‘The Essequibo is Guyana’s’ — Pres. Ali asserts sovereignty during Independence address

President Irfaan Ali used Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations to deliver a strong defence of the country’s sovereignty over the Essequibo region amid the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

Speaking before thousands gathered at Fort Island in Essequibo for the national flag-raising ceremony, President Ali declared that Guyana remains united and confident as the matter continues before the International Court of Justice.

“The Essequibo is Guyana’s,” the President said to loud applause. “It has never been Venezuelan.”

The remarks came as Guyana marked 60 years since independence under the theme “Homecoming.”

The President reflected on the challenges Guyana faced at independence in 1966, including economic hardship, colonial divisions and Venezuela’s territorial claim over more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.

“Even before the ink dried on our independence, a neighbour rose to challenge our very existence,” he said.

President Ali noted that the territorial controversy affected Guyana’s confidence and development for decades, but said the country never surrendered its sovereignty or national identity.

Standing in Essequibo during the anniversary celebration carried powerful symbolism, with the President describing the region as part of Guyana’s heartland.

He said Guyana remains confident in the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award which established the boundary between the two countries and reaffirmed that the International Court of Justice has jurisdiction to decide the matter.

While firmly defending Guyana’s territorial integrity, President Ali also stressed that Guyana holds no hostility toward the Venezuelan people.

“The Venezuelan people are our neighbours,” he said. “They are our kinsmen across a shared geography and shared history.”

The President thanked international partners including CARICOM, the Commonwealth, the United States and the Organization of American States for supporting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.