Dutch
The boundary controversy created by Venezuela was examined and settled by international arbitration in 1899, followed by demarcation on the ground.

There were no Spanish settlements across the Essequibo basin, no sustained Spanish administration, and no evidence of effective occupation east of the Orinoco.
Yet Guyana has never sought conflict. We have chosen law over aggression, diplomacy over provocation, and peace over confrontation.

Guyana’s position remains simple:
We respect international law.
We respect the ICJ process.
We seek peace, stability, and mutual respect among nations.

But peace must never be mistaken for weakness.

The Guyanese people — regardless of race, religion, or politics — stand united in defense of every square inch of our sovereign territory.

Essequibo belongs to Guyana.