GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The government of Guyana has expressed formal objections to Venezuela’s actions after the completion of a bridge by Venezuelan armed forces on a river island that both countries share. This construction, which connects Venezuela’s mainland to a military facility, has reignited a long-standing dispute regarding boundary lines in the Essequibo region.
Hugh Todd, Guyana’s Foreign Minister, indicated that he summoned Venezuelan Ambassador Amador Perez Silva to his office on Thursday to voice his condemnation of Venezuela’s decision to construct the bridge. This bridge connects the eastern portion of Ankoko Island to the mainland of Venezuela, with the Guyanese government claiming it facilitates access to an illegally established military base on Ankoko, an island primarily inhabited by gold miners and military personnel.
The two nations have been embroiled in conflicts over their land and maritime boundaries for many years. Venezuela argues that it was unfairly deprived of the oil-rich Essequibo region due to decisions made by a boundary commission in the 1890s. Essequibo constitutes approximately two-thirds of Guyana’s land area and was governed by Britain for over a century, coming under Guyanese administration when the country achieved independence in 1966.
In the previous year, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro issued threats to annex Essequibo by force, following a controversial referendum in which Venezuelans voted on whether the region should become part of Venezuela. However, leaders from the Caribbean, along with Brazil and the United Nations, convened an emergency summit in St. Vincent, where they reached an agreement to seek a peaceful resolution to the territorial dispute and to refrain from escalating tensions.
On Thursday, Todd reiterated that the construction of the bridge on Ankoko Island contravened the agreement made in St. Vincent. He stated, “Venezuela’s activities, including its military undertakings east of the boundary line, infringe upon Guyana’s sovereignty, and international law necessitates that these actions cease immediately. All personnel, facilities, or equipment that Venezuela has established or brought there should be dismantled and removed.”
Guyana has lodged its case regarding the territorial dispute with the World Court in The Netherlands, seeking a definitive settlement. Recently, the nation submitted its final piece of evidence to the court, and Venezuela is expected to respond by August.