The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has strongly condemned Venezuela’s military incursion into Guyana’s territorial waters, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the vessel and urging restraint on both sides.

According to a statement issued on March 1, 2025, Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, informed CARICOM of an encounter between Venezuela’s military vessels and one of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platforms operating in Guyana’s maritime territory. CARICOM described the action as a “provocative incident” that directly violates international law and the 2023 Argyle Declaration, which urges both nations to avoid confrontational actions.

“This act of aggression runs counter to the agreed commitment of CARICOM and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to ensure that the Caribbean remains a Zone of Peace,” the regional body stated.

CARICOM reaffirmed its “unequivocal and unwavering support” for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also emphasized the importance of resolving the border controversy peacefully through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has jurisdiction over the dispute.

The regional bloc called on Venezuela to “urgently remove” its military vessel from Guyana’s waters and to refrain from interfering with the FPSO platforms. CARICOM further urged both nations to exercise patience and avoid escalation, reiterating that a resolution remains possible without provocation.

The long-standing territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the resource-rich Essequibo region has intensified in recent months. The Argyle Declaration, signed in December 2023, was intended to ease tensions and facilitate diplomatic dialogue. However, CARICOM’s latest statement suggests a concerning shift in Venezuela’s approach.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation as calls grow for a peaceful resolution in line with established legal frameworks.