Hearing on Guyana-Venezuela border dispute underway

Guyana is currently making its presentations in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as public hearings of its border dispute with Venezuela begins today.

The matter runs from November 17 to November 22, 2022, at the ICJ’s seat at The Hague in Belgium.

The court will hear preliminary objections raised by Venezuela in response to Guyana’s submission of its Memorial on the merits of the case.

The border dispute centers on Venezuela’s refusal to acknowledge the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899, which gave them sovereignty over the entire mouth of the Orinoco River and the land on either side.

Guyana, which was a United Kingdom colony at the time, was granted land to the east extending to the Essequibo River.

The disputed land makes up more than half of Guyana’s territory.

According to reports from Loop news, Attorney General, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, and Advisor to the leader of the Opposition on frontier matters, Ambassador Ronald Austin, will represent Guyana at the court hearing.

A high-powered team of attorneys and experts including, Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Sir Shridath Ramphal, will present Guyana’s response in court.