Struggle continues in honour of Ramphal, Harper as ICJ hearings begin in Guyana-Venezuela border case

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday commenced oral hearings in the long-standing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, marking a historic phase in one of the country’s most consequential legal battles.

Guyana opened the first round of arguments at the Peace Palace in The Hague, with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd leading the country’s presentation.

The hearings on the merits are scheduled from May 4 to May 11, with Guyana presenting in the first round from May 4 to May 6, followed by a second round from May 8 to May 11.

In his opening address, Minister Todd described the controversy as “tragic” and paused to honour two key figures who were instrumental in Guyana’s decades-long legal and diplomatic efforts — Sir Shridath Ramphal and Ambassador Elizabeth Harper.

“Our first agent [Sir Shridath Ramphal] was a truly towering figure internationally as well as in Guyana, our friend and mentor Sir Shridath Ramphal,” Todd told the court.

He also paid tribute to Ambassador Harper, describing her as “the heart and soul of the Guyanese delegations to the court in earlier oral proceedings,” noting her passing in September 2025.

“It is in their honour, as well as in the name of the entire Guyanese people… that we carry on this struggle for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity based on the rule of international law,” he said.

Outlining its case, Guyana told the court that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundary between the two countries, remains legally valid and binding.

“It is Guyana’s submission that the 1899 award is without question legally valid and binding on the parties,” the court heard.

Guyana argued that Venezuela had accepted the boundary for more than 60 years, reflecting it in official maps, legislation and international agreements before raising objections in 1962.

The country further contended that Venezuela’s challenge is “decades, now a century, too late” under international law.

As such, Guyana is asking the court to confirm that the boundary defined in the 1899 award and demarcated in the 1905 agreement remains the lawful international border.

The case was filed by Guyana in 2018 after the United Nations Secretary-General referred the matter to the ICJ under the 1966 Geneva Agreement, which governs the dispute.

The controversy centres on the Essequibo region, a vast, resource-rich area that makes up more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory but is claimed by Venezuela.

Over the years, the ICJ has already ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear the case and that Guyana’s claims are admissible, clearing the way for the current hearings on the merits.

In its presentation, Guyana told the court that Venezuela’s claim has had lasting consequences.

“Guyana has suffered and continues to suffer greatly from Venezuela’s unlawful claim… It has been a threat to peace and security,” the court heard.

The country pointed to increased military activity near the border and legislative actions by Venezuela asserting control over the Essequibo region.

Guyana’s Hugh Todd also argued that the controversy has historically hindered development by discouraging foreign investment due to uncertainty.

Monday’s proceedings laid the foundation for Guyana’s case, with a detailed outline of arguments to follow over the coming days.

After Minister Todd’s opening, legal counsel Professor Pierre d’Argent began addressing Venezuela’s objections to the court’s jurisdiction — arguments Guyana says are based on a misinterpretation of the Geneva Agreement.

The court is expected to hear:

• A legal rebuttal of Venezuela’s jurisdictional challenges by Professor Pierre d’Argent
• Presentations on the geography and significance of the disputed territory by Ms. Donnette Streete, Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• A historical account of the dispute leading to the 1899 arbitration by Carl Greenidge – Agent for Guyana and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Arguments defending the legality of the 1897 arbitration treaty and 1899 award

Further submissions will address Venezuela’s past acceptance of the boundary and its failure to object for decades.

Todd described the hearings as a pivotal stage in its history.

“This is a historic moment. This is a moment of truth for Guyana… and for Venezuela,” the court was told.

The ICJ will deliberate after the hearings conclude and is expected to deliver a final, binding judgment on the validity of the 1899 award and the international boundary.

Guyana has pledged to honour the court’s ruling and expressed hope that Venezuela will do the same. (Kurt Campbell)