The United States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have condemned Venezuela’s actions after its naval vessels threatened ExxonMobil’s oil platform in Guyana’s waters.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the incident “unacceptable” and warned that further provocation would lead to consequences for the Maduro regime. He also reaffirmed U.S. support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 arbitral award that defines the borders between the two nations.
CARICOM, in a separate statement, described Venezuela’s actions as “acts of aggression and provocation” that violate international law and the 2023 Argyle Declaration. The regional body urged Venezuela to immediately withdraw its vessel from Guyana’s waters and to stop engaging with the oil platforms.
“This provocative incident of 1 March 2025 initiated by Venezuela runs counter to the agreed commitment of CARICOM and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to ensure that the Caribbean region remains a Zone of Peace,” CARICOM stated. The organization reiterated its “unequivocal and unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.”
The warnings from Washington and CARICOM follow the appearance of a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on the morning of Saturday, March 1, 2025. The Venezuelan vessel reportedly approached several oil platforms, including the FPSO Prosperity, and issued a radio message claiming the vessels were operating in what Venezuela considers disputed waters.
In a national address, President Dr. Irfaan Ali called the incident “serious” and emphasized that Guyana’s maritime boundaries are internationally recognized. “This incursion is a matter of grave concern, but we are addressing the situation with the seriousness it requires,” President Ali stated.
The situation has heightened concerns among the hundreds of workers aboard the oil vessels. President Ali reported that the government has informed the Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, as well as other international partners. CARICOM is reportedly engaging with the Venezuelan government to de-escalate the situation.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Venezuelan Ambassador to formally express Guyana’s objections, and the Guyana Embassy in Venezuela has been instructed to file an official complaint. Additional patrols from the Guyana Coast Guard have been deployed to monitor the Stabroek block, where the incursion occurred.
This latest incident follows a recent attack along the Cuyuni River, where six Guyanese soldiers were shot, allegedly by members of a Venezuelan criminal gang. The decades-long territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela is currently before the International Court of Justice for a final ruling.
