Tensions between Venezuela and Guyana have intensified, as Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced the annexation of Essequibo and ordered a military contingent to occupy the Puerto Barima area, which sits on the country’s Atlantic border with Guyana.
Mr. Maduro in a televised address today also announced a series of measures and upcoming legislation to cement Caracas’ possession of the territory and its resources.
He called on legislators to pass a bill to create a “Guyana Esequiba” province and ordered Venezuelan companies to prepare to enter the territory to explore for fossil fuels and minerals “immediately”.
Mr. Maduro said he will proceed to grant operating licenses for the exploration and exploitation of oil, gas and mines in the entire area.
He also demanded that Guyanese companies working in the territory leave within three months.
Mr. Maduro’s statements follow last Sunday’s controversial referendum to annex the territory, which was called after Georgetown started auctioning off oil blocks in Essequibo in August.
Barbadian political scientist Senator Dr. Kristina Hinds is calling for swift action by CARICOM to deal with the growing crisis between Guyana and Venezuela.
She says the issue is a threat to peace in the Caribbean.
She believes Guyana’s diplomats should return to the country until the situation settles.
