Guyana calls for discharge of two fishing boats blocked by Venezuelan Navy

Guyana: Yesterday, Guyana’s government called for the discharge of two fishing boats blocked by the Venezuelan Navy in this country’s waters on Thursday.

The government of Guyana stated a statement on an official account of Facebook. The statement was “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has verified statements that two Guyanese certified fishing vessels, the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf, operating off the coast of Waini Point within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, were blocked by Venezuelan naval vessel Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24 (Thursday, January 21, 2021).”

Furthermore, The Captains were directed to chart a course to Port Guiria, where the boats and crew have been restrained. To date, the Government of Guyana has not been informed by the Government of Venezuela about its nationals’ detention. The Venezuelan vessel was illegally conspiring within Guyana’s EEZ and Contiguous Zone when it blocked, boarded, and confiscated the Guyanese fishing vessels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently seeking to determine the status and welfare of the crew members.

In the strongest possible terms, Guyana denounces this agitation act by the Venezuelan armed forces against Guyana and Guyanese citizens. This Venezuelan action amounts to intervention with Guyana’s sovereign rights in its EEZ, contrary to international law. 

It is recorded that this latest resentment follows closely on the heels of a Decree recently issued by President Nicolas Maduro, which indicates to establish “a new maritime territory of Venezuela called ‘Territory for the development of the Atlantic Façade,'” incorporating Guyana’s territorial waters, EEZ and continental shelf, as well as it is land territory west of the Essequibo River. 

Guyana has unequivocally denounced this Venezuelan Decree as flagrant destruction of its sovereignty and sovereign rights, and fundamental rules of worldwide law.

Guyana’s government emphasizes the immediate release of the crew and vessels. It further admonishes the Government of Venezuela, and its agents, to behave in a manner compatible with international law and good neighborly relations.

Guyana residents commented, “This Statement is not enough. The Foreign Minister needs to haul the Venezuelan Ambassador in and ROAST him. Then had him a very Strong DIPLOMATIC NOTE to give his President. That’s what the late Fred Wills ( Foreign Minister) would’ve done with the full blessings of his President, Forbes Burnham. # RESPECT BLOODY DUE. BLOODY HELL.”

Other Guyana resident commented, “The border dispute must end as soon as possible. Venezuela will not accept the judgment of the ICJ whether or not it rules in favor of Guyana. They are determined to disrespect international law and take the Essequibo if the Geneva agreement is not retaken.”

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