Guyana’s president, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, used the eve of the country’s 60th Independence anniversary to deliver one of his strongest statements yet on the Essequibo controversy, declaring that the territory “is Guyana’s” and has “never been Venezuelan”.
A symbolic setting
Ali made the remarks during national celebrations at Fort Island in the Essequibo River, a location chosen for its political and historical weight. The address came as Guyana marked 60 years of independence under the theme “Homecoming”.
A dispute before the court
The Essequibo region makes up roughly the western two-thirds of Guyana and is also claimed by Venezuela. Guyana relies on the 1899 Arbitral Award, while the case remains before the International Court of Justice.
Sovereignty and restraint
Ali said Guyana would remain firm in defending its territorial integrity, while stressing that the country holds no hostility toward the Venezuelan people. The message was both domestic and international: Guyana sees Essequibo not as a bargaining point, but as part of its national identity.
Independence and national unity
The timing gave the statement added force. Guyana’s independence anniversary was used not only to reflect on the country’s past, but to frame sovereignty as central to its future. Ali argued that the territorial controversy had challenged Guyana since independence, but had not broken its confidence.
The message from Georgetown is clear: Essequibo remains at the centre of Guyana’s sovereignty, security and national story. As the legal process continues, Ali’s statement signals that Guyana intends to defend its borders through law, diplomacy and national unity.
Newshub Editorial in South America – 27 May 2026
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